This Changed Everything: 500 Years of the Reformation

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Christian History Institute recently released a new three-part documentary series examining the history and legacy of the Protestant Reformation. The series—produced by CHI in association with Lathika International Film and Entertainment, Global Story2 Films, and Midgett Productions—is now available, on the eve of the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s historic act. This Changed Everything: 500 Years of the Reformation celebrates the fruits of the Reformation while grappling with difficult questions surrounding its legacy of division within Christianity. 

Shot at key locations across Europe, This Changed Everything is a visually rich, dynamic documentary series written by Emmy Award-winning screenwriter Linda Midgett and narrated by acclaimed British actor David Suchet (Agatha Christie’s Poirot). The series features a diverse array of scholars representing a mix of Protestant and Catholic voices candidly discussing the theological and political issues surrounding the Reformation. Its journalistic style permits members of each tradition to speak for themselves, allowing the audience to consider issues from multiple points of view.

From the posting of Martin Luther’s 95 theses on October 31, 1517 through the flight of the Puritan and Separatist pilgrims to the New World a century later, This Changed Everything illuminates the issues and personalities that shaped the Protestant movement. Its leaders insisted on the authority of Scripture alone and boldly stood for central biblical doctrines—most notably, justification by faith. Yet, Protestantism was plagued by bitter internal division almost from the start. Contributing scholars examine the origin of those divisions and ask penetrating questions about their ongoing effects on the church.

Over 20 expert commentators appear in the series including: Dr. Peter Lillback, President of Westminster Theological Seminary and Bishop Robert Baron, Auxiliary Bishop of Los Angeles and host of the recent television series, Catholicism. Other commentators include: Dr. Michael Horton (Westminster Seminary), Dr. Jacqueline Rose (University of St. Andrews), Dr. Frank James, (President, Biblical Theological Seminary), Dr. Karin Maag (Calvin College), Shane Claiborne (The Simple Way), Mark Galli (Christianity Today), and Dr. Mary Sprunger (Eastern Mennonite University). A full list of commentators is available at the series’ official website.

Following an in depth examination of the historical events of the Reformation, the series concludes with a look at relevant events from recent history including the modern ecumenical movement, the Second Vatican Council, and the advent of groups such as Evangelicals and Catholics Together, all of which call for greater unity among Christians. The scholars weigh these calls for unity against serious concerns about maintaining doctrinal purity.

This Changed Everything is designed to provoke prayer, discussion, and healthy debate about the essential truths that define Christianity while wrestling with the meaning of Jesus’ prayer in John 17 that his church “may be one.” A 14-lesson interactive curriculum is also available. The program is available to order here.

For further information, contact us at [email protected]. 

Christian History Institute is a non-profit corporation founded in 1982. CHI provides church history resources and self-study material making Christian history a delight to the widest possible audience using print, video, and the Internet. Christian History Institute issues Christian History Magazine, produces several books, and is involved with film and video production through sister company, Vision Video. Learn more at https://www.christianhistoryinstitute.org.