Imperial Valley Christian Center

National Review Online posted a discussion of the best Jesus movies. But judging from the responses these guys only watch movies approved by Cardinal Ratzinger. So here's my contribution to the best Jesus movies.

1. The Miracle Maker, This is a claymation film, like the recent Chicken Run, i.e. the characters are clay figures painstakingly moved to create motion. Okay, it sounds kind of hokey but it's not. It's very effective. An excellent scripturally accurate movie. The temptation of Jesus is very well portrayed. Favorite scene: Jairus, the ruler of the synagogue, finally goes against the advice of some religious leaders who oppose Jesus, and goes to ask Jesus to heal his daughter who is on the point of death. Jesus says he'll come. On the way they're interrupted by the woman with the issue of blood. Jairus naturally gets antsy while Jesus stops to talk to this woman. Some guys come to let him know not to bother the master because his daughter has died. Jairus is naturally upset, Jesus tells him, "Don't be afraid, just keep believing." There it is! Don't be afraid just keep believing. I think I should tattoo that on my forehead.

2. The Visual Bible: Matthew Very low budget film but in spite of this a great film. It's essentially the gospel of Matthew set to film, i.e. the dialog is the text of Matthew. The directors vision of a non freaky, non hippie, normal Jesus is awesome. Favorite scene is actually after the end of the movie. You'll have to watch it to see what I'm talking about.

3. Ben Hur, Okay, not really a Jesus film but without a doubt the best of Hollywood's Bible epics. But it does include the best Jesus scene. Judah Ben Hur having been convicted of attacking a Roman official is being escorted from Jerusalem by Roman soldiers along with other convicts, to serve as a slave on a Roman galley. The stop in Nazareth for water but the Centurion refuses to let Ben Hur have any. Jesus comes over and gives his water anyway. The Centurion notices and comes to confront Jesus. You never see Jesus' face but he stands up and faces the Centurion. The Centurion is completely taken aback by something he sees in Jesus' face, starts to repeat his order, relents and finally walks away.