Film debut on 'lost years' of Jesus sparks discussion

Norman A. Miles greeted an enthusiastic crowd of viewers Monday after the American debut of "Jesus: The Lost Years" at Carousel Center's Regal Cinemas. Miles, a financial planner in Syracuse, created Bent Pyramid Productions to produce the documentary, which describes what its creators say was a five-year trek through Egypt by the Holy Family - Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They were fleeing King Herod's soldiers, who vowed to kill Jesus.
Although historians and archeologists confirm little, if any, of the movie's claims, Miles is a believer.

"We have a duty now to reveal what we learned," he said. "The oral traditions have to be respected. It's very convincing." A small red carpet was taped to the sidewalk at the mall's entrance, and several attendees wore dressy clothes. Others dressed casually and carried popcorn and Milk Duds into the theater.

The audience of more than 150 people included Paul Perry, the documentary's author and host, and John de Bry, a historian who accompanies Perry during much of the movie's journey. The movie is based on Perry's book, "Jesus in Egypt." He also co-wrote several books, including "Saved by the Light," which chronicles a man's near-death experience. De Bry directs the Center for Historical Archaeology, a nonprofit organization based in Florida.

Perry draws heavily on oral tradition of Egyptian Coptic Christians as he visits sites including a field of fallen idols said to have been knocked down by an angry child Jesus and a stone said to have been Jesus' bed at one time. The screening began about 10 minutes after the 7 p.m. scheduled start. Byron M. Jones, managing partner of Pure Flix Entertainment, which is distributing the film, spoke briefly about the project.

"This is a unique film that is opening up a side we never knew of Jesus Christ," he said.

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