AllMovie

This documentary, part of the 20th Century With Mike Wallace series from CBS News and the History Channel, goes behind the scenes of religions throughout the world. Narrated by series host and CBS News correspondent Mike Wallace, this episode first traces some of the religious roots of several nations and then focuses on the conditions of today's religions and religious leaders, from Pope John Paul II to the Dalai Lama. There are studies of some of the most influential men and women in religious life, including evangelists Pat Robertson and Billy Graham. 20th Century With Mike Wallace traces the rise and fall in popularity of certain religions over the past century, especially the rise in Buddhism in the 1980s and 1990s and the changes in African-American churches in the past several decades. There are also interviews with some religious experts who talk about the changing face of religions and what the future holds for the world's religions.