The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity

By: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl

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

loved it but

I'm a huge fan of this professor in the great courses; I've listened to a number of his other works. Like the others, I learned a ton.

That said. It wasn't very well organized - he was constantly referencing forward and back in time. Even my very solid knowledge of this time period wasn't always enough for me to keep things straight.

This series was almost more food for thought than straight history. It's more useful to someone interested in contemplating historiography and those types of arguments than someone who wants to learn about this time period per say. If you aren't already familiar with the time period you will be confused.

That said, I learned a ton and found most of his arguments to be very believable. Glad I listened 😁

Not what they told you in Sunday School

What made the experience of listening to The Fall of the Pagans and the Origins of Medieval Christianity the most enjoyable?

I grew up in a very Christian family, but hardly knew anything about the history of my faith. Of course, I was told how the religion started in Sunday School, but years later I have grown to seek accurate information. After years of study, I've realized much of the church history presented in Sunday School is the religious equivalent of urban legends. Religion is a powerful force in our lives, and everyone, religious or not, ought to seek out scholarly works (not apologetics) that throw the light of reason and real facts into our world.

Have you listened to any of Professor Kenneth W. Harl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Professor Kenneth W. Harl did a fantastic job of taking all the complex social issues and weaving them into a coherent whole. It does take careful listening, and the professor never talks down to us. Sometimes you can really hear the passion in his voice.

Very informative and captivating

Great scholarly presentation. Great course for Christians and secularists alike. Lecturer easy to follow throughout the course.

K. Harl is absolutely the best.

I would listen to Kenneth Harl teach about grass growing. He is an amazing presenter, organizer, and lecturer. I could not be a bigger fan. (This is the third time I’ve listened to this lecture, so that’ll demonstrate my true appreciation.)

The context that helps put the bible in perspective

Like a missing puzzle piece these well organized and informative lectures help bring the context to further understand the bible. I'm sure many of you have noted the differences in the spoken word between the Old and New testament. Giving a feeling of night and day on how eloquent the word transforms, well this lecture helps give context on why thats the case. While filling in other details and frame on certain passages you cannot go wrong with these lectures. Ill cut myself short to not give too much away but you can't go wrong with these lectures, solid delivery I might add, and his voice carries his knowledge very well

Great Course; Lives up to the name.

Excellent delivery by a dedicated professor. LOTS of material (years, names, places, etc.) covered over any 600 years. So my brain glazed over at times. Prof. Harl pulled it all together for me. Outstanding course.

Fall of the Pagans and Rise of Christianity

As always Dr Harl knows his stuff! I love these Great Courses since there is so much information here. I wish I could remember half of it!

interesting take on the rise of Christianity

the narration was practiced and easy to follow
never really considered how important coinage could be as a window into the world from which they came

Peak Harl

Absolutely superior history! Professor Harl has a phenomenal series here on The Great Courses. But this one both tops and typifies why Harl’s approach to comparative history marks the pinnacle of scholarship. He knows the sources, the debates, and has walked the grounds and done original research. The course absolutely flies, one chapter leading naturally to another. Peak Harl, but also peak historical scholarship of the kind utterly lacking in today’s contemporary history. Strongly recommend!

Enlightening

Loved how this shines an objective light on the ridiculous controversy that clown Dan Brown tried to stir up with the Da Vinci Code.