Christianity: A History

Its an interesting series, with a wide variety of religious and celebrity presenters each tacking on a different aspect.

Episode 1 Howard Jacobson discussed Jesus as a Jew, Jacobson is well qualified as a well known Jewish writer. He asserts that Jesus was against Roman rule of his region and didn't intend to start a new religion. For Jesus's family and followers practised within Judaism, for them he was a charismatic Rabbi.

Episode 2 Michael Portillo Christianity made when the Roman Empire adopted it as its official religion, featuring Constantine.

Episode 3 Robert Beckford on Christianity in Britain and how it effects him.

Episode 4 Rageh Omar on how the crusades impact on us today, particularly in the middle east.

Episode 5 Ann Widdecombe, who converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism 15 years ago, focuses on the Reformation and the intolerance, divisions and bloodshed that resulted.

Coming up are: Kwame Kwei-Armah, on global spread of Christianity. Professor Colin Blakemore on the scientific revolution and the Enlightenment of the 17th and 18th. Cherie Blair on the challenges Christianity faced in the 20th century.