Ranald Macaulay introduces this mini-series by looking at the biblical foundations of the family. He also asks how Christians should seek to share their view of the family with others.

Hermeneutics is concerned with how we read and understand the Bible. In the last lecture of the series, Professor Mackay challenges us to be objective in our interpretation of scripture.

How similar is the text we read in our Bibles to that of the original documents? Which of the many available 'texts' should Bibles be translated from, and how should they be translated? John Mackay carefully answers these important questions.

Professor Mackay talks about how and why the 39 books of the Old Testament and 27 books of the New Testament are in our Bible today. Including why certain books, such as those in the Apocrypha, should not be regarded as the Word of God.

William Carey as the "Father of Modern Missions" started the movement, under God, which was to make Christianity a truly global faith. His wide concept of mission embraced preaching, social, educational and translation work.

William Wilberforce is chiefly remembered as the reformer who campaigned for the abolition of the slave trade. He was at the heart of British politics for over forty years during the inflammatory times of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.

Lord Shaftesbury had a profound contribution to social reform. He spearheaded countless campaigns to care for the mentally ill, to reduce working hours in factories and to stop children being sent down mines.

As a minister of Holy Trinity Church, Cambridge, for 54 years Charles Simeon influenced a whole generation of Christian leaders. It has been said that his influence on the nation and the Church of England is incalculable.