Arif Khan's Blog: Jesus in India

Radio Interview - Voice of the People Radio

I was interviewed by November Hanson for the Voice of the People Radio station.

The interview was approximately 2 hours and we covered a whole range of topics including:

- The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

- The Tomb of Jesus Website

- The Rozabal Tomb in Kashmir

- Did Jesus Survive the Crucifixion?

- Islamic Beliefs on Jesus

- 2nd Coming of Jesus and the Latter Days

The entire interview is availble for download here

October 09, 2009 in Jesus in India, Religion | Permalink | Comments (0)

Crucifixion - An Islamic Prespective

I attended this excellent event at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque in Manchester, Darul Aman.

At the event i was given an area to exhibit some material. I had a selection of books by western scholars on the topic of Jesus surviving the Crucifixion and travelling to India, a large poster for Paul Davids' 'Jesus in India' movie, related magazines and leaflets and other books as well as a laptop running a short video with clips from relevant documentaries.

The event was very well attended and I had intersting discussions prior to the formal programme starting.

I found that those who came were of an open mind and had never even considered the possibility that Jesus survived the Crucifixion before. It was a fascinating experience. I spoke to one Catholic man at first and then had a discussion with a sunni Muslim about what the Quran says. I found both to be genuinely interested and intruiged by the interpretations of the Ahmadiyya community that i laid out for them.

Where i had expected opposition and debate i found fascination and follow on questions.

The key note address was delivered by the Imam of London mosque and followed a Q&A session. Both were excellently conducted with Imam sahib jumping topic with complete ease and comfort.

After the event i took the opportunity to take a DVD copy of Paul Davids' 'Jesus In India' and present it to Imam sahib as a gift explaining that it was the most recent and most comprehensive documentary on the whole subject.

Another fascinating item was Imam sahib talking about the 'Jesus in Japan' theory. He stated that he had visited the alleged grave and examined the legends first hand but did not find any supporting evidence. His working theory is that the grave belonged to some of Jesus' close companions and followers.

June 08, 2009 in Jesus in India | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Jesus in India" - The Radio Shows

There have been many radio interviews for both Paul Davids and Edward T. Martin in relation to the movie 'Jesus in India'.

Some of these are free mp3 downloads and i have heard them all and would highly recommend them.

I wanted to highlight these - they can be found at the following page:

April 14, 2009 in Jesus in India | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jesus in India the Movie - Sales Over 6 Continents

I wanted to share this sales map with everyone. This is to reflect countries that have bought the DVD already - despite it only being shown on the Sundance Channel in the US. The geographical coverage is very interesting and amazing considering its only been available a little over 4 weeks.

This documentary includes sections from interviews i gave to Paul Davids near the end of 2006. Included in the bonus footage is a panel discussion that took place following the premiere screening in Palm Springs of the film. I was at this and take part in this discussion.

For those who do not have a copy yet i recommend getting one from the website or contact me if you want to buy and pick one up from me direct rather than buy online.

January 29, 2009 in Jesus in India | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jesus in India - Christmas on Sundance

The film, along with my role in it, is now officially out there. The DVD has been selling well online also from what i hear. Its interesting to think about just how many people have now been exposed to the ideas, thoughts and evidence surrounding the 'Jesus in India' theory as a result of Paul Davids' film.

The film presents all sides of the arguments. It gives the evidence for, and also allows those who disagree to voice their views.

Some of the press coverage and reviews of the film seem to have not appreciated this. They seem to take the snippets of those who disagree with the theory shown on the film as evidence for the theory being 'weak'. Audiences are used to, perhaps, being 'sold' something and having to do their own reading to find out how much of that to believe.

One thing that i now realise would confuse many viewers is Islam's response to the tomb in Kashmir.

How many of those viewing the film are even aware that Jesus is recognised in Islam in the first place? How many are aware of the the Orthodox Muslim viewpoints about the Crucifixion and Ascension that the majority of Muslims adhere to today?

One commentator highlighted that 'not even the local Muslims' believe it to be the tomb of Jesus.

For orthodox Islam the idea of Jesus being buried anywhere is a deep heresy. They, like the Christian world, await his second coming from the heavens. What is fascinating is that despite this the locals are still adament that a Prophet is buried in that tomb.

Is it Jesus? No, no, - we are told - its "Prophet Yuzu" - who travelled from the West. They even talk about him having come from Egypt.

To find out more about what i said in the film and some comments relating those quotes visit this webpage:

Arif Khan's Interview for Jesus in India

January 07, 2009 in Jesus in India | Permalink | Comments (1)

Sundance Channel Slates Christmas Week Premiere for Thought-Provoking Documentary About Life of Jesus Christ

Wednesday December 10, 11:00 am ET

Paul Davids' Jesus in India Explores Controversial Theory That Christ Traveled To India
Premieres As Part of Channel's DOCDay Programming On Monday, December 22nd At 9:00pm ET/PT

NEW YORK, Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Channel has scheduled a Christmas week premiere for Paul Davids' documentary Jesus in India, which examines controversial theories and legends that place a traveling Jesus Christ in India. Written, directed and produced by Davids, the film will debut as part of the Channel's regular Monday DOCday programming on Monday, December 22nd at 9:00pm et/pt.

