Paul the Apostle

Starring:Paul the Apostle
Studio: Good Times Video
Product Type: DVD

Average customer rating:

A great work indeed
Psychopathy in Action
Great film, beware defective DVDs
As real as life
The Apostle

The Apostle
Starring: Todd Allen , Brother Paul Bagget , Lenore Banks , John Beasley , and Mary Lynette Braxton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Tender Mercies
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ASIN: B00007ELF1
Release Date: 2002-11-05

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Written, directed, and personally financed by Robert Duvall, The Apostle was the culmination of a 14-year effort on the part of its creator, who also stars as the dynamic, God-fearing Texas preacher Euliss "Sonny" Dewey. Vibrantly authentic with its use of real gospel preachers and extras carefully selected from parishes of the deep South, the film treats its complicated characters with the kind of compassion and moral complexity mainstream Hollywood wouldn't dare muster. This is especially true in the case of Sonny, who responds to his wife's infidelity with a crime of passion that sends him on a new and uncharted quest for redemption. Under the assumed identity of "The Apostle E.F.," he settles in a tiny Louisiana town to revive an old church, where he undergoes a transformation of spirit and purpose that enlivens his community. But will the law catch up to him? Does he deserve to be punished? Fueled by Duvall's powerhouse performance, The Apostle refuses to praise or condemn its fascinating central character, leaving the proper degree of forgiveness up to the viewer. Further graced with superb performances by Farrah Fawcett, Miranda Richardson, and Billy Bob Thornton, the film is clearly Duvall's labor of love. The Collector's Edition DVD features a full-length commentary by Duvall and The Journey of the Apostle, a documentary featurette about the making of the film. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A great work indeed.......2007-06-06

Robert Duval, the cast, and crew all do a great job and make The Apostile the best of the flawed preacher films. Robert Duvals Apostile E,F. is realer and more beleavable than Burt Lancasters Elmer Gantry. I like this style of peaching better than the cold stoic kind.

Psychopathy in Action.......2007-05-08

I don't think I've ever seen a clearer portrayal of the charismatic psychopath than Robert Duvall playing the part of Euliss "Sonny" Dewey. Do not think that psychopaths are mad-dog killers - only very few are and they could be considered "unsuccessful" psychopaths.

Some people think that psychopathy is the result of some attachment or bonding difficulty as an infant but psychopathy expert, Dr. Robert Hare, has turned the idea around. After all his years digging into the background of psychopaths. He says:

"In some children the very failure to bond is a symptom of psychopathy. It is likely that these children lack the capacity to bond readily, and that their lack of attachment is largely the result, not the cause, of psychopathy." Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of the Psychopaths Among Us

In other words: they are born that way and you can't fix them.

The differences in how psychopathy manifests does have to do with family background, however. How one is raised determines how the psychopath expresses himself in life.

A psychopath who grows up in a stable family and has access to positive social and educational resources might become a white-collar criminal, or perhaps a somewhat shady entrepreneur, preacher, politician, lawyer, judge, or other professional. Another individual with the same traits, and a deprived background might become a common con-artist, a drifter, mercenary, or violent criminal.

A psychopath born into a very religious background, having the early experiences with evangelism that are depicted in the movie, would very likely grow up to be exactly as Sonny is portrayed.

The point is, social factors and parenting practices only shape the expression of the disorder, but have no effect on the individual's inability to feel empathy or to develop a conscience.

As psychologist Martha StoutThe Sociopath Next Door has pointed out so eloquently, psychopaths seem to be born without a conscience. Conscience seems to depend on the ability to imagine consequences. But most "consequences" relate to pain in some way, and psychopaths really don't understand pain in the emotional sense. They understand frustration of not getting what they want, and to them, that is pain. But the fact seems to be that they act based solely on a sort of Game Theory evaluation of a situation: what will they get out of it, and what will it cost? And these "costs" do not seem to factor in being humiliated, causing pain to others, sabotaging the future, or any of the other possibilities that normal people consider when making a choice.

All of these issues are depicted in this movie: Sonny is traveling most of the time and often cheats on his wife, but considers himself to be basically a "good guy." His mother falls on the floor in a weak spell and he just walks out the door and says he'll see her in a few weeks. His barely controlled aggression against his wife when he discovers that she is cheating while he's on the road (also cheating, as he admits), and later when they discuss the break-up of their marriage, finally culminating in a violent break-out where he scares the bejeebies out of everybody by going berserk at a kid's softball game, inflicting a fatal injury on his wife's boyfriend, are all clues to the seething selfishness that drives Sonny.

Sonny also exhibits what psychopaths DO have that is truly outstanding: an ability to give their undivided attention to something that interests them intensely right now or in terms of setting up a situation where they have power and authority over others. Some clinicians have compared this to the concentration with which a predator stalks his prey. This quality is abundantly evident in Sonny's drive to preach, to "have a church," and the work he is willing to put into acquiring that status.

The qualities of the psychopath are also on display in Sonny's talents as a preacher with a mastery of hypnotic techniques. Psychopaths are naturally interesting as all get out - even exciting! They exude a captivating energy that keeps their listeners on the edge of their seats (and they talk a LOT!). Even if some part of the normal person is shocked or repelled by what the psychopath says or does, they are like the mouse hypnotized by the torturing cat. Even if they have the chance to run away, they don't. This is evident in the movie in Toosie's fascination for Sonny even though she is also repelled by him.

Many Psychopaths "make their living" by using charm, deceit, and manipulation to gain the confidence of their victims. You see that clearly when Sonny travels to Bayou Boutte and tells an out and out lie to Rev. Blackwell that "God sent me to fellowship with you." The viewer knows that he learned about Rev. Blackwell from his cousin whom Sonny met while on the run from his criminally violent behavior. In fact, this scene is the dead giveaway that we are watching a psychopath in action. With all his praying, self-baptizing, Bible reading and thumping, and assorted other self-righteous activities, Sonny sits there and tells a bald-faced lie to another minister and ascribes it to God. (Well, he probably convinced him that it WAS God, that this was how God directed him, but that's really stretching it.)

The fact is, many psychopaths can be found in white collar professions where they are aided in their evil by the fact that most people expect certain classes of people to be trustworthy because of their social or professional credentials. Preachers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, politicians, psychiatrists and psychologists, generally do not have to earn our trust because they have it by virtue of their positions. But the fact is: psychopaths are found in such lofty spheres also, and more often than most people suppose!

At the same time, psychopaths are good imposters. They have absolutely no hesitation about forging and brazenly using impressive credentials to adopt professional roles that bring prestige and power. They pick professions in which the requisite skills are easy to fake, the jargon is easy to learn, and the credentials are unlikely to be thoroughly checked. Psychopaths find it extremely easy to pose as financial consultants, ministers, psychological counselors and psychologists. It may even be due to the fact that the science of psychology is infested with psychopaths that truly helpful research on psychopathy is never funded despite the fact that psychopaths cause more damage to society than any other psychological problem. This film is an example of that very sort of damage. Multiplied millions of U.S. citizens are subjected to this kind of hypnosis/evangelism which twists and warps their minds.

Another clue to the reality of Sonny Dewey is that psychopaths make their way by conning people into doing things for them; obtaining money for them, prestige, power, or even standing up for them when others try to expose them. That's what they do and they do it very well as Sonny demonstrates with just about everyone he comes in contact with. What's more, the job is very easy because most people are gullible with an unshakable belief in the inherent goodness of man.

Manipulation is the key to the psychopath's conquests. They will feign false emotions to create empathy, and many of them study the tricks that can be employed by the empathy technique. Psychopaths are often able to incite pity from people because they seem like "lost souls" as Guggenbuhl-Craig writes. So the pity factor is one reason why victims often fall for these "poor" people.

Hare cites a famous case where a psychopath was "Man of the Year" and president of the Chamber of Commerce in his small town. (Remember that John Wayne Gacy was running for Jaycee President at the very time of his first murder conviction!) The man in question had claimed to have a Ph.D. from Berkeley. He ran for a position on the school board which he then planned to parlay into a position on the county commission which paid more.

At some point, a local reporter suddenly had the idea to check up on the guy - to see if his credentials were real. What the reporter found out was that the only thing that was true about this up and coming politician's "faked bio" was the place and date of birth. Everything else was fictitious. Not only was the man a complete impostor, he had a long history of antisocial behavior, fraud, impersonation, and imprisonment. His only contact with a university was a series of extension courses by mail that he took while in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary. What is even more amazing is the fact that before he was a con-man, he was a "con-boy." For two decades he had dodged his way across America one step ahead of those he had hoodwinked. Along the way he had married three women and had four children, and he didn't even know what had happened to them.

When he was exposed, he was completely unconcerned. "These trusting people will stand behind me. A good liar is a good judge of people," he said. Amazingly, he was right. Far from being outraged at the fact that they had all been completely deceived and lied to from top to bottom, the local community he had conned so completely to accrue benefits and honors to himself that he had not earned, rushed to his support!

And it wasn't just "token support." The local Republican party chairman wrote about him: "I assess his genuineness, integrity, and devotion to duty to rank right alongside of President Abraham Lincoln." As Hare dryly notes, this dimwit was easily swayed by words, and was blind to facts.

This has been observed in many psychopathy cases; more often than not, and it tends to make one shake their head in wonder at how many people seem to WANT to be duped, to be made fools of. What kind of psychological weaknesses drive people to prefer lies over truth?

The kinds of people that are susceptible to hypnotic evangelists such as Sonny Dewey and become mind-controlled members of those kinds of fanatical religions.

This may have something to do with what is called Cognitive Dissonance. Leon Festinger developed the theory of Cognitive Dissonance in the 50's when he apparently stumbled onto a UFO cult in the Midwest. They were prophesying a coming world cataclysm and "alien rapture." When no one was raptured and no cataclysm he studied the believers response, and detailed it in his book "WHEN PROPHECY FAILS (A social and psychological study of a modern group that predicted the destruction of the world)." Festinger observed:

"A man with a conviction is a hard man to change. Tell him you disagree and he turns away. Show him facts or figures and he questions your sources. Appeal to logic and he fails to see your point.

"We have all experienced the futility of trying to change a strong conviction, especially if the convinced person has some investment in his belief. We are familiar with the variety of ingenious defenses with which people protect their convictions, managing to keep them unscathed through the most devastating attacks.

"But man's resourcefulness goes beyond simply protecting a belief. Suppose an individual believes something with his whole heart; suppose further that he has a commitment to this belief, that he has taken irrevocable actions because of it; finally, suppose that he is presented with evidence, unequivocal and undeniable evidence, that his belief is wrong: what will happen? The individual will frequently emerge, not only unshaken, but even more convinced of the truth of his beliefs than ever before. Indeed, he may even show a new fervor about convincing and converting other people to his view."

Psychopaths just have what it takes to defraud and bilk others: they can be fast talkers, they can be charming, they can be self-assured and at ease in social situations; they are cool under pressure, unfazed by the possibility of being found out, and totally ruthless. And even when they are exposed, they can carry on as if nothing has happened, often making their accusers the targets of accusations of being victimized by THEM. (Witness how Sonny blames his wife and her lover for taking everything away from him instead of taking responsibility for his philandering, lies and callousness.)

In the book Violent Attachments, women and men have noted the particular stare of the psychopath - it is an intense, relentless gaze that seems to predict his destruction of his victim or target. Women, in particular, have reported this stare, which is related to the "predatorial" (reptilian) gaze; it is as if the psychopath is directing all of his intensity toward you through his eyes, a sensation that one woman reported as a feeling of "being eaten." They tend to invade peoples' space either by their sudden intrusions or intimidating look-overs (which some women confuse for sexuality.)

The callous use of the old, the lonely, the vulnerable, the disenfranchised, the marginalized, is a trademark of the psychopath and the traveling preacher. When any of the victims wake up to what is happening, they are generally too embarrassed to complain. And those are the kinds of people attracted to this brand of fanatical Christianity promulgated by psychopaths.

One of the chief ways psychopaths prey on others is to make use of the normal person's need to find meaning or purpose in life. They will pose as preachers, grief counselors, or "experts" of various sorts that attract followings of people who are looking for answers. They are masters of recognizing "hang-ups" and self-doubts that most people have, and they will brazenly pander to them to gain a follower to use later.

This is what Sonny was doing, and doing masterfully with the character played by Billy-Bob Thornton.

At the present moment in history, the appeal of the psychopath has never been greater. Movies about psychopaths are all the rage. Hare asks "Why? What accounts for the terrific power that the personality without conscience has over our collective imagination? One theorist proposes that people who admire, believe, or identify with psychopaths, are partly psychopathic themselves. By interacting with a psychopath, even peripherally, they are able to voyeuristically enjoy an inner state not dominated by the constraints of morality such as the kind of ecstatic behavior that is generated and encouraged in such churches. Such people are enabled to enjoy aggressive and sexual pleasures under the guise of "morally correct" behavior.

For normal people, such movies may serve to remind them of the danger and destructiveness of the psychopath. They will shiver with the sense of something cold and dark having breathed on their neck. For others, people with poorly developed inner selves, such movies and glorification of psychopathic behavior only serves as a role model for serious acts of violence and predation against others.

Over and over again we come up against the problem of religion and belief systems that have to be defended against objective evidence or the beliefs of others. We have to ask ourselves "where did these belief systems come from that so evidentially are catastrophic?" And then, we have to think about the fact that now, in the present day, when many of these systems are breaking down and being replaced by others that similarly divert our attention, it becomes necessary to "enforce" a certain mode of thinking. And that is what Psychopaths do best.

Psychopaths dominate and set the standard for behavior in our society. We live in a world based on a psychopathic, energy stealing food chain, because that's just the way things are. Most people are so damaged they no longer have the capacity to even imagine a different system based on a symbiotic network that celebrates creativity and differences.

In mathematics there is something called the "first Law of Construction" posited by George Spencer Brown. It goes:

"Draw a distinction. Call it the first distinction. Call the space in which it is drawn the space severed or cloven by the distinction."

It seems that this law applies as well to societies, cultures and religions. Cultural and intellectual distinctions or divisions are all about creating "meaning" and identity and orientation for the self. Unfortunately, trying to create meaning for the self that is artificial is really an act of creating conflict, intolerance and violence.

The distinction between true and false in religion that is at the root of religious distinctions such as those between Jews and Gentiles, Christians and pagans, Muslims and infidels. Once the distinction has been drawn, once it has been declared that there IS such a division between peoples, then it becomes easier and easier to make more and more distinctions, subdivisions of them, endless permutations.

Tradition ascribes this first distinction between "true and false" in religion to Moses - the first monotheist. That isn't, of course, exactly correct. The first monotheist who attempted to violently impose his distinction on others was Akhenaten. That is probably where "Moses" got the idea. It should be noted that "Moses is a figure of memory but not of history, while Akhenaten is a figure of history but not of memory." Somehow, the two are mixed up together but this is not the place to discuss that. What is important is that the space that has been imbued with this "Mosaic Distinction" - conflict, intolerance and violence - is the space of Western Civilization due to Jewish influence on socio-cultural norms for the past 2000 years. It is not normal, nor has it ever been, but Western society is so inured in it that it is almost impossible to think outside of it.

The Mosaic distinction was a radically new division which dramatically changed the world in which it was drawn. Some scholars refer to Judaism and its initial division as "counter-religion" because it rejected and repudiated everything that went before and considered everything outside of itself to be idolatry and unclean. Instead of ancient polytheism, where the god of one group was "translated" into the equivalent in another group, leading to peaceful relations between societies, Judaism rejected translation and blocked intercultural translatability and instead promoted intercultural estrangement - or submission.

The concept of idolatry and the violent repudiation of it became stronger and stronger during the course of Jewish history. The later the texts, the more abusive the scorn and abominations they heaped on the heads of "idolators." This hatred became mutual and the accused idolators did not fail to retaliate against Jews again and again and again. [cf: Jan Assmann: Moses the Egyptian: The Memory of Egypt in Western Monotheism Harvard Press, 1997]

It is that kind of mind that we are dealing with when we consider such as Euliss "Sonny" Dewey and his ilk, and the millions upon millions of people that follow them and become their armies of hate in the guise of "brotherly love."

Definitely get this movie and watch it for the simple reason that you need to know about psychopaths, how they operate, and how to spot them and you need to teach it to your children.

Besides, it is a darn good movie and VERY well done! I grew up in the deep South and I KNOW people like that; heck, I have some in my family! The film characterizations are brilliant and nothing is exaggerated; it could almost be a documentary!

I'd give it six stars if I could!

Great film, beware defective DVDs.......2007-03-30

This film is just as good as mentioned by most other reviewers. I mean, seriously, can Robert Duval make a bad film? My problem with the DVD of the Collector's Edition, however, is that I have now purchased two copies from two different sellers and neither was recognizable or playable on three different players in my home. I have no explanation for this problem since all of my players are fairly new. If you are interested in obtaining this film, my advice would be to make purchase it only from a reliable seller that will provide a refund or else avoid the "Collector's Edition" version of it.

As real as life.......2007-03-25

What a passion for Christ!

As they say in "The making of the Apostle": Sometimes we didn't know if they were acting or it was real. I don't think there can be a more honest approach to the work of Christian evangelizers in American film history. Simply put, it's a great film, very emotional, very spiritual, and very human. Robert Duvall plays a Texas preacher whose wife cheats on him and fills for divorce. Then she even takes away his church from him (I didn't understand how that happened, though). The course of events sets him on a journey to meet his fate, which is no other than to continue giving out the Word in the holy name of Jesus.

Duvall plays an honest and true Christian preacher, but at the same time a very real man, with his own flaws and temptations. Eliminating the darker side of this man from the story, I think, wouldn't have paid a better tribute to truth, not would it have made a better film. The important thing that comes up here is the honesty (the reality) of Christian worship. There is no mockery of Christians. There is no intention to evangelize either. This is not a Christian film; it is a film about Christians, true Christians, spirit filled followers of Christ.

Even if non believers can't find anything here to move them closer to the Lord, at least they will have an insider's view of a Spirit filled church. So many people are put off by religion, but this is not about religion, as you see in liberal churches, this is the real Thing. All the characters are played superbly. The 2 hours and 10 minutes pass real fast.

The Apostle.......2007-03-24

Love this movie! Is there anything Robert Duvall can't do?! He wrote, directed and starred! He did an incredible job as a fallen charasmatic preacher in this movie. Check out Farrah Fawcett and the great June Carter Cash as his mother!

Average customer rating:

An Interesting Time in History
Interesting Movie
Paul the Apostle
not like the Bible Collection in accuracy at all!
a hybrid

Paul the Apostle
Starring: Johannes Brandrup , Thomas Lockyer , Barbora Bobulova , Ennio Fantastichini , and G.W. Bailey
Director: Roger Young
Manufacturer: Gaiam
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Apocalypse
The Bible Collection
The Bible Series Box Set
Peter & Paul DVD
The Gospel of John

ASIN: B00022LIHU
Release Date: 2004-07-13

Product Description

Director Roger Young (JOSEPH AND JESUS) presents this dramatic television miniseries that recounts the life of Paul (Johannes Brandrup) the Apostle of Jesus Christ. Originally known as Paul of Tarsus, Paul tortured and persecuted Christians until he experienced a vision of Jesus that forever changed his life. After converting to Christianity, Paul suffered persecution and imprisonment, but never stopped trying to spread the teachings of Christ. Notably, this program was shot on location in the Moroccan desert.

Customer Reviews:

An Interesting Time in History.......2007-03-16

I enjoyed this DVD and found it to be pretty accurate over all. Some characters were added to help tell the story but they seemed to fit well.

Interesting Movie.......2007-01-31

The movie is very interesting. Saint Paul is a great Apostle. It is important to know about his life and his experience. I recommend the movie to any one who likes religious movies and anyone who wants to learn from the Saints experience. It gives detail about Saint Paul before he was converted, and it shows how he got converted, but it did not continue after he went to Rome. The movie ended right when he arrived in Rome. I think when he went to Rome, his life there was interesting experience, and it would be nice if there was second part. Overall, it is a good movie, and I think every one needs to view it.

Paul the Apostle.......2007-01-11

The Best Movie I have seen in years!! Moves the heart, makes you know how real Jesus is. This is the kind of movie you watch over and over and over. 3.5 hours of intense interest, definetly NOT BORING! True to scripture.

not like the Bible Collection in accuracy at all!.......2006-09-04

this video is nothing more than artistic license with the Scriptures. My family was amazed at how many points we found in the Scriptures that were DIFFERENT than what was said or acted out in this film. We REALLY enjoy other parts of the Bible Collection films, such as Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, Jeremiah, and Esther. BUT THIS ONE doesn't deserve to be named off with the B.C. set (nor the Sampson one). If you want to see some common yet erroneous doctrines presented, then this film won't bother you. The only part that was continously Biblical was the tension between the political religious parties. All else was corrupted and shoved together incorrectly. Finally, the "artistic license" taken where you see Saul/Paul go from being a wrestler, to the full naked backside of the characters, to a single nude breast of a woman later as her and hubby go to consumate, and the buttocks hanging out of a few others along the way....well, it was embarassing to see such unholy material guized under a holy subject and Biblical atmosphere. Simply put, the story of Saul/Paul was "hollywood-ized" in this film....great liberty was taken, inappropriately. Don't buy if you want Biblical.

a hybrid.......2006-06-27

I bought this movie because I have been reading recent books about the impending takeover of Europe by Muslims, and I wanted to know how that compares with the Christian takeover of the Roman Empire.

Of course, this movie is not concerned with such things. It is a visual-feast, action movie (80%) combined with pushing all the right Christian buttons (20%). There is a nearly-dark 3-second breast shot, however, in this 3-hour movie, so Christian fundamentalists will freak out. Moderate Christians, however, should be able to handle it. (Hmmm... "fundamentalist", "moderate"--where have I heard those terms before?)

The ancient Christian and the present Islamist movements have some things in common. Both involve colonizing the host and taking over from the inside. Both have a propaganda component involving big payoffs to the faithful after death--although the Muslims with their 70-virgin ploy are more specific about what the payoff is. Both use population expansion as a major tactic. Both portray themselves as downtrodden victims. Both operate in secret, although in the case of Muslims, the underground Islamist may be the same physical person as the above-ground moderate Muslim.

However, the Christians used conversion of the leaders to clinch their takeover, whereas Muslims apparently plan to simply vote themselves into power when their numbers are large enough, an option not open to ancient Christians. And the Christians took 300 years to complete their takeover, whereas estimates for a Muslim takeover are in the 50-year range.

Whether thinking about any of this will enhance your experience of this movie, I can't tell; but it should provide some understanding of Muslims who also think that their religion is the one and only true faith.

Average customer rating:

A great work indeed
Psychopathy in Action
Great film, beware defective DVDs
As real as life
The Apostle

The Apostle - Collector's Edition
Starring: Todd Allen , Brother Paul Bagget , Lenore Banks , John Beasley , and Mary Lynette Braxton
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Tender Mercies
Leap of Faith
The Great Santini
Convicts
The Trip to Bountiful

ASIN: 0783227426
Release Date: 1998-08-19

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

A great work indeed.......2007-06-06

Psychopathy in Action.......2007-05-08

Great film, beware defective DVDs.......2007-03-30

As real as life.......2007-03-25

The Apostle.......2007-03-24

The Apostles Collection (The Story of the Twelve Apostles / The Story of Paul the Apostle)

Average customer rating:

Good shows
sounds fishy to me...
Excellent production value
Simply a Powerful Historical Angle
THE MEN WHO MARKETED CHRISTIANITY

The Apostles Collection (The Story of the Twelve Apostles / The Story of Paul the Apostle)
Starring: History Channel
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Documentary | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

Christianity-The First Two Thousand Years
A History of God (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
Mysteries of the Bible 2-pack
Apocalypse - The Puzzle of Revelation (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)
Mysteries of the Bible - The Bible's Greatest Secrets (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives)

ASIN: B000083C47
Release Date: 2003-02-25

Amazon.com

The Story of the Twelve Apostles
This documentary from the History Channel does a fine job examining the lives of the 12 disciples chosen by Christ to carry his teachings to the world. Beginning by providing an historical overview of life in Jerusalem under Roman rule, it goes on to cogently explain the circumstances by which Jesus, having become recognized as a teacher, was able to recruit his apostles. Intelligently handled reenactments provide dramatizations of significant events in the lives of the disciples, and their diverse personalities and individual relationships with Jesus, as well as their lives following the crucifixion, are covered in some depth. Biblical scholars, including university professors and priests, appear throughout in interview segments to offer their insights, and the narration by actor Martin Sheen is understated but always interesting. The issue of separating fact from myth is dealt with at some length, and a discussion of how some accounts of the lives of the apostles came to be judged as the Apocrypha is of particular interest. The Story of the Twelve Apostles is a commendable look at some of history's most intriguing figures, 12 men who were considered outlaws but whose influence is today felt around the world. --Robert J. McNamara

The Story of Paul the Apostle
The impassioned life work of the devout Jew who persecuted Christians until he heard the voice of God is thoroughly examined in this 66-minute History Channel documentary. Drawing on the biblical writings of his friend Luke, his own Epistles, and the meager additional writings of the time, this film begins with Paul's conversion and follows his three decades of traveling missionary work, imprisonment, trials, and eventual martyrdom in Rome. Biblical scholars and historians augment Martin Sheen's narration of this secular look at his life. Lavish illustrations include artwork (stained glass, mosaics, paintings, sculpture), old black-and-white movies, contemporary reenactments, and footage of today's ruins of many of the temples and landmarks where Paul preached from Israel to Turkey to Athens. Always controversial in his day, Paul gets his due here, being credited as the single most influential person in taking Christianity from a fledgling sect to a worldwide church. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews:

Good shows.......2007-01-24

Let's call this what this is, a show to help you understand who the Apostles were without having to sift through the New Testament. Not that the NT isn't a good read. Consider this sort of the Cliff Notes version. It allows you to get into their heads a little more to see the hows and whys of their following Jesus.

sounds fishy to me..........2006-05-09

The Beautiful Savior Jesus Christ who created you and me and alone is capable of forgiving our sins, undoubtedly doesn't want a famous liberal humanist who fights for abortion rights to be narrating anything about His story.

Jesus Is God.
Tell Him you're sorry for sinning,
believe that He can forgive your sins,
and you go to heaven to be with Him forever when you die!!
He took your punishment for you already.
That's what The Bible teaches us :)

PRAISE JESUS!!!
He is the greatest phenomenon to ever cross the horizon of this world.

Excellent production value.......2005-06-14

This A and E production for the History Channel is a summary of the history of the 12 Apostles and of Paul. Martin Sheen's narration makes this a powerful production: he gives the stories presented both flavour and emotion. The visual images are also quite dramatic: panning the location of many of the biblical events were to have occurred, snippets of audiovisual productions telling the Christian story, and artistic works inspired by biblical events.

The only drawback is that the content is not particularly enlightening as the production does not deviate greatly from the four gospels, the Acts, and Paul's letters from the NT. I would agree with the last reviewer: there is no political message in this material: it is merely reciting the historical events during the first century of the church.

Simply a Powerful Historical Angle.......2003-03-28

I completely disagree with Robin E. Simmons (a.k.a. "Top 1000 Reviewer") review of 3/24/03; I believe she has become bias in all her "reviewing"; perhaps you need to slow down Robin. I did not see ANY political or religious bias in this AT ALL - that's what, not only made this fascinating, but very informative. It is raw and it is very powerful; I felt it cuts straight to the heart of the history surrounding the Apostles. It certainly put the flesh on the skeleton for me. Definitely check them out!!

THE MEN WHO MARKETED CHRISTIANITY.......2003-03-25

A two disc set from the History Channel, THE APOSTLES includes "The Story of the Twelve Apostles" and "The Stoy of Paul the Apostle." Narrated by Martin Sheen, it's hard to disassociate the material from his high-profile Catholic and political bias. That said, the material is an OK primer on Jerusalem under Roman rule 2000 years ago and the fascinating identity of the men who promulgated what was to become the Christian religion, now embraced by well over a quarter of the world's population. St. Paul's message was simple: The free gift of God's grace to a broken world that needs healing and that "all are one in Christ." Look around; it's still a volatile message.

Average customer rating:

Watch the Movie and then read the actual account!

Apostle Paul and the Earliest Churches

Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Seven Churches of Revelation Rediscovered
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The Tabernacle

ASIN: B0006OA9D8
Release Date: 2004-11-19

Description

Apostle Paul and the Earliest Churches: Paul in Asia Minor is a brilliant and illuminating production. Beginning with his conversion, it reenacts Paul's missionary journeys on Anatolian soil (modern Turkey).

This brief, 48-minute Christian DVD contains an archaeological treasury: mosaics, frescoes, statues, amphitheaters, agoras, temples and more. The historical, religious, and archaeological background of each Anatolian region in which Paul preached the gospel is explained. Yet Apostle Paul is more than an archaeological or historical survey; this production's reenactment of the miracles Paul performed, the difficulties Paul encountered, and the persecution Paul faced beckons the viewer to experience with the Apostle himself the birth of the Christian church.

The film's archaeological emphasis is enhanced by 3D animated maps and footage of Antioch on the Orontes, Pisidian Antioch, Ephesus, Tarsus, and other cities important to Paul's ministry. Significant artifacts from a variety of Turkish museums are also discussed.

DVD Special Featuers:
- English, Turkish and Arabic language tracks
- Chapter titles for easy scene access
- Study guide in PDF format

Customer Reviews:

Watch the Movie and then read the actual account!.......2007-04-10

A quick guide and fairly accurate guide through most of the New Testament and gives a helicopter view of Paul's journey and ministry during the first century of Christianity. These were the earliest churches and shows the historic and Jewish roots of the Christian faiths that had been suppressed either ignorantly or deliberately. An excellent summary to the new testaments especially for new believers.

Average customer rating:

Great People of Bible: The Apostle Paul
Starring: Narrator Ben Kingsley
Manufacturer: Questar
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Apostle Paul and the Earliest Churches
Great People of Bible: Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, & Joseph
Story of Paul the Apostle
Peter & Paul DVD
Paul: The Emissary-DVD

ASIN: B0000CBXZ0
Release Date: 2003-08-12

Description

Apart from Jesus Himself, no person shaped the history of Christianity like the Apostle Paul. His personal encounter with Jesus Christ changed his life. He channeled his fierce intensity for the gospel. Ben Kinglsey narrates the story of how Paul preached for Christ throughout the Roman Empire on three missionary journeys. Follow in the footsteps of the Apostle to Jerusalem, Antioch, Philippi, Athens, Ephesus, Malta and Rome where he was executed for the faith he once denounced. Extra Feature: First Martys in Rome Christians were denounced everywhere by the Romans because they were such a threat to the Roman establishment. This film tells the story of four martyrs - Clement, Cecilia, Apollonius, and Agnes. Each made the ultimate sacrifice rather than deny their faith. Hosted by Joseph Campanella.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie in spite of History Channel Dramatizations

Story of Paul the Apostle

Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Apostle Paul and the Earliest Churches
Great People of Bible: The Apostle Paul
Paul: The Emissary-DVD
Paul the Apostle
Story of the Twelve Apostles

ASIN: B0000DHFZT
Release Date: 2000-12-01

Description

He was originally a powerful and implacable enemy of Jesus, determined to stop the spread of Christ's message. But then his dramatic conversion changed him and changed the course of history.

From his education in Jerusalem under the Rabbi Gamaliel to his exhortations on behalf of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean, The Story of Paul the Apostle, presented by The History Channel, explores the life and legacy of the greatest missionary of the early church. Theologians reflect on the importance of his upbringing to his success in spreading the Word, and an in-depth analysis of his writings — some of the earliest Christian documents extant — shed light not just on the origins of Christianity, but on the man who helped ensure its survival.

Follow in the footsteps of Paul of Tarsus — The Man Who Turned the World Upside Down.

DVD Features:
Languages: English
Subtitles: None
Viewing Format: Fullscreen
Bonus Material:
Scene Selection

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie in spite of History Channel Dramatizations.......2007-05-16

For those wanting to gain better knowledge about Paul this is a good primer. It would have been a great film if the History Channel's production of it was less...History Channel. Martin Sheen narrates this movie that is part documentary, part history exposition, part speculation.

The film covers Paul's Pharisee origin, his encounter with Christ, his journeys, his controversies with Jews, limited portions of the Epistles and the time he wrote them, and even mentions his controversial death. While I would have appreciated more detail regarding the Epistles, this was decent enough to recommend to folks who have no knowledge of Paul. Biblical scholars could also appreciate this as it mentions Paul's latter years via other historical texts outside of the Holy Bible.

The only reason outside the limited discussion of all Epistles I rate it less than a 5 is because of the History Channel treatment via overdramatizations. The overdramatizations were some of the contemporary images of Paul, some of the music, and "reenactment footage", i.e. Paul being lowered over a wall to safety with the crowd was ready to kill him. All of these things at times detracted from the story. Also, while it is hard to tell any Biblical story sequentially and chronologically, this video made a serious attempt at least keeping the evangelical journeys in order.

Average customer rating:

Paul the Apostle
Starring: Paul the Apostle
Manufacturer: LIVING ARTS
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Description

Where the Passion ends...the story of Paul begins. From the Emmy award-winning director of Joseph and Jesus comes the story of Paul the Apostle. This miniseries chronicles the life of Christ's most prolific messenger. Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was a persecutor of Christians until Jesus came to him in a vision. Forever changed, Paul withstood persecution and imprisonment and with unflagging determination he spread the word of Christ. Beautifully shot in the Moroccan desert, Paul the Apostle is a sweeping saga of a man whose story continues after the Passion of Christ.

Average customer rating:

Paul, Apostle of Grace

Manufacturer: Vision Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Paul the Apostle
Apostle Paul and the Earliest Churches

ASIN: B000DZ7XUW
Release Date: 2005-12-16

Description

Follow the footsteps of the apostle who rocked the Roman Empire to its foundations. Paul's radical gospel of grace lit the fire of the faith that would sweep across Europe and beyond.

This exploration takes you to the actual places Paul visited. Now in modern-day Greece, Turkey, Israel and Italy.

Join pastor and teacher Ron Kelly as he guides you in exploring Paul's message of grace in Jesus Christ and the ancient cities of the Roman Empire where it took root.

Product Description

A Chosen Vessel is a one man dramatization of the life of the Apostle Paul. Set in the dungeon in Rome where he is awaiting execution, we find Paul to be a man of brilliant mind, broad background and unquenchable faith. Drawn largely from the Book of Acts and Paul's epistles, this production stresses the turning points of Paul's memorable life history and the connection between his Jewish heritage and Messianic message he embraced.

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