VisionTV searches for the truth behind the mystery, starting March 22

One man’s death changed the course of human history.

According to the Gospels, Jesus of Nazareth was arrested, tried and executed in Jerusalem for sedition against the Roman Empire. Three days later, Scripture says, he was resurrected and appeared to his disciples before ascending, finally, to heaven. This simple yet powerful story is the foundation stone of Christianity.

Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God, that his death upon the cross was atonement for the sins of humankind, and that his resurrection was a token of God’s forgiveness for all people. Each year, at Easter time, more than 1.5 billion Christian faithful around the world commemorate these events.

But how much do we know of what really happened in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago? Did events unfold as described in the New Testament? Was Jesus laid to rest only to rise from the dead? Could archaeology, contemporary scholarship and advanced science help to reveal, once and for all, the true story?

Beginning on March 22, Canada’s multi-faith network VisionTV will mark the Easter season with two weeks of special programming that investigates the mystery and meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.

For more information on VisionTV programming, please visit www.visiontv.ca.

Investigating Easter on VisionTV: Week One

- Monday, March 22 -

In his acclaimed documentary series The Naked Archaeologist, Emmy Award-winning Canadian filmmaker Simcha Jacobovici investigates the archaeological wonders of the Biblical world. VisionTV kicks off its Easter season programming with a full evening that will showcase the very best of The Naked Archaeologist – including the long-awaited premiere of the show’s third season.

The Naked Archaeologist: “Jesus: The Early Years” – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
To this day, little is known about how Jesus of Nazareth spent his childhood. Now, as host Simcha Jacobovici reveals, archaeology is helping to uncover clues about his early life. Repeats at Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT

The Naked Archaeologist: “Beloved Disciple” – 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT
Who was the “Beloved Disciple”? The Gospel of John mentions this mysterious figure five times – but never reveals a name. Was it Mary Magdalene? The Naked Archaeologist is on the trail of this 2,000-year-old mystery. Repeats at 12:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT

NEW EPISODE: SEASON THREE PREMIERE
The Naked Archaeologist: “Moses vs. Akhenaten” – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
The Old Testament says it was Moses who brought the worship of a single God to the ancients. But according to famed psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Moses borrowed the idea of monotheism from the Egyptian pharaoh Akhenaten. In the season three premiere of The Naked Archaeologist, host Simcha Jacobovici tries to find out who got there first: Moses or Akhenaten? Repeats at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT

NEW EPISODE: SEASON THREE
The Naked Archaeologist: “Ancient Glass” – 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
Why did a giant slab of glass turn up in an ancient cemetery where important rabbis were buried? Host Simcha Jacobovici suspects there may be a link to Herod’s temple. Investigating this theory, he discovers evidence that glass may have been invented in Israel – not in Egypt, as is commonly believed.Repeats at 1:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 p.m. PT

The Naked Archaeologist: “The Would-Be Messiah” – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
One hundred years after Jesus was crucified, a warrior hailed by rabbis as the Jewish messiah led a rebellion against the Roman occupation. Who was this would-be messiah? Host Simcha Jacobovici reveals the story of the rabbis' best-kept secret. Repeats at 2 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT

The Naked Archaeologist: “The Early Christian Underground” – 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT
The earliest followers of Jesus were Jews who believed him to be the Messiah. Scholars believe this movement soon died out – but what if they survived and went underground? Could their coded symbols be found in ancient synagogues and dwellings? The search for evidence of the underground Judeo-Christian brotherhood takes host Simcha Jacobovici from Jesus' hometown of Capernaum to an ancient Christian village in Syria.

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- Tuesday, March 23 -

Documentary
The Lost Tomb of Jesus – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
In 1980, construction workers in Jerusalem uncovered a 2,000-year-old tomb. Who was buried there? This controversial documentary from Oscar winner James Cameron (Avatar) marshals archaeological, forensic and statistical evidence to suggest that the tomb may have belonged to the family of Jesus of Nazareth – who was laid to rest inside, along with his wife, Mary Magdalene, and their son. Is it fact or fiction? Watch for yourself, and decide.

Documentary
Archaeology Minefields – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
The Lost Tomb of Jesus reaches startling conclusions about the life and death of Jesus of Nazareth. Many Christians saw the film as a direct assault upon the foundations of their faith. But did the producers base their sweeping claims on solid fact? In this documentary, award-winning Canadian journalist Martin Himel (Twist of Faith) delves deep into the controversy, investigating the most provocative of The Lost Tomb’s findings.

Documentary Series
Unearthed: "The Talpiot Tomb" – Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT
When Jerusalem’s Talpiot Tomb was first unearthed, scholars considered it little more than an intriguing remnant of Jewish history. But according to The Lost Tomb of Jesus, it is a discovery of incalculable historic significance. Where does the truth lie? In this documentary, filmmaker Joe Amaral and his team travel to Israel to investigate for themselves The Lost Tomb’s claims.

