Description

Steve Murray’s new book "Reiki the Ultimate Guide Learn Sacred Symbols & Attunements plus Reiki Secrets You Should Know," is now on Amazon. In the 300 page book, he devotes one chapter to Contacting Spirits and Angels.

Spirits are Angels and People who have died and crossed over to the other side. In a Spiritual Vision, Steve Murray was asked to teach people how to contact spirits to receive guidance, messages, healing and closure for their highest good. The outcome of this Spiritual Vision is a powerful, remarkable and significant video program that shows you step-by-step how to contact spirits for your highest good. You will soon reaffirm or discover that you are not alone in this world.

Video Includes:
-Complete instructions on how to prepare for spiritual connections
-A step-by step guide on how to contact spirits
-A spirit channeled prayer/meditation to open your spiritual awareness

YOU WILL ALSO LEARN:
-What are spirits-What is a spiritual connection-Why contact spirits-How spirits communicate-What to expect when contacting spirits-How messages and answers are sent-How to receive an understanding of them-How to ask for a certain spirit-Increased awareness-Spirit personalities-Group spiritual connections-How to contact pet spirits-and more

Steve Murray is an Usui Reiki Master, Tibetan Karuna Reiki® Master,Essene Healer and a Spiritualist. He has authored several books and has a successful series of 24self-help & healing video & DVD programs including five Reiki Attunements ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I love all the Programs
I have bought most of Steve Murray's videos, dvds and books. And love them all. His new Reiki book is one of the best, if not the best. His programs have made Reiki available for everyone
Maria Von

Very Good Video
I have been contacting the other side for many years, and I just wanted to see the content of this video. I was surprised to find it very good. I will recommend it for people that want to learn for themselves how to contact the other side without a medium.

Like anything else, people will have different levels of contact and it always will vary each session. But the basic techniques are in this video.

One warning from my own expereince. Another review mentions clouds and Mr. Murray talking in the background, although only a small segment of the video, it is an important part. It is a protection, clearing meditation (prayer)that should be done before you contact the other side. If you do not do this one, Please do your own.

Excellent Program
I thought the program was excellent. It was easy to follow and the production was good. I had to watch it a few times before I did a session. I did get a few small signs my first two sessions. But,in my third I had a profound experience and received information that was helpful and soothing. I do not plan on contacting the other side for a while. I have found out what I needed for now.

Dissappointed
I was very dissappointed in this video. I thought very long and carefully before deciding to purchase it as I had read many wonderful reviews of Steve Murray's videos. But to be honest, it was like reading a paragraph of info on a blue screen with clouds and then Steve Murray comes on and asks you to touch your forehead while he says a few words. That is basically what it boils down to...

Why Pay TV Psychics Big Bucks, You Too Have the Gift!!
I am going to recommend this video, but please bear a moment as I explain why. One reason is that the gift to communicate and have a relationship with our Spirit Guides, Angel Guides as well as our Ancestors is a God given gift, and as everything that God gives, he does so freely.

As a Santero Priest of the orisha Ochun, as well a Medium Spiritist "Espiritista" I know that "the gift of Spirit Communication is a Gift given freely to humanity. So then why are so many people paying Psychics from $200.00 to $500.00 for a 10 to 20 minute sitting just to communicate with there crossed over loved ones or there Ancestral Guides.

An acutance of mine had purchased this video and since he knows I am a practicing Medium, he asked me to give him my opinion on it. Though there are similarities in American Spiritism and Latino Espiritismo, there are many differences as well. This is defiantly not Latino Espiritismo, but it is an excellent starting point, not just for Spiritism or for Psychics for that matter. But for any one of any religious back ground who has a deep yearning to have a continual relationship with their departed loved ones as well as having a relationship with their Spirit and Angelic Guides. I recommend it ... Read more

Description

The fate of the lost Ark of the Covenant is perhaps the greatest historical mystery of all time. The gold box built to carry the holy Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai, the powerful vessel God used to lay waste to entire cities and destroy armies...the holy relic with unspeakable power suddenly and mysteriously disappears from recorded history.

Explorers and archeologists have given their lives to find the ark and nations, kings and rulers have all sought to possess it for themselves. Some believe that if it could be found, they could possess its great power, and others believe that if it was discovered it would set in motion a chain of prophetic events that would bring about the end of the world.

Biblical explorer Bob Cornuke embarks on his greatest adventure yet..searching for the lost ark. He'll take you with him to the Holy Land, to sacred islands, ancient and mysterious stone cities, and to a devout group of monks who claim they now possess the lost ark.

This video contains an exclusive interview with Graham Hancock, best selling author of The Sign and The Seal, and reveals startling new information as to the exact location of the ark and photographic evidence that has never before been seen by the world.

Like a detective story, history opens up its hidden secrets to reveal a stunning trail of evidence that unlocks a mystery as old as time itself.

With exclusive footage from Israel, Egypt, Ethiopia and England and guidance from scholars and researchers worldwide, you can piece together your own puzzle and solve for yourself The Mystery of the Ark of the Covenant. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Tell Zola Levitt to watch this
I've reviewed Cornuke's book, now the video.

Narrated by "Raider's of the Lost Ark"'s John Rhys-Davies (Sallah), this impressive video takes a look at the possibility (some would argue probability) that indeed the Ark of the Coevenant does reside in a fortress church in Axum,Ethiopia.

The video is of high quality for a documentary investigation. The scenes of the stone churches of Lalibella were awesome and the trip to the remote island of Tana Kirkos made me want to find the next flight to Addis Ababa.

Don't expect to see the Ark, that's just not going to happen. The objects that were shown however would rock the world if they were found in Israel. The silver trumpets, meat forks, the gomer and stand if found today in Israel would absolutely eclipse the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ossuaries of Caiaphas and James.

