A.D. 381

Heretics, Pagans, and the Dawn of the Monotheistic State

By: Charles Freeman

Narrated by: Robert Blumenfeld

In A.D. 381, Theodosius, emperor of the eastern Roman empire, issued a decree in which all his subjects were required to subscribe to a belief in the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This edict defined Christian orthodoxy and brought to an end a lively and wide-ranging debate about the nature of God; all other interpretations were now declared heretical. It was the first time in a thousand years of Greco-Roman civilization free thought was unambiguously suppressed.

©2010 Charles Freeman (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Solid Historical Analysis

What made the experience of listening to A.D. 381 the most enjoyable?

Robert Blumenfeld's narration was simply excellent.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A.D. 381?

I don't think it would be fair to point to one particular moment or portion of the overall text- as it was intensely engaging throughout.

What about Robert Blumenfeld’s performance did you like?

I have listened to numerous audiobooks and Robert Blumenfeld's performance is at the top of a rather short list of narrators that I have given a rating of 5 stars to. If you enjoy an engaging narrator, Blumenfeld will definitely satisfy you.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions, although I did find Freeman's solid academic analysis of a rather complex period of the early Christian Church rather refreshing.

Any additional comments?

This is a solid analysis of the available (and credible) source material(s) for those who wish to examine the history of the Christian Church- from the 2nd through 6th centuries CE. This book is not about apologetics and pulls no punches (academically speaking) in its analysis of the politics, theology and philosophical traditions of the period. Charles Freeman displays the ability to parse out fact from fiction- or more precisely, evidence and reasoned analysis from tradition and credulity which is far too pervasive in Christology. As an instructor of ancient history, I will be adding portions of this text to my list of suggested readings for my students. Any serious student of history, particularly those focusing upon the Later Roman Empire would be well served by a detailed reading and analysis this text. Well done Charles, well done indeed!

Great Insight Into Early Church Heresies and Pagan

Really enjoyed this book. I have always been interested in this subject. The pagans, early church politics, and heresies interactions are fascinating. This writer handles it all in a professional and well written manner. The narrator was masterful. Good listen.

Do You Know Rome's hand in Bible & Church Building

If you could sum up A.D. 381 in three words, what would they be?

A must read for anyone willing to study Rome's influence on the 66 books of the Bible, how church buildings became standard for Christians, and how Rome survived into 1400BC

What did you like best about this story?

The time-line continuity of both people and policies wove a coherent story sadly missing in religious and non-religious courses today. Most people believe Rome fell when Rome Italy fell. History refutes this and the book walks one through the evolution of Roman power and Christian influence which are with us to this very day.

Dont pass it up

after reading some of the reviews, I almost passed on this audio book-im glad I didn't! While some valid points were made in these reviews, after actually listening to AD 381, I don't think the narration is a deal breaker. Blumenfeld does tend to read a little fast, but he's a good, and professional narrator over all. So, if your on the fence with this one because you like the material but are afraid of the narration, I would say get it. I find no problems as far as immersion is concerned and the material is very very good

Interesting book spoiled by narrator

Charles Freeman's account of the events surrounding and following the First Council of Constantinople condenses an enormous amount of scholarship into accessible form. Unfortunately, Robert Blumenfeld seems to think he's reading a script for 1940's newsreel footage; I found his performance distracting and annoying, particularly in the first few chapters (Mr. Blumenfeld seems to have lost a bit of steam as the book goes on, taking some of the edge off his highly stylized (and inappropriate, IMO) "dramatization." Interesting book; lousy performance.