What if we could hear the teachings of Jesus, according to Jesus? As in his popular book of the same title, Stephen Mitchell here presents what he considers to be the authentic teachings of Jesus in a 10,000 mile trip across America as some 200 citizens of all faiths--some famous, some not--read scripture, set against various backgrounds and buoyed by musical support, most notably from the Abyssinian Baptist Sanctuary Choir of New York City. Readers and settings are often well-matched: Indiana farmers read the story of the Prodigal Son; an optometrist relates the tale of the blind man; clown Wavy Gravy urges us to be like children; and author Erica Jong recites the famous passages about the adulterous woman. Most eloquent are ordinary folks who, in the midst of their daily activities, stop to give the most heartfelt and unselfconscious readings of Jesus' words. In follow-ups, people (again, a mix of laypersons as well as teachers, philosophers, and artists such as Maya Angelou, Andrew Greeley, Ram Dass, and Tim Robbins) are asked to explain what these readings mean in their own words. One need not agree with Mitchell's views on biblical authenticity (or lack thereof) to appreciate this wonderful celebration of spirituality, diversity, and geography, and those willing to examine their beliefs may also find this a challenging and rewarding odyssey. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)
The Gospel According to Jesus
(1995) 117 min. DVD: $19.98. Wellspring (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. ISBN: 1-58350-223-8. Volume 20, Issue 1
The Gospel According to Jesus
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