Faith Programming
Real Discoveries: Our Search for the Tomb of Jesus – 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
There are two different sites in Jerusalem that lay claim to being the final resting place of Jesus: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Garden Tomb. Both have become important destinations for pilgrims. This documentary, produced for a Christian audience, considers the evidence for and against these competing claims.

Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “The Early Christian Underground” – 2 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT
See Monday, March 22 at 11:30 pm ET.

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- Wednesday, March 24 -

Faith Programming
Jesus: The Lost Years – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
The New Testament reveals little about the early years that Jesus spent in Egypt. This inspirational documentary, based on a book by Paul Perry, draws upon oral histories, archaeological evidence and writings found in Christian churches in Egypt in an effort to reconstruct these missing years. Repeats at Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT

Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “Jesus: The Early Years” – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
See Monday, March 22 at 9 p.m. ET.

Documentary Series
Unearthed: “King Herod's Tomb” – 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT
Today, archaeology is shedding new light upon the ancient history of the Holy Land. This series looks at some of the most fascinating recent archaeological discoveries in the Middle East and the controversies they have unleashed in the scientific, religious and political worlds. Tonight: exploring King Herod’s Roman-era tomb complex near Jerusalem.

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- Thursday, March 25 -

CANADIAN PREMIERE: Documentary
Writing The Dead Sea Scrolls – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
Hailed as the archaeological discovery of the last century, the Dead Sea Scrolls have long been surrounded by mystery and controversy. Scholars believe these prized ancient manuscripts were the work of a Jewish sect known as the Essenes. However, new and startling research has thrown into doubt the very existence of the Essenes and re-opened the question: who wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls? This compelling new documentary investigates the various theories about the Scrolls and their origin, and attempts to reveal the true identity of their scribes once and for all. Repeats at Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT

Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “Who Wrote the Dead Sea Scrolls?” – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
In this episode of VisionTV’s acclaimed Biblical archaeology series, host Simcha Jacobovici sets out to discover the true origins of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and learns that forensic analysis of ancient toilets may hold the answer.Repeats at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT

Documentary Series
Unearthed: “The Caves of Qumran” – 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
It was in the Qumran Caves, in what is now the West Bank, that the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Join VisionTV’s Unearthed as this documentary series explores one of the world’s most important archaeological sites. Repeats at 1:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 p.m. PT

Faith Programming
Day of Discovery: “Jesus and the Gospels” – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
Recent archaeological discoveries have raised new questions about the events recorded in the Gospels. Did Jesus say and do all that the New Testament reports? In this Easter special, the faith series Day of Discovery plunges into this debate. Join host Mart De Haan as he finds out from leading Biblical scholars what we really know about the life and death of Jesus.

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- Friday, March 26 -

Documentary
Something About Mary Magdalene – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
What is the truth about Mary Magdalene? Was she Christianity’s most famous sinner-turned-saint: a repentant prostitute who became a follower of Jesus and a witness to his resurrection? Was she, as suggested by The Da Vinci Code, the wife of Jesus and the mother to his child? This hour-long documentary investigates the latest scholarly research on Mary Magdalene to paint a compelling new portrait of one of history’s most enigmatic figures.

Documentary
Unmasking the Pagan Christ – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
Award-winning filmmaker David Brady revisits the Pagan Christ controversy in this new hour-long documentary. Canadian New Testament scholars Stanley E. Porter and Stephen J. Bedard, authors of the 2006 book Unmasking the Pagan Christ, challenge author Tom Harpur’s claim that the Gospels are rooted in ancient mythology. Drawing upon research of their own, they argue passionately for the existence of a historical Jesus.

Movie
Demetrius and the Gladiators – Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT
This lavish 1954 sequel to The Robe stars Victor Mature as a freed slave who is entrusted with the task of keeping a precious treasure – Christ’s robe – from the clutches of the mad Roman emperor Caligula (Jay Robinson), and whose new Christian faith is tested when he is arrested and sentenced to fight as a gladiator in the arena. With Susan Hayward and Anne Bancroft.

Investigating Easter on VisionTV: Week Two

- Monday, March 29 -

Faith Programming
National Catholic Mission 2010: Part One – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
This annual Lenten season television event, presented by the National Catholic Broadcasting Council, invites Catholic Church members across Canada to rekindle their faith and seek new direction for their lives. Spiritan Father Pat Fitzpatrick and Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister host this year’s Mission, which explores the theme “A God For All Seasons.” Taped at St. Gabriel’s Church in Toronto. Repeats at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT. Part Two airs on Tuesday, March 30 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT

Faith Programming
The Choices We Face: Easter Special – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
In this special Easter edition of the long-running Catholic television program, hosts Ralph Martin and Peter Herbeck lead viewers on an exploration of life and faith in the Catholic Church.

