The God Who Wasn't There
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Movie Reviews of The God Who Wasn't There
Movie Review: Humorous, irreverent overview of an oft neglected topic
Summary: 5 Stars
Critics of this rather short film and others like it are quick to resort to ad hominem attacks. Religion, and its sway over the American public has become more and more of alarming trend over the past half-century, particularly as we continue to break down the walls of separation and church and state so forcefully outlined by the constitutional framers. This DVD just begins to outline the problems with doctrinal christianity, its origins and its claims , particularly in light of current events. Albeit, short, its cogent analysis begins to raise questions that only further research would begin to answer. Of course, a skeptical , inquisitive mindset is necessary to embark on this journey; those who are comfortable with their level of indoctrination, and are incapable or unwilling to begin to ask those queries should stay away.
In an age of reason, scientific advance we should hold it incumbent upon ourselves to challenge our "beliefs" our motives and our need for embracing life philosophies that are so often easily disproved, explained or shown to be remnants of primitive animistic religions and superstitious belief systems. One only read " The Third Chimpanzee" by Jared Diamond to scratch the surface of what cultural anthropology can tell us viz the origins of religion.
More and more light is being shed on the nebulous and obstreperous origins of Christianity, its mythos and its key players. Ignorance of characters such as Dionysus, Mithra, Krishna, Horus, Ieusus only lends itself further to blind faith.
So , all in all, relax, open your mind, and enjoy this lighthearted introduction to a world of inquiry, a world without blind lemming like faith... and really begin to the ask the important questions of yourself of Who? What? Where? and Why?...
Movie Review: Serious thought-provoking movie
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading some of the very diverging reviews, I had mixed feelings when watching this movie.
However, after watching it, I can safely say that this counts as one of the best DVDs I have seen in some time.
Of course, the music does have a special style, which not everybody likes, but it is sort of fitting to the presentation method which the author chose.
The research itself is held simple, yet very convincing. The evidence presented is easy, and yet weighs heavy. Also, the movie is kept very short, which doesn't allow much information to be fit in, but this is not really a bad point. It's great to see a movie once in a while which doesn't bombard its viewer with information.
What evidence the author shows when showing how it is quite unlikely that Jesus ever existed, much less the way he is shown in the bible, is quite thought provoking, after all, we are talking here about THE story which holds together the religion with the most participants worldwide. (Over 1 billion, if I am not mistaken).
All Christians base their faith off the bible, which you could think would have to be one hell of a book. However, it does contain a lot of errors (for example the solar system image which is painted in the bible, creation story etc.). Also, acts of incredible cruelty are presented and even advocated by the old testament. Most Christians at this point like to brush off the discussion, saying that "well, that's the old testament, it was very weird. The new one is what counts!"
If now, as suggested in this movie, the central figure of the new testament is nothing but a myth, then serious doubt should be provoked and maintained to the "world's most successful religion".
Movie Review: I calls 'em like I sees 'em
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a great informative film. However, please don't see it if you're a fundamentalist Christian easily offended by challenges to your dogma. You'll hate it. Of course, one of the biggest criticisms the movie puts forth is that many Christians cannot tolerate ideas counter to what they accept as truth even if presented as theory. In other words, Christianity works because people refuse to hear anything that might be construed as questionable. Yes, many hardcore Christians are blissfully ignorant. More power to them, I guess.
I'm not Christian so that wasn't a problem for me. And I really don't care if someone is Christian because that's their choice. But I have to admit that this doc raises many important questions, presents many important ideas. Personally, I think Christians should see it. But it would just make them uncomfortable or angry, so never mind. For the rest of us though, it gives you something to think about.
The thing I liked best about the film is that is not mean-spirited. It would be easy to take the low road, but the film, while clearly having a point-of-view, does not particularly attack Christianity. It merely showcases many compelling arguments. And the maker clearly has a strong background in the Christian faith, which helps because he actually knows what he's talking about. Some people might not agree with his findings, but you can't argue with his actual quotes from the Bible and even his history which is taken directly from accepted church teachings. Yet for such a strong faith, it's amazing how quickly people get hostile when challenged.
I found it fascinating.
Movie Review: The New Copernicus
Summary: 5 Stars
Okay, remember that Copernicus guy? Poor Copernicus. Nobody believed him when he said the Earth revolved around the Sun. Even when he gave proof, he suffered for it. Yet, his discovery was the great epiphany of science, the point upon which everything changed.
Like Copernicus and his "Commentariolus," this DVD lays out the basics of the next great epiphany in historical research: the case that Jesus was based on a myth and not an historical person. I liken it to the "Commentariolus" and not "De revolutionibus orbium coelestium" because the DVD is a bit brief. If you want the whole nine yards, read popular writer Earl Doherty or scholar Robert Price, or even the great Professor Emeritus Dr. John Gager from Princeton University, who talks around the subject of Paul in his work, quietly building a case for a Pauline mystery religion. All their books are available here on Amazon.
To get the most out of this DVD, though, you've got to set aside all your assumptions about this Jesus fellow. Everything. Doesn't matter if you're a believer brimming with religious faith or an unbeliever who's always thought, "Aren't there, like, Roman records of Jesus?" Um, no. There are no "Roman records" or anything like that -- just an interpolated mention in one historical document written decades after Jesus supposedly died. If you watch this DVD with an open mind, you'll be amazed to find how deeply the assumptions of Jesus' existence are ingrained, even in secular culture.
Anway, just watch it. There's too much at stake in society today to let dishonesty cloud our thinking, especially about history.
Movie Review: A+ Teacher Resource!
Summary: 5 Stars
As a teacher of world history at an alternative high school in the Four Corners region of the country, I was refreshingly amazed to discover a film that I can use to orient my students to an academically sound timeline of early Christianity. More importantly, the interviews that accompany the body of the film are profoundly valuable classroom resources to introduce students to authentic academic discourse as it takes place among lively and fearless scholars. My students do not have an opportunity to experience anything cut of an even remotely similar fiber. A huge majority of lay conversations in this area are dominated or directed by organized religion's right-wing zealots. Even at the local college, instructors are cautioned against subjecting this community's paper-thin sensitivities to intellectual examination. Because students have simply never been exposed to the breadth of intellectual consideration in which religion is couched, this film represents a rich introduction to the complexities and curiosities that drive science, social science, history, and literature.
Beyond that, it is time we wrested the lectern from the bullies in the pulpit. They are tiresome simpletons, broken records, who shamelessly use fear and terror to constrain the parameters of acceptable discourse. This film inspires me to continue to point out the nakedness of the emperor, the heartless rigidity of intolerance, and the need to educate kids on the broadest scale possible.
Vicki Whitaker