As the show cuts from one biblical expert to another, it's like getting a crash course in the New Testament by watching a bunch of smart people throw us their best curve balls. The highest compliment I can pay one of its featured scholars, John Dominic Crossan, is to say that his witty, incisive, yet knotty observation made me seek out his books. Some scholars have faulted the program for downplaying the Resurrection and ignoring evangelical viewpoints. Consequently many Christians may want to pass. For them, faith requires no explanations or supporting evidence.
Religious documentaries are, after all, rarities in prime time.
To powerful effect, the programs weaves in Scriptures and uses a model of the Temple that King Herod helped rebuild at Jerusalem. The program has lined up eloquent, lively scholars and drawn on new historical evidence. There is nothing here of the televangelists' appeal to miracles, but this work is a revelation of what television can be. And as its title suggests, a distinction is made between the historical person named Jesus and the Christ, who is seen as a more complex and abstract figure resulting from centuries of theology and tradition. Throughout the series, ancient history is brought to life through beautiful film footage, ancient works of art, and models of first-century cites and buildings.