Everybody knows the story of Santa Claus, the red–suited figure who lives at the North Pole and distributes gifts to good children every Christmas eve. But is there any historical evidence on which this jolly old character is based? Was there a real Santa Claus? To answer that question, host Mark Wilson, a distinguished historian and archeologist travels not to the North Pole but to modern day Turkey and Italy. There he uncovers clues that lead to the truth about the man behind the legend.
The Church in a Post-Modern World.. Explores the changing expressions of modern-day worship as churches use visual arts, edgy music, or even a chat room online to offer experiences.
This episode explores baptism and explains the history behind the various methods and traditions associated with the practice in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox churches.
The third in the History of Christian Worship series. The Feast explores the significance of the Lord's Supper or Eucharist in worship.
The fifth in the History of Christian Worship series, The Expression explores how visual art, drama and media have been used in various times and places in Christian worship for the creative expression of the faith.
A History of Christian Worship: Ancient Ways, Future Paths is a six-part series that explores centuries of worship practices, as seen through the eyes of Protestant, Catholic and Orthodox churches. From scripture, sermons and creeds to baptism and the Eucharist, from art and music to drama and media, from prayer and contemplation to service and ministry, viewers will discover the significant people and events that have shaped history and learn how modern worship practices are rooted in the earliest foundations of the Christian faith.
Ever wonder why we celebrate Christmas the way we do. Why do we give gifts, hang mistletoe, decorate Christmas trees? How did Santa, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, and The Nutcracker become Christmas traditions? Learn the origins of these and many other Christmas traditions on this single DVD the whole family will enjoy.
This Christmas experience the music and majesty of the season as seen through the heart of a child.
Ashes to Glory: An Easter Devotional on DVD takes viewers on a devotional journey from the remembrance of Ash Wednesday to the celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Each day contains a brief devotion (2-3 minutes) that reflects on a treasured song, poem, tradition, Scripture, character of the Passion story, or work of art that enhances the meaning of the season.
Since Khmer Rouge genocide of the late 1970's where up to 3 million people were brutally murdered in a season of Cambodian history that mirrored the atrocities of the Nazi's Final Solution, the nation of Cambodia has struggled to regain stability. This tragic time period left the nation in social and economic shambles, compounding hopelessness and poverty in a world without the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Beyond Torture documents the persecution of Romanians under the communist regime. You'll hear firsthand stories of the persecution of Romanians under Stalinist communism.
Set in a courtroom, The Bible On Trial: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt examines the contributions of biblical analysis, ancient historical voices, archaeology and the testimony of first-century followers of Jesus Christ in its quest to determine the reliability and accuracy of the Bible’s message.
Join Rainer Wälde as he sets out on a fascinating journey through Europe on the trail of the Celtic saints. Discover the origins of Christianity in Ireland and journey with the Irish monks as they embark on their great adventure through France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.
In this six-part series from Tabgha Foundation, Dr. Martin Marty takes an overview of church history and uses it to probe the spiritual pilgrimage of the various eras of the church to our individual and corporate life today.
What can Catholics and Evangelical Protestants learn from each other? What are the main points of contention and what are the points of agreement? This program offers a candid and revealing discussion between a Catholic priest and an Evangelical pastor who seek to answer those provocative questions. Produced by Kensington Community Church as part of their ministry to foster Christian understanding and unity, this program respectfully examines the similarities and differences between Catholic and Protestant belief. DVD includes a comprehensive study guide and workbook.
One of the most influential and yet little known figures of eighteenth-century American evangelicalism.
In this major two-part BBC documentary series, beloved actor David Suchet, best known for his role as Detective Hercule Poirot on PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery, goes on a compelling journey in search of Simon bar Jonah, better known as St. Peter.
For those who want a close and intimate portrait of Bonhoeffer. This video follows the life of the martyred theologian as vividly recalled by those closest to him: his friends, family, and students. Included are Bonhoeffer family photographs that have never been shown before.
Four half-hour programs to introduce the Bible.
An examination of key issues related to the Dead Sea Scrolls, widely regarded as the most significant archeological discovery of the 20th century. There remains much mystery and intrigue as scholars and administrators have fought over access to the materials. This program investigates the scrolls, controversies, key players, and contributions to our understanding of the ancient world and the Bible.
This program brings to life interviews with Christians who face persecution head-on. You will meet Zahid, once a persecutor of Christians until God gave him a "road to Damascus" experience and allowed his faith to grow under persecution in his Muslim homeland. You will visit China and learn of the events leading up to the "strike-hard" policy that Christians now face. And you will gain insight from the plight of Linh Dao, a Vietnamese teenager dealing with the arrest and imprisonment of her father for his work in the underground church.
T. N. Mohan, producer and director of the award-winning documentary on Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "Hanged on a Twisted Cross," presents a well-researched and documented story of how Hodges, armed only with his wits and a Red Cross badge, made over 15 solo journeys into German lines at Lorient and St. Nazaire in Brittany, France, and secured freedom for the POWs. It was "a unique event" in World War II.
Francis and Clare of Assisi — two figures of the Middle Ages who went against all conventions of the times and whose way of life is still a challenge. With both beautiful photography that takes you to the places frequented by Clare and Francis and original music with medieval melodies, their extraordinary tale is told.
A carefully documented presentation of the origins of Scripture beautifully photographed in the Holy Land.