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02/26/07
Contact: Dane Rose, 202-546-8329 ext 106, 703-447-1072 cell, DaneRose@FaithAndAction.org;
Rev. Rob Schenck, 703-447-7686 cell; both with Faith and Action
WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 /Christian
Newswire/ -- National Clergy Council president, the Reverend Rob Schenck
(pronounced SHANK) issued this statement following a press conference that announced
a new documentary claiming proof against the Resurrection of Jesus Christ:
"Today, Hollywood director James Cameron, whose claim to fame is a fictionalized
account of the sinking of the Titanic, unveiled a documentary claiming a coffin
found in Jerusalem 27 years ago once contained the remains of Jesus Christ. Cameron
employed archaeologists and DNA experts to bolster his assertion Jesus was buried
along with his mother Mary, Mary Magdalene and a supposed son, Judah.
"Over the years, Hollywood has attacked and mocked Christianity, providing
only negative portrayals of people of faith. It has produced films that undermine
moral culture. Hollywood's production of 'The Da Vinci Code' sensationalized a
conspiracy theory that the Catholic Church engaged in a cover up of the real story
of Jesus operating in the manner of a crime syndicate.
"According to Cameron, his film is no mere speculation, but historical
fact. By claiming the remains of Jesus returned to dust along with other members
of his family, the Hollywood filmmaker is denying the divinity of the Son of God
and his victory over death. Cameron clearly intended to drive a stake into the
heart of Christianity, since without the Resurrection, Jesus was only a mortal
man.
"Media outlets should exercise restraint in reporting Cameron's Hollywood
fiction masquerading as scientific fact. All of Jesus' contemporaries recorded
Christ rose after being dead for three days and ascended into Heaven. For 2,000
years people of faith along and countless scholars have pored over the Scriptures,
confirming their veracity. A Hollywood director is the least qualified to render
any determination of Biblical truth. Not only so, but the people Mr. Cameron has
partnered with completely lack credibility. One has been discredited by experts
as a charlatan. This is nothing more than a modern day circus sideshow. At best
it is pure presumption. At worst, it is pure chicanery."
Rev. Schenck holds degrees in Bible and Theology, Christian Ministry and
has completed additional postgraduate work in Christian History.
He is Chairman of the Committee on Church and Society for the Evangelical
Church Alliance and President of the National Clergy Council in Washington, DC.
Rev. Schenck has traveled numerous times to Israel, meeting with officials
in the Israeli Department of Antiquities. He recently took part in a private meeting
with the Israeli Minister of Tourism to discuss matters of concern to church leaders
in the United States.
Rev. Schenck is available for further comment through his assistant,
Dane rose, at 202- 546-8329, ext. 106, (703) 447-1072 or via email at DaneRose@FaithAndAction.org
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