US TV set for 'Jesus wife' storm

BBC ^ | 10/31/03

[nypokerface]

A leading US TV news reporter has said her network is taking a risk with a news special which asks whether Jesus Christ had a wife.

ABC's Elizabeth Vargas said Jesus, Mary and Da Vinci, to be shown in the US on Monday night, was being made "as respectfully as we can".

But she admitted: "You can't talk about this subject without intriguing people or offending people."

The programme is partly based on the best-selling novel The Da Vinci Code.

The book alleges Mary Magdalene - a biblical figure widely thought to have been a prostitute - was actually Jesus's wife.

The book also asserts Magdalene fled Jerusalem with Jesus' child after his crucifixion.

This story was supposed to have been kept alive by a secret society that included the medieval painter and inventor Leonardo Da Vinci.

Da Vinci left clues about the story in his art, the novel alleged.

ABC have already screened the special, which talks to some theologians to try and unravel the theory, for some journalists and religious leaders.

'Crackpot theory'

It has already drawn criticism from a representative of the Catholic League, Joseph Feo, who said the news special had relied too much on the opinions of Father Richard McBrien of Notre Dame.

Father McBrien is said to believe the historical importance of Mary Magdalene had been under-rated.

Mr De Feo said: "The majority of the people who spoke believed in either the plausibility or the outright truth of [book author] Dan Brown's claims. The facts themselves scream out that this is a crackpot theory."

Vargas said ABC had not found any proof as to whether Jesus had a wife, but could not completely discount the theory either.

"For me, it's made religion more real and, ironically, much more interesting - which is what we're hoping to do for our viewers," she said.

[Ogmios]

You beat me by 30 seconds....LOL

[nightdriver]

"Christianity contains an enormous amount of doctrine and theology that isn't in the Bible.."

Such as....?

[CyberCowboy777]

ROTFLMAO

I am sure the Skull and Bones are in on this little plot, possibly the Stonecutters and the Rotary Club.

If you look closely at a bowl of Chicken Noodle you will find the clues you seek.

[PrairieFire]

Da Vinci left clues about the story in his art, the novel alleged.

In one of Da Vinci's more obscure paintings, Ringo was dressed like an undertaker, and Paul wasn't wearing any shoes. What more proof do you need?

[DeweyCA]

"For me, it's made religion more real and, ironically, much more interesting - which is what we're hoping to do for our viewers," she said.

Yes, who cares about truth. If it makes it more "real" and "much more interesting" to some air-head reporter; that's all that is important. Gads! What a bimbo!

[Jim Cane]

The Biblical prophesies are the only authoritative revelation we have of Christ's existence, if some johnny-come-lately novel is considered to be more authoritative with a different story, all Christianity not only has a "problem," it collapses completely.

Hence all the hush hush over the various agripha. "St. Thomas? Never heard of him."

[joesnuffy]

they would'nt dare offend muslims...cause they know their tv stations
would be blown up....
Christians just take the abuse and suck it up..as usual....
:)

[nightdriver]

"St. Thomas? Never heard of him."

Which Thomas? What contribution did he make to the cannonical body?

[Jim Cane]

What contribution did he make to the cannonical body?

The Gospel of Thomas didn't make it past the editors, so your question is nonsensical.

[Arpege92]

Freakish gland? I'm not even going to touch that one (no pun intended)!

[ex-snook]

Aim for the sponsors of anti-Christianity.

[nightdriver]

"The Gospel of Thomas didn't make it past the editors, so your question is nonsensical."

If you are describing a gospel supposedly written by the apostle Thomas, it was rejected by the church fathers many centuries ago.

Does it contain something that you think is terribly important to be included in the canon of scripture?

[Ogmios]

You proved nothing of the sort.

You created a philisophical question, then claimed that it proves something that it doesn't.

And if no one had been in the room, then the room could never have been created, and the candle could never have been lit, therefore someone had to have been in the room.

[johnb838]

They're perfectly well aware that most Christians will turn the other cheek when insulted, while Muslims have a habit of killing people.

You mean like the way the leftists love to protest in the United States because they know no one will do anything to them for it?

[Jim Cane]

If you are describing a gospel supposedly written by the apostle Thomas, it was rejected by the church fathers many centuries ago.

Rejected because in it Jesus said he intened to make Mary his wife, and late refers to her as such.

So depending on which fairy tale you believe, he's either married (coptic editors), or silent on the matter (roman editors).

[JmyBryan]

Thanks for the link. I read that book when I was around thirteen and it really sparked many questions - the majority of which I am still attempting to answer. I'm going to really enjoy perusing it again.

[bird4four4]

Jesus couldn't have been married. He was gay!

[Marianne]

There are some interesting figures in the "Last supper" by Leonardo. The person to the right of Jesus is a female.
LINK
Well, I'll be darned. Apparently I have never looked that closely at the figures in the painting. I have always assumed that it depicted Jesus and the twelve apostles.
Which disciple is missing?

[No_Outcome_But_Victory]

Another reason they refer to television as "Hell-a-Vision". I personally like to call it the "Idiot Box", since it is so full of them (and can turn you into one).