Great World Religions: Christianity

by Luke Timothy Johnson

Discover profound insights into what Professor Johnson calls “one of religion’s great success stories” with these 12 lectures that provide a clear survey of the most important elements of Christianity and a framework for further study. In these lectures, you’ll consider a range of fundamental issues, including Christianity's birth and expansion across the Mediterranean world, the development of its doctrine, its transformation after Christianity became the imperial religion of Rome, its many and deep connections to Western culture, and tensions within Christianity today. Professor Johnson's synthetic approach provides first an overview of the Christian story, how it understands history, the relation of scripture to that history, and the Christian creed (what Christians believe about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the church). He explains Christian practice as expressed, in turn, by the structure of the community and its sacraments, by the struggles of Christians to find a coherent and consistent moral teaching, and by various manifestations of Christianity's more radical edge in martyrs, monks, mendicants, missionaries, and mystics. By the conclusion of his last lecture, you’ll have a firm grasp of Christianity's distinctive character, the major turning points in its history, its shared beliefs and practices, its sharp internal divisions, its struggles to adapt to changing circumstances, and its continuing appeal to many of the world's peoples.

Genres: Religion, History, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Christianity, Philosophy, Spirituality

Audio CD

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Luke Timothy Johnson is an American New Testament scholar and historian of early Christianity. He is the Robert W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins at Candler School of Theology and a Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University.

Johnson's research interests encompass the Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts of early Christianity (particularly moral discourse), Luke-Acts, the Pastoral Epistles, and the Epistle of James.

Reviews

[Yaaresse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good historical overview. Not the best of the series, but quite good.

[Kathy Nealen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a life long Christian (Roman Catholic with Protestant relatives), I did not expect to get too much new information from this segment on Great World Religions. What it did provide was a perspective on how Christianity differs from other religions. For instance, Christianity is very much centered on what we BELIEVE as opposed to keeping particular PRACTICES like Judaism and Islam. I found this to be a helpful distinction. Probably more helpful for understanding Judaism and Islam and how people of those faiths might react to Christianity.

[Robert Federline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Great Courses series are captivating and enlightening. The current topic of this course, however, is overbroad. It is impossible to cover the depth and breadth of this topic and do it justice over the course of only 12 lectures.

The history and development and course of Christianity is endlessly fascinating and engrossing. It is too much, however, to be captures in such a short time span. Accordingly, this is an overview which touches on the high points, but which fails to get into many of the details. Christianity has, since its inception, been invovled in splinters and sects and differing opinions. There have been multiple heresies which have attempted to distract its adherents and mislead them. These topics are mostly glossed over because there have been so many in the two millenia of the Church.

The varieties of forms of worship and creeds could not be adequately addressed in this course. This introduction to the study of Christianity, however, is worthwhile and interesting. I would hope that it could be followed up with additional courses on the details and the differences in creeds and practices. Perhaps that would lead some to a return to the Church as actually left us by Jesus.

[Michael John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book and course four stars mostly because it accomplishes what it set out to do: provide:a brief overview of Christianity. Of course 12 lectures aren't nearly enough, but Dr. Johnson dies an excellent job of highlighting the main points. There isn't much here on the actual experience of being Christian and Johnson readily admits this. I appreciated the course mostly for it's scholarly and unbiased assessment especially given that Johnson was a Benedictine Mink for several years.
For me, this course was a valuable new look at Christianity. I grew up Catholic but have become inactive and disillusioned with the paradoxes inherent in the Church. This course laid bare those paradoxes and approached them from a scholarly perspective which I heartily appreciated.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only had the guidebook and not the audiobook, so I'm sure that affected my review. I found the guidebook hard to follow and not as interesting/easy to follow as the other religious courses.

[Dayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great teacher!

[Yasser Maniram · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting but dated material and language especially when it came to talks of "civilizing" other cultures and just how recent "Waco" was.

[Dillan Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An excellent Great Course.

(Is that cheating?)

An “enlightening” 101 on Christianity.

6/10

[John Haydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this on Cd in the car. Excellent

[bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative idk

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's OK book on the topic, but not like you gonna learn something life changing.

