Ep 3. Church and Empire

"Christianity: The First Two Thousand Years" is an epic historical documentary series that explores the fascinating history of Christianity, spanning two millennia. In season one, episode three, titled "Church and Empire," the focus is on the relationship between the fledgling Christian Church and the powerful Roman Empire.

At the beginning of the episode, viewers are transported to the early days of Christianity, when the religion was still illegal and underground. Despite this, Christianity continued to spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, attracting followers from all walks of life. The episode explores how the religion managed to take hold in a society that was deeply skeptical of new faiths, investigating the key factors that led to its success.

As the episode progresses, the focus turns to the relationship between the Church and the empire. Christianity was a religion born out of the oppressed, and it represented a challenge to the power structures that held together the Roman state. Nonetheless, both the Church and the empire recognized the value of working together, and over time a complex relationship developed.

The episode reveals the many ways in which the empire provided support and protection to the Church, allowing the faith to become more organized and influential. At the same time, the Church provided a source of stability and legitimacy to the empire. The episode explores the complex web of alliances and conflicts that developed as a result of this relationship, highlighting key moments such as the Council of Nicea, which saw the Church come to an agreement on its core teachings.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a range of fascinating historical figures. From the fiery early Christian preacher Saint Paul to the charismatic Emperor Constantine, the episode brings to life the people who shaped this pivotal period in world history. We also learn about the ways in which Christianity spread outside of the Roman Empire, particularly in the East, where the religion took on new forms and theological debates raged.

Towards the end of the episode, the focus shifts to the eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire and the important role played by Christianity in its aftermath. The episode examines the impact of the barbarian invasions and explores how Christianity helped to unify Europe under a new set of cultural and religious values. We learn how the Church continued to evolve and grow in the centuries following the fall of Rome, shaping medieval European society in profound ways.

Overall, "Church and Empire" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on one of the most important periods in the history of Christianity. Through a mix of archival footage, expert interviews, and dramatic reenactments, the episode brings to life the key figures, events, and ideas of this pivotal period. Whether you're a devout Christian or simply interested in the history of religion, this episode is sure to captivate and inform you.