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Good News Press - 7
'Risen' the Movie: Does it
Pass the Bible Test?
Jesus' appearance to Thomas
and the other disciples.
Mary Magdalene is referred to as
a prostitute three times (not biblical, see Mark 16:1, Luke 8:2).
-- "I think we got it right," stated
Joseph Fiennes, a few days after the Caiaphas wants Jesus' body burned.
release of the film
"Risen" (February 11, 2016).
On the positive side, Joseph Fiennes
Fiennes plays Clavius, a Roman sol- is believable as Clavius, Jesus (Cliff
dier turned investigator ordered by
Curtis) displays a subtle selfPontius Pilate to find Jesus' body confidence and the elderly cemetery
the fourth movie on this theme. The woman (Clair Agius) interrogated by
first was "The Inquiry" (1987), then Clavius - gives an emotionally
"Resurrection" (1998) followed ten "kind" performance.
years later by "The Final Inquiry"
with Dolph Lundgren (Drago from
Before seeing 'Risen' Christians
Rocky IV). Drago?
should read the Gospel accounts
surrounding Easter, its participants
"Unfortunately, 'Risen' doesn't hold and its aftermath - then put the film
up to scriptural and archaeological
to the Bible test. Risen' is entertainintegrity. Bible film endorsements
ing (its goal) but not necessarily
from well-known Christian leaders
biblical.
since 2006 (The Nativity Story) has
been problematic. Mary's pregnancy Rick Dack of Defending the Bible
questioned by her father (Did she
International wants to hear your
sleep with a Herodian soldier?) and opinions about this film
Lazarus' resurrection with a kiss to
([email protected]).
the head (Son of God) is acceptable Is Dack being too harsh or is he accontent to some but it's not Bible,"
curate in his analysis?
stated Rick Dack of Defending the
Bible International
Dack encourages his readers to
(www.defendingthebible.com). The check out "The Gospel of John"
following examples from 'Risen' are (2003) and "The Jesus Film" (1979)
scripturally problematic.
on DVD. "These films are essential
educating your family about the
Barabbas dying in battle (hours in
life, death and resurrection of Jeafter being released by Pilate?).
sus," stated Dack
The crucifixion scenes (location, (www.defendingthebible.com). Has
your Pastor and Principal addressed
Jewish purity laws).
media Bible myths and offered a de Clavius' (Roman) compassion
fense of the scriptures? If not, your
towards the family of Jesus at Golchurch and school needs to invite
gotha is fiction.
Defending the Bible Int'l. This ministry's "Biographies of the Bible"
"It is finished" are the only
classes and presentations supply all
words of Jesus from the cross.
the answers you will ever need in
The tomb in 'Risen' is not first
defense of the scriptures. These
century (no corpse tunnel etc.).
classes also include 3D animations
Two inebriated soldiers guard
of Bible sites, Hollywood stories of
faith, archaeological biographies of
Jesus' tomb.
Bible characters and more. Check
The burial clothes of Jesus are
out www.defendingthebible.com for
strewn (not biblical - John 20:6, 7). class information on over thirty topics including Eden, Noah's Ark, Samson, David and Goliath, Daniel, the
Bartholomew, supposedly depicting joyfulness, embodies a men- Nativity, the Resurrection, Acts and
more!
tally ill quality.
(Christiannewswire release)