Overview
"From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians" is a PBS FRONTLINE documentary exploring the historical origins and rise of Christianity, challenging conventional assumptions through new and sometimes controversial evidence.
Documentary Focus
- Examines the transformation of Jesus of Nazareth’s life and teachings into the foundational beliefs of Christianity.
- Utilizes recent historical discoveries and scholarly research to present a nuanced account of early Christian history.
- Challenges traditional narratives and explores diverse perspectives about Jesus and his followers.
Structure and Content
- The documentary is divided into two episodes, each nearly two hours in length.
- Explores the sociopolitical context of Jesus’s time and the expansion of the Christian movement after his death.
- Investigates how early Christian beliefs and practices evolved in response to internal and external challenges.
- Highlights the role of Jewish and Greco-Roman worlds in shaping the first Christian communities.
- Features insights from scholars and historians specializing in early Christianity.
Production and Release
- Produced by William Cran and Marilyn Mellowes for PBS FRONTLINE.
- Originally aired as Season 1998, Episode 10.
- Available to stream on the official PBS website.
Related Resources
- Provides links to explore related topics on religion and beliefs.
- Offers connections to further reading, interviews, and documentaries on early Christian history and related subjects.