So why does the world dismiss Ethiopia as the location of the most holy sacred object ever? You'll have to answer that for yourself.

My only complaint is the video has relatively little scripture for references. I can suggest the "Seat of Mercy" ... ... Read more

Description

With more than 3,000 years of history, Jerusalem is mentioned an astonishing 800 times in the Bible, and prophesied to play a key role in world destiny.Many of these prophecies have already come to pass, with some yet to be fulfilled.This video shows how the current peace process is fraught with peril, why it is impossible for Jerusalem to know true peace in our age, how the Antichrist will lead the world's armies to destroy Israel, the truth about the Vatican's intentions, and the Palestinian myth.It powerfully corrects much of "the misinformation and propaganda" aggressively advanced by the world media and others. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

ISRAEL, ISLAM, AND ARMAGAGEDDON
I am saddened after watching this video knowing that a man has to slander a religion in order to promote his own religion at the same time. It is a shame that people will watch this video and come across the verses of the Koran he mentioned and actually confirm it as truth, and then label Islam and Muslims as potential terrorists.

Hunt says that Muslims pray to Allah, the hater of Jews and the moon god. His tone is lowered when he says it because he knows it's not true. The name Allah means The God, and before Islam, the Pagans worshipped 365 gods, and labeled Allah as one of them. As for the Jews, Allah does not hate them, but hates one that abuses and kills his Prophets. Historically, the Jews have fit that description. The Koran is just a warning to the Jews of today.The Prophet himself customarily responded to the calls of the Jews and visited their sick. He visited a Jew who was on his deathbed and even stood in respect for a dead Jew being carried through the town.

He says that the prophet Muhammad saw made a peace teaty with the Meccans and then 2 years later came to Mecca and slaughtered the men. The holy Prophet and his followers suffered all kinds of injuries and persecution at Mecca for thirteen long years. The Meccans having failed in their plot to kill the Prophet, pursued the Muslims to eliminate them. God then permitted the believers to fight the aggressors in order to end persecution and to defend their rights. The Muslims made a treaty with the Meccans for 10 years, but the Meccans broke it, which led to the Muslims taking over Mecca, without 1 person being killed.

He mentions a few verses from the Koran, one of them says that Muslims are not to take Christians or Jews as friends. The word friends should be translated as protectors and it is only during a time of war. Christians are known in Islam as the people of the book and are said to be the closest to Muslims. It is also lawful for a Muslim man to marry a Jew or a Christian and for a Muslim woman to do the same thing in some Muslim countries like Tunisia.

As for the verses that say to kill non-believers wherever you find them, a war is not to be fought with kid gloves. What I mean is that during a war, and just wars have to be fought, you must fight the enemy with every strategy. Just ask the United States army how much a person should be prepared. The Koran is giving military directions when it says to chop the finger tips of the idolaters who were carrying swords. Would anyone be upset if American soldiers chopped off the finger tips of the Nazis?

As I have said, a just war must be fought, but it must not include the killing of innocents as the Koran says [17:33] "nor take life - which Allah has made sacred - except for a just cause." It is a pity that Palestinians are being killed under false justifications and when they fight back, they are branded as terrorists. Yes, they have used suicide bombing, but would they do so if they had their own sovereignty?

(...)

Extremely disturbing yet truthful.
This video is very accurate in the prejudice attitude of the world against israel, and the world is blatantly pro arab as this video proves. This video proves everything I have been observing: muslims killing non-religious muslims, and pretty much anyone else who isn't strongly for the koran.Reports on television of fathers murdering their daughters for dating non muslims, etc. This movie shows the reasons why all this happens.

There is nothing in the muslim religion that is just, !!and I have spoken to many arabs living in jewish areas that converted as they understood what their religion really stood for!!. And they have told me many stories about how the religion is basically a rip off of jewdaism but with cruel, twisted insights. Example: Halal meat is when you kill an animal, by hitting it on the neck with a dull knife three times and lifting it up into the air as it dies and saying this animal's suffering is for you allah. Compared to jewish Kosher meat where the animal is killed in a specific way so it doesn't suffer.

I invite you to visit http://ipnews.planetgac.com/

I'm sorry to say this, but after seeing this, all my opinions were confirmed, and I will never trust, hire, work with another muslim ever again as it is his DUTY to murder me as a muslim, and if he doesn't, then he is not being faithful to his religion.

I also want to point you to the fact that the muslim that reviewed this video a 1 star, conveniently left out the part of his duty as a muslim to murder all else.

UPDATE:
I have downloaded the Quran and started reading it, and yes, I confirm all the quotes from this video to be true, Jerusalem is not mentioned in the quran once, and out of just over 4000 lines of text which is the entire koran, over 180 lines have one of the following words: kill/murder/destroy/slay.

I would also like to say, this video is biased, but biased for a good reason, and although there are some views on the video that I do not agree on, they are still nothing but views and the video tries to stick to the facts.

THE TRUE WORD OF GOD read the bible and see yourself
THIS VIDEOS CONTAINS ACCURATE PORTRAYALS AND IS A MUST SEE FOR ANYONE WHO HAS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WORLD WE ARE LIVING IN. IT IS THE WORD OF GOD TOLD FROM THE VERY BEGINNING UP UNTIL NOW. AFTER YOU REVIEW THIS VIDEO YOU WILL NOT BE DECEIVED BY AGGRESSIVE WORLD MEDIA. OBJECTIVE, UNBIASED, AND IMPARTIAL...ANYONE AND I DO MEAN ANYONE WITH A RATIONAL THINKING PATTERN WILL BE ABLE TO DISCERN THE TRUTH FOR THEMSELVES! DO NOT BE FOOLED! DAVE HUNT EXPLAINS THE TRUTH BEHIND THE REAL INTENTION OF ISLAM, THE ROLE OF ANTI-SEMITISM, AND THE DEEDS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST COMPLETE VIDEO EVER MADE ABOUT RELIGION IN GENERAL. THE TIME IS COMING AND LET THE TRUTH BE TOLD!

