Introduction - Movie Review Example

Episode 5: “Protestantism – The Evangelical Explosion,” of the BBC documentary, “A History of Christianity: the First 3000 Years,” in six parts and narrated by Professor Diarmaid MacCulloch, is a concise recount of the rapid growth of the Evangelical Protestant branch of Christianity. This fast-paced episode exemplifies the spiritual need of people throughout six centuries, 1400 – 2000, one that still exists for many people in the 21st century.From the establishment of Protestant denominations, the outstanding feature, or belief, was in an emotional expression of a believer’s relationship with God.

In the early history of the United States, there was the Second Great Awakening, Frontier Protestantism that lasted about 50 years. When church goers “felt the spirit of God” within them, they expressed this feeling by running, barking, laughing, singing, and whatever other manner seemed to represent their emotions. This was called “falling out” or being “slain in spirit.”Compare what God’s word says about the character and behavior traits his followers should strive toward, written at, Galatians 5:22-24:22 “On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, 23 mildness, self-control.

Against such things there is no law. 24 Moreover, those who belong to Christ Jesus impaled the flesh together with its passions and desires.”Colosians 3:10,12: “, 10 and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it,”“12 Accordingly, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.

”Philippians 4:7: “7 and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”The film also mentioned that many smaller, radical religious groups had gained confidence from this new Protestant growth. It carried certain traits that they felt defined their own beliefs. Their energy and freedom to express hopes and frustrations freely was one. Another trait was that many different groups, some being opposites, could still find guidance and hope through the Bible’s message.

Slaves and also landowners found representation of their own situation.This gives the impression that the Bible contradicts itself, a claim that some believe to be true. A serious study of the scriptures will prove that God’s message has been consistent throughout the history of mankind, from Genesis to Revelation.Finally in South Korea, Korean Pentecostalism preaches the “prosperity gospel”. If one gives an offering, they are guaranteed success. To his credit, one Korean minister revealed that the “true” success lies in applying the will of God in your life and reaping the rewards of a clean conscience.

In the end, followers of Protestant faiths do not seem to be united in their beliefs. It is inherent in the denomination that a person can choose for himself the way to worship God. That also attests to the rapid growth and popularity of Protestant faiths, that people want to interpret God’s word for themselves, not necessarily to find out what God wants from us.