Jesus in India explores questions surrounding Jesus' whereabouts from the ages of 12 to 30, a period variously known as the "Hidden Years" or "Lost Years." The New Testament offers no detailed description about His activities during that period; the only reference to those 18 years is a single sentence in the Gospel of Luke. Leading the film's investigation of these years is Edward T. Martin, the author of the new book "Jesus in India: King of Wisdom - The Making of the Film & New Findings on Jesus' Lost Years," and he also authored the previous book that inspired this motion picture, "King of Travelers: Jesus' Lost Years in India" (either book available upon request). Martin dates his curiosity about the "Hidden Years" back to his youth in Lampasas, Texas, where he was raised as a member of the fundamentalist Church of Christ. While working as Peace Corps volunteer in Afghanistan in 1974, Martin had his first encounter with East Asian accounts of the historic Jesus Christ - including the Indian legend that the young Jesus joined a caravan and took the Silk Road to the East, where He lived in India with both Hindus and Buddhists before returning to the Holy Land to begin His ministry.

Jesus in India follows Martin as he travels through India in search of documentary evidence of Jesus' presence in the region. The journey spans some 4,000 miles, including a visit to the Hemis Monastery in the Himalayan Mountains, where an ancient Tibetan manuscript about Jesus is said to be housed. The film also delves into other astonishing stories concerning Jesus' possible presence in the region, including the legend that Jesus survived the crucifixion and secretly returned to India, where he lived out his days.

As it attempts to sort legend from history, Jesus in India presents all points of view through interviews with respected theologians and religious authorities of the world's major faiths. Scholars appearing in the film include Princeton University Professor Elaine Pagels, author of "Beyond Belief: The Gospel of Thomas"; Professors Alan C. Mitchell and Anthony Tambasco of Georgetown University; and Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein, Professor of Jewish Law and Ethics at Loyola Law School. Representing Buddhist and Hindu viewpoints are the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the world's Buddhists, and, in a rare interview, the 145th Shankaracharya, one of Hinduism's four ecclesiastical leaders. Among the others joining in the film's lively discussion are the late Monsignor Corrado Balducci, Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican; historian/author Michael Hesemann, a Vatican-accredited journalist; and Brother Chidananda, director of publications at the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), the spiritual movement founded in the 1920's by Indian sage/teacher/author/philosopher Paramahansa Yogananda. According to noted critic Pete Hammond, "Jesus in India is a fascinating and profound film, a deeply spiritual journey certain to make you think and question in ways you never have before."

Yellow Hat Productions, Inc. in association with Paul Davids Productions, Inc. and Felicity Films presents Jesus in India, A Paul Davids Film featuring Edward T. Martin, Prof. Elaine Pagels, Monsignor Corrado Balducci, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, His Holiness the Shankaracharya, Arif Khan, Suzanne Olsson, Paul R. Fleischman, MD, Brother Chidananda, Daniel Entin, Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein, Michael Hesemann, Prof. Alan C. Mitchell, Prof. Anthony Tambasco, Prof. James Deardorff. Associate Producers Edward T. Martin and Robert Rotstan, Jr., Associate Producers for India Sanjay Shetye and Dnyanesh Moghe, Director of Photography Paul Davids, Music Score by Brian Thomas Lambert, Edited by Paul Davids and Anil Kumar Urmil, Produced by Anil Kumar Urmil, Written, Produced & Directed by Paul Davids. For additional information: www.jesus-in-india-the-movie.com.

ABOUT SUNDANCE CHANNEL

Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, uncompromising and irreverent, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel's website address is www.sundancechannel.com.

RAINBOW MEDIA HOLDINGS LLC

Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation (NYSE: CVC - News). Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world's most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York's Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media's NYC studios and post-production facilities.

December 12, 2008 in Jesus in India | Permalink | Comments (0)

Jesus in India - Sundance Press Release Hits the Press

View the official website for the movie at http://www.jesus-in-india-the-movie.com

The Sundance Channel put together a press release and out it went. Its been amazing who has picked up this story and reported in on their news pages. Here are some examples:

So there we have CNN, AOL, MSN news, and Yahoo. Not bad considering the film is not for another couple of weeks.

The movie will be shown on the Sundance Channel this Christmas, three times, yet also be available on DVD from the date of the first showing. The DVD is actually available for pre-ordering now from the movie website - just click the link below.

December 12, 2008 in Jesus in India | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Jesus in India" - Film Screening

On the 21st of October i took part in a screening event for Paul Davids film - Jesus in India.

It was the premiere screening of his latest film - Jesus in India. I was interviewed for the film and have been involved with some bits and pieces surrounding it. The screening took place in Palm Springs, California. Following the screening a Q&A session was held with a panel of people involved with the movie and i took part in this.

Details about the film and screenings can be found at the official website for the film

The following morning an informal breakfast was held with those involved in the film and other guests and i was able to attend this with my wife. Amazingly the dates for the screening had fallen perfectly for us to be able to both attend the event as part of our honeymoon. It made for one unique experience for sure and gave the honeymoon an added extra special touch.

Some photos from the event are included below.