A must see
This video is a MUST SEE! Dave Hunt does a great job on this one. SOOOOOO much information...you'll have to see it over and over!~excellent

Consistent with the facts
I have been given a lot of one-sided information about the conflict between Israel and Arab, and the Catholic Church. This video helped me a lot to see the fact from another side. With my own research on the matter, I find more consistency in this video with the facts than in different opinions. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

See for your Self
Generally, i wouldn't bother to review a video, but this is something really special. Here is very rare film footage and great still photos of a truly great modern spiritual Master. It also includes readings from his works and comments from devotees and admirers, some of whom actually spent time with him in person. Ramana Maharshi knew who he was and tirelessly helped others find their way there too. What could possibly be more valuable to any of us than to know our true identity; to know who and what we really are; to know our oneness with the eternal Self of all? If this video brings you one step closer to That, it will indeed be time and money well invested. (and if you like this kind of thing, another GREAT video is the story of Nisargadatta Maharaj, "Awaken to the Eternal")

self
the video is a good way to understand about this saintly man. I was moved at the video footage of Ramana. Baba Ram Das serving as the host, nothing is more fitting. It is Touching to hear him speak is love for this beautiful man. Knowone could have done a better job. It was very moving and I cried a few times at the beauty of this saint.

Abide As the Self: The Essential teachings of Ramana Maharsh
If you have been exposed to his words then you will want to see him on video. The video gives a glimpse of the life of this rare being from his simple beginnings to his final days. We hear commentary from those who were with him during his life, and those interested in him today. How much can be said about Ramana Maharshi? One needs to experience this being in every way and this video is one of them. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

almost....
I loved this video,but i implore everyone who's seen it to watch 'The Exodus revealed'to see where the real red sea crossing took place.Both videos agree on the true location of Mt Sinai but the latter shows another land bridge north of this one surrounded by submerged chariot wheels-incredible!So if you put both videos together you will get the complete truth.

Our Favorite Favorite Biblical Documentary!
How do you get your elementary school kids to sit through a documentary about how we can believe the Bible? This show is more like a detective story with a middle-eastern flair! You may need to discuss with your kids that the explorers did use deception to get into the country (not very easy). But except for that blemish, the documentary is a very high quailty production, and interesting. My kids were so excited about the video that they 1) Begged Grandma to watch it, 2)Wrote a letter to Cornuke & Williams, and 3) Love playing the board game, "THE LOST MOUNTAIN OF GOD" based on this video. Watch after reviewing the story of Moses and the Exodus. Keep a globe or world map handy for some geographical references. Family education/entertainment with a message that God is awesome and the Bible is true!

Mr "anti-T.V" says SEE THIS!
Simply put, this is something that should be seen by all people of faith. The bible comes alive, under the feet of a couple of guys with a camcorder, maps and a bible.

It'll blow your youth group away.

Hair Raising, Spine Tingling Fingerprint of God
This video will put you in awe of God's power. To actually see with your eyes the place where God came down and met with Moses is absolutely amazing! The evidence is so powerful that you know only God could have done it. I was so inspired that I went to the USGS website and bought two declassified spy photos that show the charred top of one of earths holiest sites.

Proof Positive Of Our Mighty God
If you only have a flicker of faith, this video will set you on fire. Thank God for these brave men who risked their lives to obtain this footage. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Islam: Empire of Faith is the epic PBS documentary that charts the history of Islam from its beginnings in Mecca and Medina in the seventh century to the glory of the Ottoman Empire 1,000 years later.

The demonization of Islam by the West has a long history, stretching back to the First Crusade at the end of the 11th century. This documentary redresses the balance by showing the riches of Islamic culture and the vital role played by Islam in preserving and building upon ancient wisdom from East and West at a time when most of Europe was stumbling through the Dark Ages. Muslim physicians, mathematicians, and astronomers stretched the boundaries of human knowledge, and Muslim architects created some of the most beautiful buildings in the world.

Islam also offers fascinating insights into key personalities, from Muhammad himself--a simple merchant whose vision of a single deity forged warring tribes into a nation--to great conquerors such as Mehmed and Suleyman, who presided over an empire that stretched from Spain to India. The faith itself is clearly explained, and interviews with historians and religious scholars bring home both its simplicity and the way that it survived huge cultural changes (like the Mongol invasions of the 13th century) to emerge stronger than ever. Islam has often been misunderstood in the West, but this splendid documentary helps to set the record straight. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (77)

Excellent but incomplete
First, the good news: ISLAM: EMPIRE OF FAITH does an apparently excellent job of what it sets out to do, which is to show the rise, spread, and maturing strength of Islamic faith and culture. It is wonderfully documented and illustrated, giving the viewer a sense of "being there," thereby engendering a true appreciation for these societies and their historical development. If for no other reason than viewing the many pieces of Muselim art and architecture, and being confronted with the intellectual accomplishments of Muslim culture, these videos are worth their price.

Now the less-than-good news: The omissions and incompleteness of the presentation make it almost appear to have been produced for the purpose of trumpeting the superiority of Muslim society over all others. First of all, the small and select group of scholarly commentators and brevity of comments excludes any debate about the relative value of the events and ideas presented and/or other possible interpretations. Secondly, this presentation shows an all-too-obvious condescending attitude toward medieval "Christian" Europe and its "Dark Ages," which were not nearly so long as is often supposed. At the same time, it only very softly admits the fact that Islam was spread primarily by warfare for several centuries, while harshly criticizing the Christian Crusaders who attacked Islamic strongholds intermittently for nearly two centuries.

