Can war ever be holy? James Carroll, formerly a Catholic Priest and more previously an Air Force Wanna-be with an important military father reflects on religion and war. The documentary is couched in a discussion of the apparently encroaching Christian evangelism at a US Air Force academy. But this topic is only the opener and closer of some meandering introspection that takes the viewer back to those responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus. In fact, Carroll and others make the case that this wrongful blaming of the Jews in combination with Constantine's adaptation of the cross as a military/political strategy has lead to persecution and even killing of Jews in various parts of the world.

It's powerful stuff -- big stuff, but Carroll manages to make it very personal. Rather than seeking ways to change the thinking of large organizations (such as the Catholic church), Carroll aims first at his own heart. And by example, next our hearts. How holy can any war be? Is religion responsible for more death and destruction than uplifting positive community work? These are powerfully important questions to ask and this documentary shines a light on some history, religion (particularly Christianity) would not be so proud of.

Overall, rather disorganized and uneven as a documentary, but always intriguing and certainly pertinent.

I'm reminded of a few lines from a Matthew Sweet song released sometime around the Gulf War, "'Cause I'm not in for killing another man, Defending my holy land, As if there's a god who would understand..."

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