Messages From Heaven

After presenting a brief overview of popular and media interest in paranormal phenomena at the dawn of the third millennium, the bizarre Messages From Heaven gets down to the business at hand: namely, attacking the credibility of the numerous apparitions of the Virgin Mary throughout the world. Comments from "eyewitnesses" and religious organization representatives are parried by various authorities (associations vaguely identified) who cite passages from scripture which lend a sinister, even demonic character to these sightings. The narrator, of unnamed Christian persuasion, quotes scripture to his own advantage, and particular emphasis is placed on those who would cast Mary as "co-redemptrix," which is incorrectly implied as being a Roman Catholic belief. "You must choose Jesus or follow a deceptive spirit; the choice is yours," we're told, and the program closes with our unidentified Christian telling us in no uncertain terms that "you need Jesus; only Jesus." A strange polemic, which mixes religion and paranormal concerns, this should dismay and displease Catholics, as well as others. Not recommended. Aud: P. (J. Reed)