Religions of the World
Narrated by Academy Award-winner Ben Kingsley, this series objectively documents religions worldwide with interviews from experts. Explore issues that probe the very core of our existence and offer a deeper understanding of global spiritual beliefs.
- 1998-2004
- 1 season
- Multicom Entertainment Group
- Documentary
Narrated by Academy Award-winner Ben Kingsley, this series objectively documents religions worldwide with interviews from experts. Explore issues that probe the very core of our existence and offer a deeper understanding of global spiritual beliefs.
Season 1 Episode Guide
13 Episodes 2004
Episode 1
Judaism
Mon, Sep 6, 2004 47 mins
The history of Judaism and its role in the creation of Christianity and Islam is explored. The documentary also examines various sects of the religion, its traditions and struggles, and the impact of tomes such as the Torah and the Old Testament.
Episode 2
Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity
47 mins
The history of Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity is explored. Included: the creation of its core ethics during the 4th century; the power and influence of the Papacy; differences and evolution in doctrine.
Episode 3
Protestant Christianity
Mon, Sep 6, 2004 47 mins
The history and influence of Protestant Christianity is explored. Included: the impact of the Reformation and Martin Luther; the growth of separate denominations such as the Anglicans, Lutherans and various evangelical sects.
Episode 4
Islam
Mon, Sep 6, 2004 47 mins
Spotlighting the history of Islam and its strong influence on Middle Eastern and Asian culture. Included: the formation of the religion and its various sects, such as the Sunni and the Sufi; the Koran and other primary writings of the religion.
Episode 5
Hinduism
Mon, Sep 6, 2004 47 mins
The history and influence of Hinduism is explored. Included: the development of the caste system and meditation; various sects related to the religion; the philosophy contained in tomes such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Code of Manu.
Episode 6
Buddhism
47 mins
Buddhism, a religion or philosophy or both, depending on one's point of view, is the subject of this overview of its history, teachings and practices.
Episode 7
Shinto
Mon, Sep 6, 2004 47 mins
The history of Shinto and its offshoots is explored. Included: the faith's influence on Japanese culture; the evolution of the religion and the development of separate sects.
Episode 8
Confucianism & Taoism
Sat, Sep 26, 2026 47 mins
The history of Confucianism and Taoism and its impact on Eastern culture is explored. Included: the faith's emphasis on humanism and the family; the development of the yin-and-yang philosophy; maxims of the I Ching.
Episode 9
Religions of Small Societies
Mon, Sep 6, 2004 47 mins
The history of small, independent religions that rely on tradition rather than surviving tomes is explored. Included: their development and evolution; theological and ethical beliefs.
Episode 10
Ancient Religions of the Mediterranean
47 mins
The history of mythical religions explores the influence of Mediterranean-based faiths centered on the worship of multiple gods and the evolution of epic traditions. Included: the Greek and Roman deities.
Episode 11
African and African-American Religions
47 mins
The history of African religions is explored. Included: the spread of African faiths in the Americas and the Caribbean, and their origins in Ethiopia, the Sudan and Egypt; the influence of African religion on Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Episode 12
Native American Spirituality
Tue, Dec 29, 1998 47 mins
The history of Native American religious beliefs is explored. Included: origins, ethics and traditions; their evolution in the face of European conquerors.
Episode 13
Skepticism & Religious Relativism
Tue, Jan 5, 1999 47 mins
The history of humanistic philosophy and the rejection of traditional religious beliefs and ethics in favor of rationalism, agnosticism and atheism. Included: the reaction of established religions to skeptical philosophy.
