Christ and the Gods
How a Jewish Sect Swept the Cities of Rome
In the vast and diverse religious landscape of the Roman Empire, one movement stood out: a Jewish messianic movement that would go on to challenge emperors, outlast mystery cults, and redefine the concept of religion. This film takes a deep dive into the origins of Christianity, tracing its path from an obscure sect to a revolutionary force in antiquity.
How did Christianity flourish while countless other cults and religions faded? What made it so appealing that it spread across the cities of the empire?
Through expert analysis, stunning historical reconstructions, and visits to archaeological sites, “Christ and the Gods” uncovers the coexistence between early Christianity and the dominant religious traditions of the time — from the imperial cult and Asclepius’ healing sanctuaries to the mysterious rites of Mithras and Isis. Featuring insights from leading historians and theologians, this film uncovers the defining ideas, social dynamics, and historical events that shaped Christianity’s rise to a world religion.
Trailer
(20 December 2025)
Experts
Dr Benjamin Schliesser | Professor of New Testament, University of Bern
Dr Jan Rüggemeier | Professor of New Testament, University of Bonn
Florence Gantenbein | Doctoral student, University of Bern
Lara Mührenberg | Early Christian Archaeologist, University of Bonn
Dr Andreas-Christian Heidel | Post-Doc, University of Bern
Corona Langjahr | Doctoral student, University of Bern
Hanna-Maria Hengel | New Testament Researcher, University of Bern
Niklas Walder | Doctoral student, University of Bern
Dr N.T. Wright | Professor of New Testament, University of St. Andrews
Tom Holland | Author and Historian
Dr Bart Ehrman | Professor of New Testament, University of North Carolina
Dr Emiliano Urciuoli | Senior assistant professor, University of Bologna
Dr Richard S. Ascough | Professor of Religious Studies, Queen's University
Dr Angela Standhartinger Professor of New Testament, Philipps University Marburg
Dr Cilliers Breytenbach | Professor of New Testament, Stellenbosch University
Dr James Harrison |
Professor of Biblical Studies, Sydney College of Divinity
Dr Ralph Korner | Professor of Biblical Studies, Kairos University
Dr John Kloppenborg | Professor of Religious Studies, University of Toronto
Dr Cédric Brélaz | Professor of Ancient History, University of Fribourg
Dr Markus Öhler | Professor of New Testament, University of Wien
Dr Harry O. Maier | Professor of New Testament, Vancouver School of Theology
Dr Larry Welborn | Professor of New Testament and Early Christian Literature, Fordham University
Dr Peter Oakes | Professor of Biblical Criticism and Exegesis, University of Manchester
