Vital Visions
We believe that the relationship between Christians, Muslims, and Jews presents the greatest peacemaking challenge in the human family. We believe that peace is possible when people learn about history, hear stories, and meet each other. We believe films and documentaries offer unique possibilities for understanding. Therefore our work, which is international in scope, is focused upon funding productions in line with this vision and providing and promoting events that utilize them for education and dialogue. Contact us at info@vitalvisions.org
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Latest NewsAn Historic Opportunity Awaits Us: Will You Help?
By SteveAdmin, Section News
Editor's note: this article was originally posted on Talk To Action as an invitation to join our new initiative. The video, "Renewal or Ruin? The Institute on Religion and Democracy's Attack on the United Methodist Church," started here at Talk To Action. When I first posted, you encouraged me to develop this video. You resourced the project, and Talk To Action editor Fred Clarkson appeared on-camera and brought his formidable knowledge and experience. It has now become a powerful tool for opening eyes about the damage the IRD is doing to all of the mainline churches, especially those who are still concerned with justice for all people as a central focus. Every four years the United Methodist Church holds its General Conference and its various Jurisdictional Conferences. These are critical gatherings: at General Conference, church law is written. At Jurisdictional Conferences, bishops are elected (for life). The IRD is focusing its formidable resources on these gatherings. At the last General Conference in 2004, the IRD's allies were prepared to introduce a motion for church schism. Unity prevailed. In preparation for this year's General Conference, I need your help.
Storm Troopers of Christ: coming soon
By SteveAdmin, Section News
In June we launched into production of our newest documentary film, "Storm Troopers of Christ: Baptism and the Jews in the Third Reich." We are pleased to announce that this one-hour program is nearly finished. It is poised to be the definitive film on the Protestant church during the Third Reich.
The Nashville Declaration on the Church and the Holocaust
By SteveAdmin, Section Dialogue
In the spring of 2006, seventeen scholars and religious leaders gathered in Nashville to hold a dialogue around the film, "Theologians Under Hitler." The attendees represented a vast array of perspectives. In a most remarkable display of unity and common purpose, these leaders produced "The Nashville Declaration on the Church and the Holocaust." This document is shown, along with its signers, in this post.
"Warming of Cold War Ethics" by William Toth
By SteveAdmin, Section Dialogue
The United States and the Former Soviet Union participate in a joint effort to protect nuclear material at a number of facilities in Russia and former Soviet states. I have had the great opportunity to be a part of this program and visit Russia dozens of times. Because the work relies so heavily on building relationships with our Russian colleagues, I’ve had the chance to learn about them and their personal lives. It is very interesting to think about and interpret the meaning of “ethics” in the context of this new relationship with an old enemy. The concept of “enemy” is complicated and our developing relationship has allowed for a deeper look into a situation that seemed quite simple in the Cold War, “us vs. them” days. Our team’s interactions with the Russians vary from ceremonial meetings to the development of close personal friendships. Sergey K. is one that I consider a friend.
"Hitler's Theologian" by Tom Minnery
By SteveAdmin, Section Films
Back in my seminary days, a staple tool of the library’s reference section was Kittel’s 10-volume set of New Testament word studies. When I could cite Kittel in a research paper, I knew I was on solid ground, and his works are still readily available.
What a shock it was when I was asked recently to join a discussion group that dug into a book called Theologians Under Hitler by Robert Ericksen (Yale University Press, 1985). The book dissects the reasons why three respected German theologians joined the Nazi Party and supported Hitler. One of them was Gerhard Kittel.
"The Implications" by Barry Lynn
By SteveAdmin, Section Films
Most Christians who locate either the Robert P. Ericksen book Theologians Under Hitler or who view the documentary film by Steven D. Martin derived from it are initially just surprised that they had never even heard of this bit of repressed “church history”. That surprise quickly turns to horror as they consider the implications that leading theological leaders– scholars and teachers – had been affirming for clergy and laity alike the positive value of embracing National Socialism. The affirmative pursuit of this ideology made it all the more impossible to claim ignorance over where such beliefs were leading Adolf Hitler – to sterilization courts, to concentration camps, to Holocaust.
"A Question of Power" Study Guide is Here!
By SteveAdmin, Section News
 A Question of Power is an all-new small groups resource using the film "Theologians Under Hitler" as a backdrop for deep, powerful spiritual growth. Have you ever had a difficult time talking about faith and ethics in a group setting? A Question of Power will liberate your group and allow you to talk about the most important matters of spirituality and faithful living.Download a sample of the book here.
Christian Century Review: Theologians Under Hitler
By SteveAdmin, Section Films
In early May The Christian Century published a review of "Theologians Under Hitler." The text of this review can be found online here. I was fortunate enough to have had the pleasure of meeting the reviewer, Jason Byassee, while in Chicago just prior to this review's publication. It's a great review, but with just one complaint: hardly "saccharine images of...clouds;" Jason missed a key visual reference to Leni Riefenstahl's "Triumph of the Will." Not to worry, though, Jason- you're not the only reviewer to miss the cue!
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