Thirdly, while concluding the presentation at the height of Ottoman power in Asia and Europe shows a glorious point of culmination of Islam as an empire, it fails to address some important questions: It fails to answer why the Ottomans in particular and Islamic civilization in general fell into extended cultural decline by the late sixteenth century--just when several Western European nations were expanding in strength and commerce. As a result, it fails to address the question of what can happen within a religious group during a period of decline, as has been the case with every religion at some points in time. Finally, it fails to connect the glorious cultural past of Islam to its developments in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, which would be very helpful to modern viewers. But then again, perhaps these matters were beyond the range of the project.

So . . . this is an excellent and helpful video for what it does, but it desperately needs a sequel.

a splendid overview
This is a well made series of three forty-minute films charting the history of Islam from the time of Mahomet to the early Ottoman Empire (in the 17th century). It dispels many myths, and shows that at a time when Christendom was in the Dark Ages, the Sufis were disseminating knowledge throughout Islam from the House of Wisdom in Baghdad. The West owes many things to the Sufi cultivation of knowledge - mathematics, anatomy, optics, the scientific method (borrowed by Roger Bacon), quarantine (and the hospital), cataract surgery, paper, and the Greek Classical texts that kick-started the Renaissance.

In the Moorish Empire in Spain, Cordoba was the glory of the world by the time of the Norman conquest. It had running water and a sewage system, as well as libraries full of books when Christian monasteries were proud to have half a dozen.

The documentary includes footage of several stunning mosques including that of Cordoba and the beautiful Alhambra. It is a revelation for anyone brought up in a country where the only mention of Islam is the Crusaders' attacks upon Palestine. Or the misapprehension that women are forced to wear veils in all Muslim cultures.

Ben Kingsley narrates, and historical scenes are well recreated. In the present anti-Muslim climate this is a good teaching aid. Excellent!

Dumb, dumb, dumb!
Since this video was created by an Islamic charitable organization currently being investigated by the U.S. gov't, I decided to watch it.
It's very a amateurish production. The copyright is 1995 but the graphics look like something from 1985. The interviews are rather dull. Hakeem Olajuwon, basketball player, tells us in a monotone voice that Islam is the answer to America's problems --- however he does not elaborate on exactly what America's problems are or how Islam will solve them. A Catholic nun who converted to Islam talks about women's rights in Islam. She tells us that when she walks down the street in her headscarf, "nobody bothers me!" (as if men bothering women has anything to do with what women are wearing -- it certainly doesn't in Saudi Arabia where women are forced to cover up from head to toe in black tent-like garments, and yet the police still have to round up groups of men and flog them for harrassing women). She also says that "30 years ago" women in the West decided to demand their rights (although the first Women's Rights Convention in America was in Seneca Falls, NY, 1848) while Islamic women were given rights many centuries ago. This too is a fallacy considering that Jesus placed no special restrictions upon Christian women, but Mohammad placed many, many restrictions upon Muslim women. She seems a little confused about the distinction between rights given by a religion and rights given by a government entity. Take a look at the daily lives of women in Islamic countries versus women in Western countries and you can easily see who has rights and who doesn't. John Esposito also gives an interview although nothing he said was particularly memorable. An Islamic cleric halting admits that "there are some problems in Islamic nations." The entire video comes off as a "why my religion is better than your religion" sermon --- and fails miserably. It probably would not be too difficult to find a better video on Islam.

UP IN FLAMES
The producers of this one-sided documentary would like to have us think that medieval Muslims were completely open-minded thinkers as opposed to their European counterparts, who are made out to look like fanatical, ignorant barbarians here. This concept could not be farther from the truth. But what I found particulary annoying was that a great part of this politically correct program was spent on Islam's "contribution" to preserving Greek learning, yet nothing (I mean zero, nada) was ever mentioned about the destruction of the great Alexandrian Library by Arab invaders in the 7th century. Anything stored in there that was considered by Muslim zealots as having been remotely heretical against the newly-founded religion was put to the torch. For example, of the 70 or so plays written by the Greek playwright Aeschylus, all of which were housed in the library, only 7 survived the fire. Only 18 of Euripides' 92 plays are available to us today, thanks to Muslim conquerors, and, again, only 7 out of 113 by Sophocles! And just how bad was the damage? Well, to quote Carl Sagan on the subject: "It is a little as if the only surviving works of a man named William Shakespeare were CORIOLANUS and A WINTER'S TALE, but we had heard that he had written certain other plays, unknown to us but apparently prized in his time, works entitled HAMLET, MACBETH, JULIUS CAESAR, KING LEAR, A MIDSUMMER'S NIGHT DREAM, and ROMEO AND JULIET."

But wait, those were only the works of heathen playwrights that were incinerated. Medieval Muslims were great scientific thinkers who wanted to discover the mysteries of the universe. Certainly they would never have done away with the studies of other great scientists, even if they were "infidels", right? Not so. Also destroyed in the fire were most of the works by the ancient astronomer Aristarchus, who taught (many centuries before the word Muslim was even conceived) that the sun did not revolve around the earth, but vice versa.

Perhaps it's best not to know exactly what else was forever lost in the destruction of the Alexandrian Library. Simply writing this review is giving me a knot in my stomach. But however painful history may be to take at times, I believe it's a responsible historian's duty to teach the public the truth and not be one-sided so as not to upset the group of people who may be the main focus of the topic. By the way, the 2 stars are for the little extra bonus documentary on Islamic architecture, which I think was beautifully photographed. Peace, bro.

