The Incomparable Christ

Launching the London Lectures on "The Incomparable Christ," the Rev. Dr. John Stott, Chaplain to the Queen, speaks to a diverse audience from the lectern of All Souls Church on "The Original Jesus or How the New Testament Witnesses to Him" in the first video of this 4-volume set. Focusing on Dr. Stott as he reads from notes and exhorts his audience in uninflected tones, the camera only occasionally pans for a glimpse of a hand taking a note or to briefly rest on an attentive face. Although the reverend is erudite and informative, he's lucky he's preaching to the choir, since only a believer would want to view this visually lackluster program. And that's unfortunate, as the content is rich and worthwhile, offering a broad survey of the New Testament in which Dr. Stott compares the various writers, forms and topics of the scriptures, concluding that in their diversity they actually complement one another. The other three volumes include the lectures "The Ecclesiastical Jesus or How the Church Has Presented Him," "The Influential Jesus or How He Has Inspired People," and "The Eternal Jesus or How He Challenges Us Today." Although poorly served by the video medium, this collection of substantial musings on the history, nature and legacy of Christ should still be considered a strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)