The Search for Jesus

Adding fuel to the fire of debate over the historical Jesus, The Search for Jesus from the ABC News Presents series finds investigative reporter Peter Jennings journeying to the Holy Land to search for clues. Visiting significant sites related to Jesus' life, ministry, and death, Jennings interviews various authors, clergy, and everyday people, solidly illustrating the social and political milieu in which Jesus lived. Unfortunately, the program gets low points for full disclosure: not only are the interviewees only vaguely credentialed (“author,” religious title, etc.), but the preponderance of sources seem to come from “Jesus Seminar,” a controversial group who dispute the authenticity of much of the New Testament, making “gospel truth” an oxymoron. While “Jesus Seminar” has made people more aware of the historical aspects of Jesus' life, it is also regarded as heretical by many Christians, so to present their views here as mainstream without qualification not only does disservice to the viewer, it's also unbalanced journalism. Still, given Jennings' high public profile and the fact this was televised, there may be significant interest. A strong optional purchase. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)