Quite good and quite biased
First the good. This DVD is incredibly beautiful and Kingsley's voice is absolutely marvelous, he should narrate more documentaries. The grand sweep of Islamic history is presented in a succinct and eloquent manner, with accompanying visuals that are captivating. The story begins in the 6th century CE with the message of Muhammad's strict monotheism. Struggling to gain a foothold in Arabia, he eventually is victorious, conquers Mecca and gains thousands of followers. In one of the most spectacular rises of civilization in the history of man, Islam spreads its faith for thousands of miles from Western Europe to Central Asia. Muhammad's message is simple and profound, he unites the various Arab tribes into one cohesive group under the banner of one God, smashing idols and reciting God's words along the way. Muhammad co-opted one of the greatest innovations of man: the immense power of monotheism and its ability to unite disparate groups of people under a common polity and society. The new Arabic empire spreads rapidly throughout the peninsula, the Levant, Egypt, the Maghrib, Spain, Persia.

There is absolutely no doubt that Islamic civilization during the Middle Ages was spectacular, rich, and more advanced than European civilization. They preserved Greek philosophy and expanded upon it, developed geometry and discovered trigonometry, and adapted Indian numerals to a decimal system, greatly advancing mathematics. Art and architecture under the empire was simply stunning, breathtakingly beautiful. Muslims also developed an anatomy that was used for centuries afterward by Europe, discovered inoculation and formed the precursor to modern hospitals. The Islamic empire was so rich and powerful it became a great threat to Christian Europe, who responded with the Crusades. Over one hundred years of conflict ensues in the Levant, until Saladin re-conquers and ends the Crusading campaigns. The account of the Crusades is short, and not historically complete. It is also quite biased in its presentation of details.

The rise and spread of the Ottoman Empire is narrated in the third installment. Their power, spread into Europe, their great architecture, and their antagonism with the Iranian Safavid Empire are all included. By far the best part of this DVD is its telling of the life of Suleyman the Magnificent. He was certainly an extraordinary ruler and he receives his due attention in this documentary.

Now the bad. This production is quite biased, sometimes subtly in its choice of pictures, other times not so subtly in its choice of language. What you will not hear about is the gruesome nature of the Arabic conquest. While, according to this documentary the Muslims were led by a noble faith in God, the truth is many people were slaughtered in the conquests. Many thousands of Zoroastrian Persians were slaughtered; the People of the Book (Jews and Christians) were allowed to maintain their faith, but were subject to a special Muslim toll tax that did not apply to Muslims. They also were not allowed to proselytize, and their legal testimony was not as valid as their Muslim overlords. Many people were given only three options: conversion, death, or slavery. All peoples have conquered and slaughtered the Other; neither Muslims nor Christians are exempt from such behavior. Nonetheless, some Christians received more toleration than they had had under the Byzantine Empire. But the fact of the matter is that modern religious toleration was birthed in the European Enlightenment, not in the Middle East or West Asia. Muslims did develop much philosophy and learning, however many of the scholars working in Cordoba and Baghdad were Jews and Christians, albeit studying in peaceful cooperation with the Muslims. Paper was discovered via Chinese slaves brought into the empire, and the slave trade formed an integral part of the economy of the Muslim lands. Although Muslims did not invent slavery, which has been around since the dawn of civilization, they did innovate the African slave trade. Several times we hear about Europe "languishing in the Dark Ages". No serious historian uses the term Dark Ages anymore, as the past decades have revealed a much more complex and intellectually interesting history. The term has been abandoned for the more appropriate Middle Ages, being as it is the bridge between the ancient and modern worlds.

A great oversight is its short shrift of Iran. Iran is one of the centers of Islamic civilization, the center of Shiism, and a complex and interesting culture. The glory of the Safavid Empire and the beauty of its capital Isfahan are briefly mentioned, but there is no word on Shah Abbas, Iran's ruler at the height of this empire.

Also, this DVD focuses on politics, not religion. You will not gain a deep understanding of the myriad forms of Islamic faith in this documentary, certainly a key point of interest for some individuals. The Sufi dervishes were only very briefly mentioned, which is a shame because Sufism is a fascinating expression of Islamic mysticism, looked at with great suspicion by more conservative Muslims. Neither will you hear much detail about the schism between the Sunni and Shiites. The roots of this split are told, but the theological differences are not discussed. It was the development of Shiism that was a great impetus for the conversion of the Zoroastrian Persians to Islam, as it incorporated Zoroastrian ideas, merging the Saoshyant with the Hidden Imam to be revealed in later times.

So, it's biased, but extremely beautiful and informative. This could have been a four or five star documentary, but because of its political correctness it gets three. ... Read more

Description

This insightful documentary explores life at the Abbey of Gethsemani, one of the most well-known monasteries in the world. While much of Gethsemani's acclaim comes from being the monastic home of the renowned spiritual master Thomas Merton, the filmmaker reveals there is much more to the rural Kentucky monastery than the legacy of one remarkable man. Granted unprecedented access behind Abbey walls the filmmaker spent almost two years documenting life at Gethsemani. The goal was to capture the essence of the monastic life, as Merton lived it, and as it is lived today by his Trappist brothers. In considering the monastic lifestyle the program poses several questions. What is the call of Gethsemani, not only to its monks, but for the thousands of visitors that come to the monastery every year? Does the monastic lifestyle and the values that support it have any relevance in todays world? Can a contemplative approach to life have meaning in a world where activism is held up as the ideal? This program showcases the beauty and serenity of Gethsemani while examining the struggles that go on underneath. It is a fascinating look inside a rarely seen world. ... Read more

Description

In this very personal conversation, Michael Laitman shares with us the nature and feeling of embarking on the path of Kabbalah. He clearly describes the present state of our world and the individual in it, opening to us a way of understanding all the world's phenomena and how to minimize suffering.
"If you listen with your heart to one famous question, I am sure that all your doubts as to whether you should study Kabbalah will vanish without a trace.This question is a bitter and fair one, asked by all born on earth:
"What is the meaning of my life?"
Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag, "Introduction to Talmud Esser Sefirot" ... Read more

Description

This video documentary provides an intimate look at Katharina von Bora, former nun, 16th Century entrepreneur and wife of Martin Luther, father of the Protestant Reformation. It is an in-depth look at the life of the woman who helped Luther change the course of history. We learn how she coped with incredible demands and survived the continual onslaught of unpredictable developments.We see how she became a capable manager carrying major responsibilities with and for her famous husband.

