Watch The History of Christianity. Lecture 23 of 30. Heretics and Inquisitions.

The movie titled The History of Christianity. Lecture 23 of 30. Heretics and Inquisitions is a historical documentary that sheds light on the emergence of heretical views within the Christian church and the actions taken by the authorities to curb such beliefs. The movie is presented by the renowned historian Dr. William J. Neidinger, who has dedicated his life to studying the development of Christianity from its inception until present day.

The movie begins with the introduction of the concept of heresy and its evolution within Christianity. Dr. Neidinger talks about the challenges that the early church fathers faced in defining what constituted orthodox Christian beliefs and how these beliefs differed from the ones deemed heretical. He explains how heretical ideas, such as Gnosticism, Montanism, and Arianism, were viewed as threats to the unity of the church and had to be stamped out.

The movie then delves into the issue of how the church authorities tackled the problem of heresy. Dr. Neidinger discusses the role of inquisitions and how they became instrumental in rooting out heretics. He analyzes their methods, techniques, and the effectiveness of these inquisitions in dealing with the heretical beliefs.

The documentary does not shy away from the controversies surrounding the methods used by the inquisitors. Dr. Neidinger explains how the inquisitors used torture and other brutal techniques to force confessions from the accused. The movie scrutinizes the ethical implications of such actions and offers an objective analysis of whether the methods employed by the inquisitors were justified.

One of the striking features of the movie is that it does not make any value judgments on the actions of the church authorities. Instead, it offers a balanced and nuanced view of the complex sociopolitical and historical context in which these events occurred. The documentary is a commendable attempt to give a comprehensive account of the religious, social, and political forces that led to the emergence of heretical beliefs and the subsequent measures taken to suppress them.

The movie also casts light on the impact of the suppression of heresy on the growth and development of Christianity. Dr. Neidinger discusses how the inquisitions created a culture of fear and suspicion within the ranks of the believers, stifling any attempt at free thinking and intellectual inquiry. He also emphasizes the role of heresy in shaping the evolution of Christian doctrine and how many of the heretical ideas have influenced the development of modern religious thought.

The documentary concludes with a reflection on the relevance of the issue of heresy in modern times. Dr. Neidinger notes that while the inquisitions may be a thing of the past, the issue of heresy still continues to be a contentious issue within the Christian church. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in constructive dialogue, fostering a culture of tolerance and understanding to ensure that the Christian church remains a vibrant and dynamic force in the 21st century.

In summary, The History of Christianity. Lecture 23 of 30. Heretics and Inquisitions is an insightful and engaging documentary that provides a fascinating account of the emergence of heretical beliefs within the Christian church and the subsequent measures taken to suppress them. Dr. Neidinger's expertise and passion for his subject shine through in every frame of the movie, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Christianity.

The History of Christianity. Lecture 23 of 30. Heretics and Inquisitions. is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes.