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.

[Semper Paratus]

If the networks had any stones they would do a series of Muhammad as a misguided rug peddler.

[LibertyAndJusticeForAll]

They wouldn't dare offend anyone else, just Christians.

[GrandEagle]

Vargas said ABC had not found any proof as to whether Jesus had a wife, but could not completely discount the theory either.
Now THERE is a suprise! /sarcasm..

[Arpege92]

Offend Muslims? Never....it's the Christians they love to target!

Muhammad as a misguided rug peddler? Funny....but how about Muhammad as a misguided female who fools everyone into thinking she is actually a he? ;-}

[GrandEagle]

They wouldn't dare offend anyone else, just Christians.
AWWW come on now. Aren't they the "tolerant" ones? /sarcasm - again.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

I believe this comes from the Coptic gospels which the R.C. Church removed around 300 A.D..
I've heard about Christ having children before, but it's merely interesting theory.
However, since Christ was known as 'Rabbi', a term usually indicating one who had 'settled down' in life.

I really don't understand why it would make a difference one way or the other.

[Marysecretary]

And as a pedophile! But will they? Nope. Only Christianity has the pleasure of being trashed these days.

[dyed_in_the_wool]

Posted here http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1011814/posts

[boomop1]

These people are in bed with Satan.

[Fudd]

How about moho as a raging epileptic pedophile who invents a religion to satisfy the voices he hears in his head?

[GSWarrior]

I would not be surprised to see a sit-com about the life of Jesus. Ted McGinley as Christ, Markie Post as Mary.....we just need a name for the series.

[Callahan]

My TV movie pitch has Muhammed (played by Ron Jeremy)working as a NY cabbie. It's called "Terror Taxi."

[iranger]

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

This passes for logic at ABC. If I extrapolate it, i can say I can't find any proof that Michael Eisner is a necrophiliac, but I can't discount the theory either.

[exmarine]

More blasphemy from the anti-Christian bigots in Hollyweird... God will punish the wicked.

[Dubh_Ghlase]

Don't many of the "Royals" throughout Europe and the UK (Old monarchys) believe they are decendants of Christ (Royal blood, holy lineage)? Preserved and protected by the Knights Templar or some other secret group? Seems I've heard that one surface more than once....

[Arpege92]

LOL....is it voices he hears in his head or could he have a split personality?

[maestro]

Islam/Muslims have the free right to kill/murder those who proselyte them.....?

(Islam/Muslim has a tax supported ACLU/U.N. heaven?)

/sarcsam

[Ogmios]

Why would the fact that Jesus was possibly married upset anyone, besides Catholic Priests of course?

What is the problem with it, it just shows that God coming as human wished to experience all of life as a human being.

What's the big deal? He's still the son of God, right? He's still your Savior, right?

So, what are some of you getting all upset about?

[PatriotCJC]

There are some interesting figures in the "Last supper" by Leonardo. The person to the right of Jesus is a female. You will notice that they have the same robes on but inverted colors the two figures outline a "M". There is discussion that Leonardo was a follower of a cult of the Baptist John and they believed that Jesus was married to Mary. One of the apocrypha describes Mary as Jesus' closest disciple and walked with him ahead of all others.