Rock Of Truth

Although most of this religious historical documentary is devoted to the travels of St. Paul, St. Peter, and Barnabas, Rock of Truth's opening third features interview footage of an elderly Italian gentleman who claims to have been visited by the Virgin Mary some 27 times in the last 47 years. This extended and somewhat awkward introductory vignette gives way to a standard recounting of the founding of the Christian church which combines on-location video visuals with voice-over narration. The tape concludes with glowing praise about Pope John Paul II, who is referred to as a new "Paul," an assessment which some--who are frustrated by Rome's seemingly deaf-eared adherence to orthodox thought--might find too charitable. Those with strong religious collections may want to consider this patchwork piece on the early Christian church, but The Trial and Testimony of the Early Church (VL-3/92)--a more expensive, multi-tape set--is still a better choice here. (R. Pitman)