Narrated by Jutta F. Anderson and featuring the insights of noted Katharina experts Dr. Kirsi Stjerna, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and German theologian Dr. Martin Treu, Curator of the Luther Museum in Wittenberg, the Morning Star of Wittenberg sheds light on this often overlooked partner in the Reformation. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Transformations Bologna?
There have been several websites that have questioned the facts in this video. If you buy or view this video I recommend you do the same. About a year ago I personally e-mailed Mareth Warren at the Sentinal Group who forwarded it to another (can't remember his name)requesting a refutation. The staff member responded that they were planning to post a refutation to their critics claims on the Sentinal web site; I'm still waiting.
Additionally George Otis has never personally disavowed his unbiblical Moral Government Theology as outlined in his book "The God They Never Knew"

Revival is happening now!
Do you want to be inspired? Watch this video.

We often use the term 'revival' too lightly, referring to a particularly inspiring meeting. In this video, revival describes an entire society being reformed. Depending on the city, this has different 'symptoms'. For example: bars being closed, due to lack of business; jails being closed, due to lack of crime; increased harvests; reduction in drug trade; all-night prayer vigils held in the sports arena, with tens of thousands of participants, etc.

There are four segments, each about 15 minutes long, each featuring a different city around the world that is currently undergoing revival. I was most impacted by the commonalities between these stories. In each case, the story started with sin and darkness. In each case, there were praying believers. In each case, churches united in partnership. The lessons seem obvious.

Amazing
Two years ago I attended one of George Otis Jr seninars in Australia. I found him inspiring and very creadable. (17 years ago I saw his Dad at a FGBMFI meeting in Melbourne and he was showing off his 16mm film on his Lebanon Radio station) His journalistic background has given him the ability to be professional and very well researched in this production and in Transformations 2. This video is must see for anyone who wants some solid proof God still exists.

A very encouraging video
A powerful testimony to the power of the Living God! In this video George Otis Jr. documents four towns that have been transformed by God. This, as the video well documents, takes place when churches come together in unity to call out to God in prayer. During this time of prayer God showed the intercessors the reasons why darkness was so strong in their towns and how to pray against it. This video clearly demonstrates the gospel by revealing just how much God wants to be involved in our lives, churches and communities. It also shows the blessing that comes when we corporately turn to God and acknowledge Him in all our ways. I recommend this video to be watched individually or corporately, in small groups and in churches; as God wants this for all His people in every church and every town.

Wow! I was really impressed..
I was truly amazed by this powerful video. It takes you around the world to different communities and shows how prayer moved God to work in the communities. Very inspiring... ... Read more

Description

The west has seen tremendous and measurable advancements in technology over the past century. Unfortunately, these advances have occurred within a spiritual vacuum and as a culture we have developed a large and dangerous blind spot. We have evolved, technologically, so much faster than we have spiritually that we face a very clear and present danger; either we will spontaneously destroy each other with weapons capable of the ultimate horror, or we will continue to die a slow spiritual death, falling deeper into the empty void of egoism and material idolatry.

In A Crisis of Faith, noted theologians and authors address the state of "spiritual crisis" the west finds itself in. Because we are addressing this issue from a western perspective, there will be Judeo-Christian overtones. However, the video does not feel "religious" as it attempts to move beyond religious casting and address our topic from a universally spiritual perspective.unique style

A Crisis of Faith has an edge to it, as well as a sense of urgency. The film attempts to move the viewer out of the intellect and create an experience through the use of powerful imagery and soundtrack as a backdrop for our speakers.

A Crisis of Faith relies heavily on imagery to help our speakers tell the story. Much of the footage was shot in New York City with an emphasis on highlighting the disparity between the "have" and the "have nots". We will draw from the mythic imagery of some of the master impressionists such as Chagall, Picasso, Van Gogh, Munch and others.

The continuous stream of imagery will come to life with the music that lurks behind it. Mirroring the subject and rhythm of the film, the soundtrack is powerful, diverse, challenging and sometimes disturbing. Drawing from the work of The Doors, Gabrielle Roth & the Mirrors, Jean-Luc Ponti and others, A Crisis of Faith attempts to draw the viewer into a space where they can experience the depths of the struggle we are in. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Honestly Conceived - Beautifully Created
I first saw A CRISIS OF FAITH on public access television. I only caught part of the program but was completely captured by the obvious honesty of the message. I immediately found and purchased the video. The visual effects, music, and trance-inducing commentary work together to provide a very pleasant viewing experience. On a philosophical level, this is one of the most realistic films I have ever seen. The theme of this film will touch you deep inside. I did not see this film as a total condemnation of our society but rather a statement on the problems that our society tends to ignore. It suggests that as a people, we at the very least change our social priorities.

Riveting, Intelligent, Honest
I just saw "A Crisis Of Faith" on the Manhattan Neighborhood Network public access channel. I sat riveted to the screen for the entire hour, not believing such an intelligent, honest program could be on television, let alone on public access. I heard what has been in my heart for such a long time, thoughts on our society and spirituality that I have everyday working and living in Manhattan. I have ordered the video, as I want my own copy of this exemplary documentary. Thank you for caring enough to tell the truth.

