Constantine's Sword (2008)

Absolutely stunning mixture of the personal story of a disillusioned Catholic priest and the sordid Christian history that drove him to cut his ties--all the while remaining deeply committed to the ethical vision of Jesus.

Jacoby and Carroll make their case skillfully, carefully excerpting key scenes from Lenny (with Dustin Hoffman doing a Lenny Bruce monologue on anti-Jewish prejudice) and The Robe.

Less a history lesson than Carroll's personal odyssey through the opposing powers of church and state.

Not precisely journalistic, as a personal chronicle writ large it is a stirring, richly intellectual work.

This exceedingly contemplative work is both topically important -- warning of what happens when military might and religious fervor are mixed -- and intellectually stimulating as all get out.

With so much ground to cover, Carroll's own story must hold everything together. And it just about does, because it's inherently fascinating.

Though Carroll's presentation is unquestionably oversimplified...his points are well-taken and worthy of serious regard.

Former priest and author James Carroll is simply pointing out that the use of cover up and propaganda -- whether it's aimed at another religion or another country -- is still represented at the point of a sword. That sword is shaped like a cross.