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The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity

By: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl
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Summary

Explore the dramatic interaction between Judaism, Christianity, and paganism in Rome from the 1st to the 6th centuries. Why did pagan Rome clash with the early Christians? What was it like to be a Jew or a Christian under Roman law? And how did Christianity ultimately achieve dominance in the Roman Empire?

Over the course of 24 lectures, Professor Harl enables you to grasp the full historical sweep of this critically important era and its key figures. You'll examine why Christianity was able to emerge and endure and, in turn, spark a critical transition for religion, culture, and politics that underpins much of how today's Western world - both Christian and non-Christian alike - thinks about ethics, sin, redemption, forgiveness, progress, and so much more.

While the Judeo-Christian values that have shaped society's ideas are ones we might today take for granted, their emergence from an ancient era dominated by loyalties to a vast array of gods would once have seemed the most unlikely of narratives. Even after the Roman emperor Constantine converted to Christianity in A.D. 312, it would not be until the 6th-century reign of Justinian that medieval Christianity would emerge and this new historical pathway confirmed.

In this magnificent course, Professor Harl brings to life some of the most important and fascinating episodes of the era, taking you on a vibrant trek through the past - one that will lead you to a deeper understanding of the bedrock beliefs of Western culture.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great Courses
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What listeners say about The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity

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Fills in a gap

İ really enjoyed this particular course from Mr Harl. The course fills in the gaps between the late Roman empire and the rise of Christianity. i learned that Christianity was by no means inevitable, i was introduced to new thinkers like Oregin whom İ personally was previously unaware. Mr Harl uses his own research and knowledge of sites in Modern day Turkey to inform the reader regarding the latest scholarly debate and i learned a great deal more about the rise of the faith overall. i highly recommend this book.

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Fascinating!

I’ve listening to lots of Great Courses around this subject area now but I still learnt a great deal, a really fascinating series of lectuers. It is a delight to listen to - the lecturer has a wonderful growl in his voice and I could (and have!) listen to him talk for hours!

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An absorbing and informative production

I absolutely loved this course. Engaging content, clearly organised and presented, and narrated by a lecturer who is clearly in love with the subject matter: what's not to like? Prior to listening to this course, I knew very little about this historical period beyond the standard story of Constantine's vision and subsequent conversion. I feel that I have learned a lot and would like to learn some more. I will definitely grab more courses by Dr. Harl; even if I don't have a particular interest in the subject matter, I am confident that I will be fascinated by the material.

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I knew nothing!

Kenneth W Harl starts by laying out his wares and proceeds to take you on a fascinating journey. He answers many questions and leave you to track down the answers to many others. Thank God, he is not promoting of attacking any religious beliefs. True to his words of introduction. Now I have to start again from the beginning. The PDFs are great. AB

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Daunting title. Captivating analysis

If you could sum up The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity in three words, what would they be?

Clear reasoned humble

What did you like best about this story?

Professor Harl is passionate about his subject and delivers a compelling and poised appraisal of a complex process that he sees as descernible in shape speed and direction.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

Professor Harl is careful to keep the listener away from presumptions drawn from the modern world but rather to configure the story of this transformation by careful analysis of culture economics and politics of the time.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, there is too much material. I have listen to this book twice and will undoubtedly do so again. In addition it pays to read other authors too to see that this is a contribution to the profession of history more than an asserted viewpoint. There are other writers such as Bart Ehrman who I would read after reading Professor Harl

Any additional comments?

Professor Harl is particularly knowledgable about coinage which adds an element I have not encountered before

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Great Lessons

Fascinating and highly engaging lecture series. Great for the beginner or those who wish to brush up on their knowledge.

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Interesting

I have enjoyed every minute of this complex subject which was presented very beautifully

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