Michael Swan Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:38:10 -0500 Website design by Concerto Designs concertodesigns.ca en-gb Resurrecting age-old argument /opinion/columnists/item/14193-resurrecting-age-old-argument /opinion/columnists/item/14193-resurrecting-age-old-argument

There has been much fuss recently about ancient burial boxes and whether the bones of Jesus remain here on Earth.

In March, an Israeli antiquities collector was acquitted of forgery charges concerning a Roman-era burial box inscribed “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.” If genuine, the ossuary could be a direct link to Jesus and His family.

And next week, Vision TV will air The Jesus Discovery, a documentary by Toronto filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici that claims to cast new light on the Resurrection. It bills itself as: “Part archeological adventure, part biblical history, part forensic science, part theological controversy, The Jesus Discovery is a story that will carry around the world.”

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robertbrehl@catholicregister.org (Robert Brehl) Robert Brehl Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:47:46 -0400
Dramatic Jesus Discovery documentary lacks hard evidence /features/arts/item/14176-dramatic-jesus-discovery-documentary-lacks-hard-evidence /features/arts/item/14176-dramatic-jesus-discovery-documentary-lacks-hard-evidence

The problem with The Jesus Discovery is that itƵapp not really about the archeology. ItƵapp about making a documentary movie.

Simcha JacoboviciƵapp documentary, to be aired in Canada on VisionTV, presents us with a dramatic plot full of twists and turns. Jacobovici turns in a fine performance as the stalwart and stoic hero who patiently overcomes each obstacle on his quest to make a movie. Tight editing and subtle use of music add to the tension.

The story of how the movie got made reveals a great deal about contemporary Israeli society and contemporary American media culture. We’re treated to CNN talking heads sputtering outrage over any information that might challenge their settled world view. We watch as ultra-orthodox Jews in Jerusalem impose their will on the film crew by leveraging mob rule.

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mikes@catholicregister.org (Michael Swan, The Catholic Register) Arts News Sun, 01 Apr 2012 09:04:00 -0400
Moving beyond the Mideast headlines in "Persecuted Christians" /item/14026-moving-beyond-the-mideast-headlines-in-persecuted-christians /item/14026-moving-beyond-the-mideast-headlines-in-persecuted-christians

TORONTO - Every reporter wants what Martin Himel has — a story that could shift how people think and talk about global politics, a story rich with human drama, suffering, heartbreak and redemption.

Himel found that story among Christian refugees in Toronto and among the huddled and fearful Christians of Cairo and Baghdad where he filmed Persecuted Christians. The hour-long documentary will get its world premiere on VisionTV March 14.

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mikes@catholicregister.org (Michael Swan, The Catholic Register) Features Fri, 09 Mar 2012 15:31:00 -0500