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Gerry Adams finds Jesus in the Holy Land

By
PATRICK COOPER,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer
Published Sunday, February 14, 2010, 7:01 AM
Updated Friday, February 19, 2010, 3:34 PM

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Gerry Adams
Gerry Adams


A new documentary featuring Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams in The Holy Land and following the footsteps of Jesus has drawn angry reaction from bombing victims in Northern Ireland.

Adams states that the teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are the basis of what he says are  "the Jesus message" of mercy and forgiveness.

"The one thing I have always liked about Jesus is his lack of condemnation and his lack of denunciation: the way he mixed with all the wrong people," Adams says. "And the way that, although he sets out rules for life, he knows we are imperfect and we are not going to do it. So he gives us another chance, and another chance and another chance."

The documentary, "The Bible; A History" being shown next week  has been made by Channel 4 in Britain and was condemned by Victor Barker who lost his 12-year-old son to a dissident IRA bomb in 1988 at Omagh. "It's a big mistake and completely misguided," said Barker. "It is offering Adams a platform for doing what he does so well, of coming across on camera as a genuine, peaceful person who wants to promote peace and love.”

Adams tells the program, "Sometimes I was in tune with the Jesus message and sometimes not, "in the documentary filmed in Jordan, Palestine and Israel.

"I am not a pacifist and I don't believe that non-violent protest would have got justice in Ireland, but I do know that after decades of war, we all have plenty to forgive and to be forgiven for," he says. "I don't for one second step back from my responsibility as a leader of a struggle that has caused both hurt and damage to other human beings."

Adams says he picks and chooses form the bible as best he can to find his own personal Jesus. "You might not be right to do it, but you do it. We are not perfect and we do our best. If there is no one out there, pushing for a peaceful and democratic resolution, then, as night follows day, you will get people who resort to arms" he says

In the program Adams comes face to face with Alan McBride, who lost both his wife and his father-in-law in the Shankill Road bombing of 1993. The two talk about forgiveness and the violence that killed more than 3,000 people. "I don't think it was worth one of those lives," McBride tells Adams. "I think we need to be more like Jesus and yet less religious, if that is not a contradiction."

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21 Comments

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sroneil | Jan 03, 2011, 11:35 AM EST
GO GERRY GO...!!!

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BishopSean | Aug 14, 2010, 09:42 PM EDT
With respect, Nivekderf, your statement about "no contemporary evidence that Jesus Christ ever existed"--among the best contemporary historians, not even the most skeptical would risk their professional reputations with such a statement. More is known about Jesus than anyone else in antiquity. I am prepared to defend this statement but not in so short a space. Regards.

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clarsach | Feb 19, 2010, 04:46 PM EST
People today, especially the news media, know little of repentance and forgiveness. In His time Jesus got the same rap that Gerry Adams got. He is human and made mistakes; who among us hasn't. There are know perfect people only perfect ideas. Before we cast the first stone, let's look at ourselves. We will squelch alot of problems.

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killowen | Feb 16, 2010, 04:00 PM EST
Nothing holy about a place where a controlling entity reigns - planted from afar - that is the source of the world's ills. Connect the dots and conclude for thyself.

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CanadianPat | Feb 16, 2010, 02:07 PM EST
Citizen69, You presume much! You speak as REAL Irish,from Ireland, and state that Gerry Adams was never religious! As I Know one of your statments to be totally false showing total ignorance of the man ,I supect the second ;though that does not really matter regardless you do not have the right to speak for the Irish in Ireland or scattered throughout this world even if you have shamrocks growing out your ass. Wise-up! Your blind hate and liberty with the truth shows you for a spitfull little man!

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Haole3000 | Feb 15, 2010, 08:16 PM EST
""His and his fellow slave holders pulled away from Mother's power for a time but now its kissy kissy time again. As both combine to carry on managing an empire of sorts for their Anglo connection."""" Half of Ireland fled to America, but America is as bad as Britain. Don't think so. Say thank you to an American next time you meet one serf.

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killowen | Feb 15, 2010, 05:14 PM EST
Adam's "I am not a pacifist and I don't believe that non-violent protest would have got justice in Ireland, but I do know that after decades of war, we all have plenty to forgive and to be forgiven for," he says. George Washington's reign of terror led to the much touted democracy that shaped the world. His and his fellow slave holders pulled away from Mother's power for a time but now its kissy kissy time again. As both combine to carry on managing an empire of sorts for their Anglo connection. They having to serve a higher authority who calls the shots - how sweet to be driven by such awesomeness.

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killowen | Feb 15, 2010, 05:13 PM EST
Adam's "I am not a pacifist and I don't believe that non-violent protest would have got justice in Ireland, but I do know that after decades of war, we all have plenty to forgive and to be forgiven for," he says. George Washington's reign of terror led to the much touted democracy that shaped the world. His and his fellow slave holders pulled away from Mother's power for a time but now its kissy kissy time again. As both combine to carry on managing an empire of sorts for their Anglo connection. They having to serve a higher authority who calls the shots - how sweet to be driven by such awesomeness.

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feliciamaisey | Feb 15, 2010, 03:12 PM EST
Wow--some of you are ridiculous in your words. I think that this kind of program is important, especially from someone like Gerry Adams for exactly the condemnation he is receiving here. One must forgive and only cast stones if theirs is a life fully free of hate and ill will against another. I think people change over time, and they grow weary and yet wiser in times of war. If one looks at all the key players over the last 30 years in northern Ireland, no-one is without blame, without hurt, without a need to alter the mistakes of the past--let it be and stop finger-pointing or the peace that is at play will surely be lost.

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citizen69 | Feb 15, 2010, 12:41 PM EST
Pat, Gerry Adams has NEVER been deeply religious. Nor is he known as particularly honourable. Most real Irishmen (ya know, from Ireland) wouldn't give him the time of day.

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katelms | Feb 15, 2010, 11:49 AM EST
...hmmm St. Paul, alias 'Saul' the sinner. Food for thought...

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katelms | Feb 15, 2010, 11:37 AM EST
He found Jesus, that is amazing, I didn't even know he was lost, it wasn't in the papers, didn't see his face on a milk carton.

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CanadianPat | Feb 15, 2010, 10:31 AM EST
Gerry Adams was always deeply religious and honorable, I am sure there were and are others on the other political side and even in the British Army that are equally religious and honorable.Those who have a need to demonize their foe are simply following a age old tradition that allowed men to go to war disregaurding logic.

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dunbekin36 | Feb 15, 2010, 10:00 AM EST
A person who has an unforgiving spirit is always the real loser, The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness,, selfcontrol, against such things there is no law.... If we live by the spirit, Let us also walk by the spirit. Galatians 5;22-23.25 Good for Gerry Adams. God Bless Him.

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Haole3000 | Feb 15, 2010, 06:00 AM EST
God can forgive even a paddy ,european socialist, anti american, pro islam SOB like Jerry Adams. It says more about God and not Jerry.

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