From the Crucifixion to the coming of the Crusades, Christianity: The First Thousand Years traces the rise of one of the world's great religions. Scholars explore the intertwined fates of the Roman Empire and the faith it first persecuted, then later adopted. Theologians reveal how the New Testament was shaped, how pagan festivals were transformed into Christian holidays and how modern discoveries shed new light on the dawn of Christianity.

Christianity: The First Thousand Years would be useful for classes on World History, Religion, World Culture and Geography. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Part I, The Founding of a Faith

They were one of the many sects barely tolerated by the Roman Empire. But according to Scripture, fifty days after Jesus died at Cavalry, His followers were "filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages." With that miraculous event, a religion was born.

• blasphemy
• cannibalism
• catastrophic
• converts
• eloquent
• entourage
• epic
• incarcerated
• incest
• messiah
• obstinate
• phenomenon
• proponent
• purgatories
• reviles
• saga
• sect
• subjugation
• theologians
• zealous

1. The apostles spread the word of Jesus Christ throughout the world. What enabled them to do this?

2. How and why did Christianity spread?

3. Early Christians lived their religion differently than Christians today. What were the living arrangements of the early Christians?

4. Saint Steven was stoned to death. Why?

5. At first Saul persecuted Christians, then he became one. Why did Saul have a change of heart?

6. Christianity centers on the teaching and life of Jesus Christ. How did the name of Jesus Christ evolve?

7. Discuss what were some of the differences between the gentiles and the Jews.

8. What are kosher laws?

9. Discuss the effects of the great Roman fire on Christianity.

10. Early Christians were persecuted, often murdered and tortured. Why did this happen?

11. Discuss the role of women in the early church. How and why did women lose the power they held earlier?

1. Create a testament of an early convert to Christianity.

2. Recreate a trial in which a Christian is persecuted.

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Air Dates

• April 12, 2000
• April 02, 2001