In God's Name


YouTube link

IN GOD'S NAME, a CBS primetime special produced in association with the acclaimed French filmmakers Jules and Gedeon Naudet ("9/11"), will explore the complex questions of our time through the intimate thoughts and beliefs of 12 of the world's most influential spiritual leaders.

This looks like a very interesting documentary which will ask 12 religious leaders from all around the globe about killing in God's name. Oddly, nobody from South America was in the trailer, I wonder why. It airs Sunday night on CBS at 9p. The trailer states that the 12 leaders have combined, approximately 5 billion followers.

The film is by Gedeon and Jules Naudet, brothers who were filming a documentary on the NYFD when 9/11 happened. They were caught in the middle of it all and each thought the other may have died. As a result of that day, they created this film in search of answers. Primarily, "Where was God that day?"

The big guns in the film in alphabetical order:
Alexei II, Patriarch of Moscow and head of the Russian Orthodox Church
Amma (Mata Amritanandamayi), a Hindu spiritual leader
Pope Benedict XVI, head of the Roman Catholic Church
The 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso), spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists
Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah, a prominent Shi'ite Muslim leader
Bishop Mark Hanson, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and President of the Lutheran World Federation
• Michihisa Kitashirakawa, Jingu Daiguji (High Priest) of the Shinto Grand Shrine of Ise
Yona Metzger, Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel
• Dr. Frank Page, President of the Southern Baptist Convention
Muhammad Sayyed Tantawi, Sheikh of Al-Azhar and a prominent Sunni Muslim leader
• Joginder Singh Vedanti, Jathedar of the Akal Takht, the Sikhs' highest authority
Dr. Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Church of England

via State of the Art

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10 Comments on “In God's Name”

  1. luis Says:

    You forgot the religious Leaders of the American Indian. Your documentary is incomplete. Remember NY was originally Native, as it will be in the end.

  2. David Says:

    Before we can attempt to know the who or whys of God one must understand who God is. Because one claims to be religous or even has a brilliant mind, does not prove they have the knowledge of God. The question to be asked is, at what distance will secular man travel to measure who God is. God is not just a great idea, image, or thought of higher thinking. Until you know God, you cannot understand His ways. You see, His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are greater than our thoughts. Who can know the mind to God. This is the truth of God about man. And its very clear, Proverbs 14:12 says ; There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
    You see everyone believes in some god, even themselves. But are we smart enough to challenge Gods wisdom. All man will die, none have escaped that truth. In what god will you place your life …

  3. Kim Says:

    I am watching the special and I noticed there are no black spiritual leaders. Why is that. I feel that you are not supplying us with all of the views. Being a Black American, I would like to here views from our church. Don't get me wrong, I am enjoying the show as well as learning from all of the curches. It is informative, but I would like to hear from a Black American standpoint.

    Thank you in advance and God bless America

    Kim B

  4. Mike O. Says:

    Absolute blasphemy. Once again, the crimes against humanity perpetrated by man himself laid at the feet of the “unjust, uncaring” Almighty. Men of all nations are given the choice of free will by a just God. This is not in debate. Any one of us can pick a sharp object and choose to kill the next person we come across. This is not the will of God. Let us not throw reason and common sense out the window in the name of humanism. If we are also to include pagans where is the church of Satan? After all they do consider Satan the true and just God. Or is that a bit much for joe six pack and his lot? Let us include them in this thinly veiled attack on our creator. Inclusiveness is the order of the day. Whether you worship the sun, idols or animals these are all valid no? While believing our selves wise we once again proclaim we are fools.

  5. Mr. Singh Says:

    This documentaries’ prime focus was to open the eyes of many of our close minded fellow Americans. It spoke on a grass roots level of every large religion across the globe in an attempt to paint a larger picture. We very seldom here about any other faith in the American media besides Christianity, Judaism, & Islam. I must say it was a fresh breath of air to have this televised nationally. As a proud Sikh American, I feel everyone’s story must be heard and will be. These are the stepping stones on what this nation was made for.
    Respect & God Bless

  6. PJorgensen Says:

    Fabulous. So helpful – completely enlightening- How do we get a copy?

  7. pacal Says:

    fantastic documentary. the only 4 questions i have about it is: 1.where was the representation and voice of any Native American spiritualities?(Canada, USA, Mexico, Central A, or South A.)
    2. where was the representation and voice of any African spiritualities?
    3. where was the representation and voice of Earth-centered "pagan" spiritualities? (not the same as 'satanic' stuff)
    4. and last but not least, when will this show air again? would really like to see it again and make sure others see it who didn't get a chance to.
    as a 'pagan' Native American persun (Mexican-American, Apache, Yaqui) may you all walk softly upon these grounds and leave no mess behind you, and above all else, be good to one another.
    Pacal Barraza

  8. Cory Says:

    For those that question why there weren't any Native Americans or African leaders the brothers clearly state they chose the 12 religions with the highest number of followers. Can you imagine if they included every religion just so certain people wouldn't feel left out? I wish some people would see beyond the man/woman ratio, lack of blacks, etc. That is so superficial. You are so busy worried about representation that you are missing the point of this special. Listen to the message that came across. Open your mind and see beyond yourself!

  9. pacal barraza Says:

    no Corey, you are obviously missing the point. and until you 'get it' ,
    racism still exists loud and clear, here in 2008.

  10. ULC Says:

    Very interesting article. Well done commentary.

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