Utter [junk]
Unbelievably distorted, misinformed view of capitalism, world economics, technology, the information revolution, and just about anything else that has occured since the middle ages. Outrageous, inflamatory statements, such as, if you buy blue jeans you're as bad as a ..., and women are part of the global poverty and starvation problem because they go to the mall and shop, thus depriving others. It makes broad statements that our entire society isn't spiritual and that a higher power outside ourselves is the only answer (as if billions haven't sought this since the beginning of time). Don't waste your time.

Today's Crisis and the Amazing Alternative
"Crisis of Faith: An American Dilemma" is both disturbing and exciting. It touches the place inside me that has felt schizophrenic living as a person of faith in today's world. This is a lonely time to know the possibility of spiritual transformation, to know the power of forgiveness and contemplation (both personally and globally) but to hear little alternative to "God Bless America" in my church and in society. This video is beautiful and haunting, and speaks powerfully to both this crisis of faith and to the transformative power of the journey.
I have watched this video with several groups. It always stirs the pot and opens up sharing and questions. In addition, for many of us, it speaks what we have felt and experienced but been unable to adequately express in words. ... Read more

Description

Made for the year 2000, here is a basic introduction to Jesus intended especially for young people who have no idea who Jesus is, or for those who need a helpful overview about Jesus.

Host Russell Boulter in a down-to-earth, no-holds-barred approach takes us to the very places Jesus lived and ministered. With clarity, simplicity and magnetic energy, he introduces us to the Jesus who changed people’s lives then and now. We highly commend this for you to use with anyone who needs to become acquainted with who Jesus really was and why he came into our world. A co-production with Christian Television Associates of Bristol, England, the presentation is in three parts. ... Read more

Description

Open the door to Martin Luther with public television travel host Rick Steves.He takes us to areas of Germany known as Lutherlands, FromEisleben, where Luther was born, to Wittenberg where he taught and preached, and to several other areas, we learn about the tumultuous events of the Reformation and the monk at the center of it all.We see how this Augustinian monk, who most wanted the quiet of a religious life, was thrust into the center of 16th-century world-shaking events. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

EVERY HUMAN BEING SHOULD SEE THIS!
This video exposes the ancient origins of modern religions, tracing them back to ancient Egypt and beyond. It tells about the sixteen other crucified saviors before Jesus, and how the Christian myth was created by plagiarizing the beliefs of many ancient civilizations. The story goes on to explain how many of these old religions were based on the ancient worship of the sun as "the light of the world" and the giver of life; how the sun "dies" for 3 days at the winter solstice as it ceases it's movement southward in the sky, and then is "reborn" on December 25th as it begins to move north again. The connection between religion and the zodiac is also explained, such as Christians (who worship the sun of God) worshipping on Sun-day, while Hebrews worship on Satur-day (from the ancient Semetic worship of Saturn.) These examples are just the tip of the iceberg and this video should be viewed by all living people, especially the devout believers in Biblical myths.

Very interesting and informative
To the "skeptics" who claim that there are no "footnotes" and other "references" in the video. Its funny, but why don't you ask for footnotes and references when the opposite is said about that Jesus existing etc.?

Did you ask for footnotes and references when the bible was read to you? Sometimes logic overcomes so called evidence. You cannot disprove something that was not proven to begin with. However, history does show sun-ship throughout the different religions of the worlds. Why would Christianity or Judaism be excluded? I don't think they are. So many similar stories between all the religions that is cannot be a coincidence.

This video is worth watching and even owning to show others. Its time for a spiritual awakening.

Enjoy folks ! !

Open Mine Eyes
It's surprising this video rather stands alone on this particular subject. However, it's most challenging, informative, and paves the way for further personal investigation. One of the most penetrating questions it raises is how much we buy into unsubstantiated myth on the grounds of faith. Because a subject is accepted by so many as fact does not automatically make it so. This presentation offers some alternative ideas to those so popularly espoused. It thus allows the viewer the privilege of entertaining nonmainstream concepts--the mark of an enlightened and progressive society. A valuable piece of work for the open-minded viewer.

Worth seeing but not worth buying!
This video should in a lot of senses be revised. It is for the super religious types that just need a tap on the shell. It has some intresting facts but the resources should be shared with the viewer. This video is comprised of taking religious stories from around the globe for centuries and comparing them.How the pieces fit so closely together is a miracle.. (ironic) This video is facts. Nothing more. Yes, its not super quality picture or sound, but the information and resources are excellent(except they don't tell you where to find themselves!) If you look for them you will find them though by doing your own research. I have researched religion for over 5 years. What the NAKED TRUTH says is nothing new, but put into a format the can not be refuted. This video tape puts it on such a low level that even a fourth grader could understand it. Bottom line... I personally have studied and found where the facts have come from, but it is true that the movie does not.

Amateurish at best
I am an atheist interested in the documented history of ancient religions. I thought this presentation might help, but it provides very little.

This video is very poorly done. Too much amateurish narration and not enough substantive information about documented evidence. No way of knowing where any of the very limited information comes from, so it's impossible to research. And the title is also misleading. I really didn't need the boring "sermon" on the need for me to perfect my spiritual self into a decent human being in relation to "the creator", whoever that is.

This video provides some explanation for some of the "evidence" it portrays instead of allowing the informed viewer to think for him/herself. Isn't that what "free-thinking" is all about?

And there is a rather lengthy commercial at the end denoting some of the producers other products.

I would have given this video Zero stars but I didn't have that option. Save your money on this one. ... Read more

Description

A fascinating new documentary that investigates a remarkable claim made by Mormon founder Joseph Smith - that an ancient Egyptian papyrus scroll he purchased from a traveling antiquities dealer in 1835 was a lost work of the biblical patriarch Abraham.Smith subsequently published the Book of Abraham, which he said was a translation of this scroll.The Book of Abraham is sacred scripture of equal authority to the Bible, according to the Mormon Church.