[Mary Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, here's what happens when I come back a month later to write the review. This is the third one I've listened to (already read and reviewed Islam and Hinduism (and the God and Mankind lecture) and reviewed them quite differently) and was eager to hear how the professor would structure this particular topic. I found it to be pretty great overall: great address of history and some key time spent on the divisions within the Christian church (especially close to Protestantism and (Roman) Catholicism. I liked and respected this scholar. He also brought up a lot in terms of how Christianity is unique (one of those ways being that Jesus didn't specify or give structure to a way to live, to conduct government or even groups of people). I found it particularly interesting to hear how Catholicism split from the rest of Christianity, and the focus on Rome instead of Constantinople, the former being a central location for Roman Catholics (with Rome's bishop, the Pope, and the Vatican) but otherwise doesn't have religious significance). The transition from a smaller religion to one that had to be so grandiose (thank you, Rome) was fascinating.

I was also interested to hear about the Church of England and the Puritans coming to America and setting up the idea of separation of church and state, because religion and laws and leadership had become so hopefully chaotic in England that hardly anything got done and people were fighting left, right, and center.

What didn't really come up was colonialism, aka the spread of Christianity (mostly Roman Catholicism) across the world, and I wish the scholar had addressed that more. There was limited time, I know, but he did talk about the percentages around the world and how strong Roman Catholicism is in third-world countries. He just didn't really complicate the source of that tradition. I don't think there was too much focus on connections to Judaism or Islam, which I wish I'd heard more about.

Overall, though, an excellent experience.

[Mary Hladio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great World Religions: Christianity by Luke Timothy Johnson is an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of one of the world's most influential religions. Johnson, a respected scholar, presents the material with clarity and depth, making complex theological concepts accessible to a wide audience.

The course covers a broad range of topics, from the historical roots of Christianity to its diverse expressions in contemporary practice. Johnson's engaging teaching style and thorough knowledge of the subject matter shine through, providing a balanced and nuanced perspective on the development and impact of Christianity.

One of the standout features of this course is Johnson's ability to contextualize Christianity within the broader scope of world religions and historical events. This approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters an appreciation for the religion's cultural and social significance.

While some may find the pace a bit brisk at times, the course's structure and content are well-organized, making it a valuable resource for both beginners and those looking to deepen their understanding of Christianity. Johnson's passion for the subject is evident, making the lectures both informative and engaging.

Overall, Great World Religions: Christianity is a highly recommended resource for anyone interested in learning about the history, beliefs, and practices of Christianity. It provides a rich and insightful journey through the religion's past and present, guided by an expert in the field.

[Phyllis · Rating 4 out of 5]

20170209 Pleased to get the audio from the library. Will try to listen to one or two lectures a day.
20170307 Great way to learn a variety of things - will do more courses.

[Lark of The Bookwyrm's Hoard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luke Timothy Johnson offers an excellent introduction to Christianity for Christians and non-Christians alike. He explores Christianity as a world religion, its early history, its basic beliefs and moral teachings, its splintering into three major divisions (Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant), and its relationships to culture and politics. Prof. Johnson is an excellent lecturer: clear, logical, and well-spoken.

There are 12 half-hour lectures in the course. (See the titles above.) I highly recommend Great World Religions: Christianity to anyone who wants to know something about Christianity’s background and basic beliefs as well as how the faith has evolved over the last two millenia. However, if you’re looking for a more in-depth history or exploration of Scripture and beliefs, you should check out some of the other Great Courses offerings.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 12 audio book lectures on Christianity surprised me with their frank impartiality about the paradoxes inherent in Christian history and development. I could hear in author Luke Timothy Johnson’s voice his passion for the subject. Yet he presents an objective overview of the struggle to establish Christianity in the first three centuries, the long period of its domination of politics and culture in the West, and the last couple of centuries of struggle as it became culturally marginalized. I was particularly impressed with his in-depth look at the contradictions between Christianity’s stated principles and its lived realities throughout its 2000 year history.

[Phillip · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a nice six hour presentation of the history and beliefs of Christianity. There isn't anything wrong with it. It isn't remarkable in any way.

I listened to this as part of my look at The Teaching Company's The Great Courses. I would say this is great. I do think their course on The History of the English Language is remarkable.

[Abdulaziz Fagih · Rating 4 out of 5]

my over all reviwe for the course is 4.5 out of 5


The only thing I can say this course will give an excellent and objective overall introduction to Christianity

الشيء الوحيد الذي أستطيع أن أقولة عن الكورس هو أنه سيعطيك مقدمة موضوعية وشاملة وممتازة جدا عن المسيحية

[Carlyn Blount · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough and unbiased. Lots of information without being overly heavy. Good history lesson, as well.

[B Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great for giving christianity a context

[Nancy Madlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have in the past had a love-hate relationship with Christianity. This fascinating DVD course gave me something else -- respect and appreciation. Really glad I watched it.