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History and the Gospels by J. D. Palmer Tintoretto, 'Christ before Pilate' (1566-67), Sala dell'Albergo, Scuola di San Rocco, Venice Tintoretto, 'Christ before Pilate' (1566-67) Sala dell'Albergo, Scuola di San Rocco, Venice print article From the very moment the Prince of Peace was revealed, those who would reign supreme in the world stood athwart God's plan, and when they could not use force against the faithful they honed the use of words. Worldly wile became the weapon of choice and it proved the more successful tactic, as evidenced by the popularity of Monophysitism and Arianism. Proud men tried to divide...

PARIS (Reuters) - The 19th century German nun whose blood-soaked visions of Jesus's death inspired Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of The Christ" will soon be put on the path to sainthood, Catholic Church officials have said. Anne Catherine Emmerich, a sickly mystic who lived from 1774 to 1824, has already reached near cult status among traditionalist Roman Catholics for her book that gave Gibson the grisly details the Gospels did not provide. The Vatican says Pope John Paul II will beatify Emmerich for her virtuous life, not her best-selling book, but the Oct. 3 ceremony will further publicize her...