This compelling documentary includes visits with prominent Egyptologists and other scholars, both Mormon and non-Mormon, in an attempt to uncover the truth about this fascinating episode in Mormon history. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The best fair and balanced info available!
As a former Mormon, I'm always hopeful to find non-enflamatory, yet totally factual information about Mormonism. This video is SUPERB! Produced in a "History Channel" style, it presents the facts about the LDS Book of Abraham in an interesting, non-offensive, and thorough style. I found it most interesting that, although several were invited, LDS authorities refused to be interviewed for the video. But, even without their input, the producers did their best to present a fair picture of the truth behind the Book of Abraham, including some on-camera interviews with members of the LDS Church.

I can't recommend this video enough! Even those unfamiliar with the LDS Church would find this video informative and interesting. I will be using it quite a bit as a "teaching tool" for both non-LDS and LDS friends and family. Because of the tone of the video, I'm not at all concerned about any angry reactions from LDS friends and family. I believe it will be well accepted, even by them. It also will make a great companion tool to "By His Own Hand on Papyrus", a book on the same subject.

Old Stuff
This video repackages old arguments. It is nothing new. Nor is it fair and balanced as they claim. All arguments come from the naysayers. If you want to be informed about the Book of Abraham, this video is not the place to start or stop.

Amazing and factual history Re: the Book of Abraham papyri
I am a return missionary and have been LDS (Mormon) for over 30 years. I believe most Mormons are misinformed about the origin and history behind the Book of Abraham papyri. I would HIGHLY reccommend this DVD for anyone who is interested in some remarkable information about this particular aspect of Mormonism. The great thing about the DVD is that it can be viewed in English or Spanish. Buy two copies and give one to each of your home teachers as Christmas gifts.

Very balanced view!
I recently saw this video and found it to be one of the most informative pieces that I have seen about Mormonism. It gives you facts without trying to sway you one way or the other about what your opinion should be.

Many do not know of the history of the Book of Abraham, yet many base much of their faith in it's precepts. It is important to know where it came from so that one can make an honest decision based on facts and not mere feelings.

in Christ
Steph ... Read more

Description

Today’s Christian churches face the challenge of existing in a postmodern world, in which all principles are questioned, all opinions and beliefs are proclaimed equally valid — if not equally true — and everything is considered relative. Throughout North America, a rapidly growing movement known as "alternative worship" is experimenting to meet this challenge. This program from FamilyNet Television explores the changing expressions of modern-day worship as churches use visual arts, edgy music, or even a chat room online to offer experiences that attempt to be both culturally relevant and theologically sound. Narrated by popular, award-winning, contemporary Christian music artist Rebecca St. James. ... Read more

Description

Shot on location , this beautiful program chronicles the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, the creator and guiding spirit of the Franciscan Order.

Period paintings and a dramatic performance by Tom Melissis portray the story of young Francis Bernardone, who leaves his wealthy family in medieval Assisi in search of knighthood and returns a changed man. Young Francis isolates himself from the world, reaches out to God, and discovers that his life has compelling and transcending purpose.

Various Franciscans guide us through his historical times.They show how he lived peacefully in poverty, helped to rebuild the churches of Assisi and how he quickly gathered a large following. Finally, they recount where Francis received the stigmata and his significance therein sealed forever.

Fascinating Franciscans relate how and why they joined the order. In each case, their fears, desires and experiences mirror that of Saint Francis’. One such monk is Father Paul Iorio, an American hippie who moved to Assisi and joined the Franciscan order after a search to gain meaning in life. We also meet Brothers Berry and Allan who invite us to Saint Francis’ Table, a restaurant dedicated to providing dignity to the homeless of Toronto.Sister Pacelli takes us through a Poor Clare’s monastery where the sisters sing their beautiful prayers.These believers express their need, as disciples of Saint Francis, to uphold his legacy and continue his mission to aid the impoverished and needy. ... Read more

Description

Now SEE the Book of Revelation. The Book of Revelation is one of the most intriguing books in the Bible. Telling about the second coming of Christ, it is the only book of prophecy that has yet to be fulfilled. It continues to challenge students and teachers of the bible to study it's wonderful messages and promises for God's people.

The Revelation was given to the Apostle John in the form of fantastic visions which he faithfully recorded in great detail.

Artist Pat Marvenko Smith has illustrated the fantastic visions in the book of Revelation. Tom Green Productions has transformed Pat's artwork into this exciting and inspirational video.

The scripture (NIV version) is nartrated by James Julian as if the Apostle John were relating the story directly to the viewer. The drama of each moment is enhanced by the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh and the world renowned Pittsburgh Sypmphony Orchestra. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

not bad
It wasn't too bad. I didn't like the voice of John and the tribulation scenes did not scare me like it did in my new testament audio casettes. I just thought it wasn't dramatic enough. But the message is presented clearly and the animations were good.

How would you like to see the things St. John saw on Patmos?
If you've ever wondered how it felt to be John as he viewed the visions of Revelation, this video is for you. Pat Marvenko Smith is a gifted artist, and I really liked her illustrations. Go to revelationillustrated.com to see her illustrations of Revelation. Here on this video they're obviously larger. And the classical music as background, gotta love it! Before the show starts, there's a warning message: if you're not a Christian, parts will be scary. And that's true. The segment about Judgment Day has drawings of God's throne, the books being opened, and Hell. When we see the drawing of Hell, there's fire in the background and we hear people screaming bloody murder. It scared even me and I'm a Christian! The classical music includes parts of Holst's The Planets and Mozart's Requiem. Well worth your time. ... Read more