NEW EPISODE: Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “Biblical Beauty Secrets” – 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
Looking and smelling good were as important in Biblical days as they are today. In this new episode of The Naked Archaeologist, host Simcha Jacobovici learns the beauty secrets of such ancient world style icons as Nefertiti and Queen Esther. Repeats at 1:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 p.m. PT

Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “Hangin’ With Judas” – Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT
It was the kiss heard 'round the world – and in its wake a new religion was born. But was Judas Iscariot really the man who betrayed Jesus, or just a handy scapegoat? Following clues in the Bible and investigating archaeological finds in the Holy Land, host Simcha Jacobovici is on the trail of history's most infamous traitor. Repeats at 2 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT

Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “Crucifixion” – 12:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT
The Biblical account of Jesus’ death on the cross and subsequent resurrection is the very core of Christianity. In ancient times, the Romans commonly used crucifixion as a method of public execution to discourage opposition – yet little physical evidence remains. In this episode, host Simcha Jacobovici examines one of the few surviving artefacts of this horrific practice.

Music Special
Easter Jubilance – 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform the music of the Easter season in this half-hour special.

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- Tuesday, March 30 -

Faith Programming
National Catholic Mission 2010: Part Two – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
See Monday, March 29 at 9 p.m. ET. Repeats at 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT

Faith Programming
The Choices We Face: Easter Special – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
See Monday, March 29 at 10 p.m. ET.

Documentary Series
The Naked Archaeologist: “Crucifixion” – 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
See Monday, March 29 at 12:30 a.m. ET.

Documentary Series
Decoding Christianity: “Flesh and Blood” – Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT
This documentary series investigates Christian symbolism, from the majesty of the angels to the torments of Christ, and reveals the hidden meanings of these images. In this episode, host Christy Kenneally asks: Why do vivid images depicting the suffering of Jesus Christ and the Christian martyrs play such a prominent role in Christian art?

Music Special
Music From Elijah – 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
This Easter concert special features world-renowned bass-baritone Bryn Terfel performing selections from Felix Mendelssohn’s oratorio Elijah with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square.

Documentary Series
Decoding Christianity: “Angels” – 1:30 a.m. ET / 10:30 p.m. PT
More than three-quarters of North Americans believe in angels. But what are these heavenly creatures? In this episode of Decoding Christianity, host Christy Kenneally considers the many different ways artists have portrayed angels over the centuries. He learns how angels got their wings, ponders the dark side of angels and, in Reno, Nevada, takes a look at the present-day “angel industry.”

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- Wednesday, March 31 -

VISIONTV PREMIERE: Documentary
Beasts of the Bible – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
In addition to goats, sheep, oxen and well-behaved domestic animals, the Bible is packed with tales of strange, otherworldly creatures. This new documentary from the award-winning producers of The Naked Archaeologist and The Lost Tomb of Jesus tours the Biblical menagerie to discover the truth about these mythical beasts, from the sea monster that swallowed Jonah to the terrifying four-headed cherubim that appeared to the prophet Ezekiel. Repeats at Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT

Documentary Series
Decoding Christianity: “Miracles” – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
In this episode of Decoding Christianity, host Christy Kenneally asks why, even today, people all over the world quest after miracles, and joins pilgrims on their journeys to the sites of miraculous happenings from Ethiopia to Wales.

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- Thursday, April 1 -

CANADIAN PREMIERE: Documentary
Remaking the Shroud – 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT
To millions of faithful, the famed Shroud of Turin is the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. To skeptics, it is an ingenious forgery. To this day, no one has been able to demonstrate definitively just how the Shroud was created. Is it man-made, or the product of a miracle? This new documentary marshals compelling scientific and historical evidence in an attempt to solve, for the first time, the mystery of the Shroud’s origins. Repeats at Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT

Faith Programming
The Fabric of Time – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
Can 21st century science prove that the resurrection of Jesus Christ actually took place? This documentary, produced for a Christian audience, uses advanced technology in an effort to unlock information hidden within the mysterious Shroud of Turin. Working with a team of researchers, historians, forensic scientists, botanists, theologians and Biblical archaeologists, the producers examine the Shroud in microscopic detail to build their case for the truth of the Easter story.

Documentary
Unmasking the Pagan Christ – 11 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. PT
See Friday, March 26 at 11 p.m. ET. Repeats at 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT

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- Friday, April 2: Good Friday

Movie
The Gospel Road – 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT
The legendary Johnny Cash co-wrote and narrated this 1973 retelling of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Filmed on location in Israel, it features The Man in Black performing a number of original songs. Director Robert Elfstrom appears as Jesus, and June Carter Cash plays Mary Magdalene.

Music Specials
Easter Peace – Midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT
Easter Jubilance – 12:30 a.m. ET / 9:30 p.m. PT
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square perform the music of the Easter season in these two half-hour specials.

Documentary Series
Decoding Christianity: “Secrecy, Symbols and Mystery” – 1 a.m. ET / 10 p.m. PT
Why is the Christian faith so steeped in symbols? In this episode of Decoding Christianity, host Christy Kenneally revisits Christianity’s origins as a persecuted underground movement, and explains how early followers used secret signs to identify themselves to one another. He also discovers how the symbol of the cross underwent a profound change of meaning, and reveals the importance of mystery to Christian practice.