Jerusalem: Center of the World

For over 4,000 years, Jerusalem—the holiest of holy cities—has been the focal point (at various times) for all three of the world's dominant monotheistic religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, a trio of faiths with deep-rooted traditions that provide the basis for Jerusalem's amazingly rich tapestry of religious, social, and political history. Hosted by well-known NPR and PBS broadcaster Ray Suarez, this PBS-aired documentary from filmmaker Andrew Goldberg traces Jerusalem's dynamic chronology through religious texts, oral and written histories, interviews with scholars, and beautiful location photography. Suarez introduces viewers to sacred sites (Mount Moriah, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, etc.), backed with a resplendent array of relevant illustrations, documents, maps, and relics. While much emphasis is placed here on the important figures of religious and political history (Abraham, Moses, Jesus, King David, his heir Solomon, Herod, Constantine, Mohammed), Jerusalem: Center of the World also tells the city's story through architectural evidence, including a walking tour of the Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa and a visit to the tomb of Jesus. While much of the history of Jerusalem is related to violent conquest and religious and/or political upheaval, this engaging film reminds viewers that Jerusalem also represents much that is good, righteous, and rewarding in the annals of human history. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)