Visual Parables - February 2001

This series of eight 15-minute films is from the same people who brought us the Live broadcasts from Bethlehem, reviewed here recently. Anchor man Martyn Lewis is back, reporting from Jerusalem Central on the many events surrounding the entrance of the Galilean prophet Jesus of Nazareth into Jerusalem. Various reports and experts provide background information and on the spot interviews with witnesses who report on the activities of the controversial prophet. We never really get to see Jesus, but we gain an interesting perspective on him from the standpoint of the secular world through this series. Each episode is brief enough so that it could be used at a series of Lenten family nights, as well as on Good Friday and Easter (there are eight episodes, remember.) A good resource for those wanting a different approach to a very familiar topic, Holy Week.

Gwen Hurst Anderson - Pastor of the Friedens United Church of Christ - March 2001

We have been using "Dateline Jerusalem" for an adult "Lenten Enlightenment Series" for three weeks now at the church I serve. It has been received better than any other study we have ever conducted! People like the format -- saying that we're so accustomed to a news type format that this is very easy to understand and relate to. People who have been to the Holy Land appreciate that the places spoken about and shown in the video are the ACTUAL places they have seen; and people who haven't been to the Holy Land appreciate seeing the real thing on the screen. We've attracted -- and retained -- more men for this study than any other we have done. I'm speculating a bit here, but I believe it's partly because of the video's emphasis on the political climate of the times. They seem to understand and appreciate the politics involved, and they seem able to relate to it.

Youthworker - May/June 2001

I'm a Christian video skeptic, but this one pleasantly surprised me. This covers the events from Palm Sunday to Easter using a modern news broadcast in eight, 15-minute episodes. Featuring live on-the-scene reporting and studio guests, modern Jerusalem relives the events of the passion week, including Jesus' entry into the city, his arrest, and his resurrection. Although geared more for Christian adult audiences, students would enjoy two or three episodes.

CSLA - March/April 2001

The trial, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus as TV news would cover it today. You'll feel like you are back in Jerusalem, Bethany, and the Galilee countryside, for the most momentous week in the history of the world and the setting for this "special news report." The most astounding aspect of this news cast is the story, events and participants all took place 2000 years ago, but all the video is modern day Israel and a modern day news broadcast room. The film editor for this must have been a genius or looked at thousands of hours of newsreel film to match modern day parallels to the words, actions and events of two millennia ago. This is an excellent video for any Bible study group or Lenten series.

Dateline Jerusalem Study Guide