Watch The First 500 Years: The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church

2013
1 Season

The First 500 Years: The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church is an educational show produced by the Catholic Courses Institute. The show aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the early church's history, theology, and doctrines. The series covers the period between the first century and the end of the fifth century, a tumultuous time for Christianity. During this period, the church had to struggle to gain recognition, fight against heresies, and work to establish a solid theological foundation.

The series delves into the lives and writings of the early church fathers, such as St. Ignatius of Antioch, St. Justin Martyr, and St. Augustine of Hippo. The show highlights the influence that these early church fathers had on Christian theology, as well as their role in the establishment of the church.

The series also covers the various councils that took place during this time, such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD. These councils were crucial in defining the church's doctrines and beliefs and helped to combat heresies that threatened to undermine the faith.

The show uses expert commentary from leading scholars and historians, as well as interviews with religious leaders and clergy members, to provide a well-rounded and informative exploration of the early church. The series also incorporates reenactments of key events, which helps to bring the historical events to life.

One of the show's main strengths is its ability to help viewers understand complex theological concepts by breaking them down into manageable pieces. The show does an excellent job of explaining the controversies and debates that were taking place during this time, which makes it easier for viewers to understand the church's development and evolution.

Ultimately, The First 500 Years is a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the history of Christianity and the role that the early church played in its development. With its engaging storytelling, expert analysis, and historical accuracy, this series is an excellent resource for both scholars and laypeople alike.

The First 500 Years: The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between January 1, 2013 and on Catholic Courses Institute

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Seasons

8. Monks, Missions, and the Rise of Christendom

January 1, 2013

All the Church's doctrines are rooted in the Patristic Era; today, we are all recipients of the organic development begun by the Fathers' theological insights and conciliar decisions.

7. Pope Leo the Great and Humanity's Newness in Christ

January 1, 2013

As the successor of Peter, Pope Leo the Great presided over the Council of Chalcedon which declared Christ's human and divine natures are without confusion, change, division, and separation.

6. Saint Augustine and the Beauty of Confession

January 1, 2013

Next to the Apostle Paul, St. Augustine of Hippo is perhaps most responsible for helping the Church formulate doctrines on grace, the sacraments, and how God works in the human soul.

5. Theotokos: Mary as the Mother of God

January 1, 2013

At the Council of Ephesus, the Church emphatically and definitively declared that Mary is truly the Mother of God; she is the Mother and Model to All Christians.

4. The Cappadocian Fathers and the Holy Spirit

January 1, 2013

Sts. Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa, and Gregory of Nazianzus preserved the mystery of relationship and union in the Trinity at the Council of Constantinople.

3. Constantine, Conversion, and Councils

January 1, 2013

The Church survived external persecutions, only to face the internal threats of Novatian's rigorism which deprived sinners of absolution, and Arianism's denial of Christ's divinity.

2. The Church Under Persecution

January 1, 2013

The earliest period of Church history was shaped by persecution, which led at least one Father to comment, "The blood of Christ's martyrs is the seed of the Church."

1. The Purpose and Persons of Patristic Thought

January 1, 2013

The Fathers were the immediate inheritors of the teachings of Christ through the Apostles; we study them because they laid down the very foundation of the Church.

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Where to Watch The First 500 Years: The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church

The First 500 Years: The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church is available for streaming on the Catholic Courses Institute website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The First 500 Years: The Fathers, Councils, and Doctrines of the Early Church on demand at Amazon.