Series Examines Christian Origins

Series Examines Christian Origins

The PBS documentary series Frontline turns its attention to the historical roots of the Christian faith in its lengthy and lavishly produced two-part program “From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians,” airing nationwide April 6-7.

Three years in the making, the four-hour documentary brings ancient history to life through its stunning cinematography and creative use of visual materials and texts.

While the series does an excellent job putting Jesus and the early church in historical and social contexts, it does not suggest that Jesus or the faith he founded is in any way supernatural or divine.

New Testament scholar Craig Blomberg of Denver Seminary says the program “does not acknowledge distinctively evangelical perspectives at any point.”

Scholars from Yale, Harvard, Duke, Brown, DePaul, Princeton, and Boston universities served as consultants. The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation helped finance the show.

Copyright © 1998 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

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