The Catholic Church: A History

The Catholic Church: A History

The Catholic Church: A History

Explore the vast and fascinating history of one of the most influential institutions in the world with The Catholic Church: A History. In 36 informative and engaging lectures, follow the development of this powerful religious force throughout the centuries and witness its ability to move armies, inspire saints, and shape the lives and spirits of its more than 1 billion members. With noted historian and Professor William R. Cook, you'll quickly realize why no understanding of Western civilization is complete without an understanding of the Catholic Church.

Related Courses

Explore similar courses.

(Set) The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints & The Catholic Church: A History

(Set) The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints & The Catholic Church: A History

This two-course set is an excellent guide to the foundational beliefs and figures of the Catholic Church. Start with The Surprising Lives of Christian Saints, where you’ll examine the remarkable tales of faith that shape the history of Christianity. Then, in The Catholic Church: A History, discover how a powerful institution developed out of a loosely associated group of disciples inspired by Jesus.

Great Courses Learn more
Popes and the Papacy: A History

Popes and the Papacy: A History

This course is designed to illuminate for both Catholics and non-Catholics the remarkable institution known as the "Petrine Office." It is taught by Professor Thomas F. X. Noble, director of the Medieval Institute and professor of history at the University of Notre Dame—who has spent more than 30 years immersed in the subject. The insights and wisdom he has gathered along the way make Popes and the Papacy: A History a course that satisfies on every level.

Great Courses Learn more
The History of Christianity II: From the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch

The History of Christianity II: From the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch

The History of Christianity II: From the Reformation to the Modern Megachurch picks up where The Great Courses’ first history of Christianity left off: with the Protestant Reformation. Taught by Dr. Molly Worthen, a professor of history at the University of North Carolina, these 36 fascinating lectures trace the story of Christianity as it transformed from the end of the Middle Ages into the diverse global religion of today.

Great Courses Learn more
The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation

The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation

Christianity is the largest and most global religious tradition in history. For nearly 2,000 years, the Christian faith has remained at or near the center of Western moral debate and conceptions of human identity, just action, and ultimate meaning. It has both shaped history and responded to history, showing an extraordinary adaptability within greatly differing cultures. Its practice and influence appears in every land and every language, and one-third of humanity now affiliates in some way with Christianity. Now, in 36 enthralling lectures, The History of Christianity: From the Disciples to the Dawn of the Reformation tells the phenomenal story of Christianity’s first 1,500 years, in all its remarkable diversity and complex dimension.

Great Courses Learn more

Get the latest news!