Religious Harmony

[Anchor Lead]

A South Korean Buddhist monk has produced a movie on Christianity and Jesus Christ's teachings in order to promote harmony between different religions. The movie is attracting great international attention, as shown in its invitation to the Moscow International Film Festival and a Muslim film festival set to open next month. Let's check it out.

[Pkg]

Theology students gather together in a cave. They continue a bold debate on preaching by Jesus Christ.

[Soundbite] "Humans exist for God and his needs."

[Soundbite] "God doesn't intervene in the world of humans, since he gave us free will."

A Buddhist monk is the producer of the movie. She produced the film in order to deliver the message of harmony stressing that the principal teaching is the same despite differences in doctrines.

[Soundbite] Ven. Daehae (Movie Director) : "There is only one truth. But division brings forth quarrels and problems. World peace and other goals can be achieved if the truth is understood."

Two months ago, the film was invited to the Moscow International Film festival. It has also been invited to an international Muslim film festival, which will be held in Kazan, Russia, next month.

[Soundbite] Kirill Razlogov (MIFF Program Director) : "I am honored to invite this great movie and pleased to introduce the meanings of the movie "The Sermon on the Mount""

In Korea, representatives from the Catholic and Protestant churches, Buddhism and Won Buddhism gathered to hold a debate ahead of the movie's domestic debut. Despite questions if the movie is based on the complete understandings of Christianity, it was assessed as a fresh attempt.

[Soundbite] Choi Il-do (Pastor) : "It can be accepted as one of various interpretations. I think it is a movie that theology students must see."

Removing barriers between religions would be the largest message the movie "The Sermon on the Mount" aims to deliver.