Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Saints’ Explores Life of John the Baptist

The latest installment of «Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints» is now available for streaming, with episodes releasing every Sunday through December 8 on Fox Nation. The episode delves into the life of John the Baptist, a figure known for his role as the baptizer of Jesus and his voice in the wilderness, characterized by his courage, humility, and devotion despite meeting a tragic end at the hands of a vengeful queen.

In this episode, viewers are taken back to first-century Galilee, during Roman rule, with Herod Antipas serving as the ruler, setting the stage for John the Baptist’s extraordinary life and ultimate sacrifice. Martin Scorsese, the legendary filmmaker behind the series, highlights John’s birth and early life, noting that his mother Elizabeth was descended from Aaron, brother of Moses, while his father Zechariah was a Levite, assisting priests in worship.

As the narrative unfolds, Jerusalem is depicted amid spiritual and political turmoil, with the Sadducees, allied with Roman power, losing public trust. Herod Antipas, in particular, becomes a figure of greater disdain. Scorsese reflects on John’s spiritual journey, noting that despite his training for ceremonial roles in the temple, John sought a higher truth, untarnished by corrupt political agendas. This quest led him to the wilderness, where his radical message of repentance resonated widely, ultimately leading to his arrest and execution upon Herod’s orders.

The series «The Saints» is a tapestry of historical narratives examining the lives of saints such as Joan of Arc, Sebastian, Maximilian Kolbe, Francis of Assisi, and Mary Magdalene, among others. It aims to portray their tenacity, courage, and righteousness through their acts of kindness and sacrifice over two millennia of history.

Contributing to the insights on «The Saints,» consultant Mary Karr, Father James Martin, author Paul Elie, and Father Edward Beck discuss the historical and personal impacts of these figures. Fox Nation offers viewers a three-month free trial promotional campaign with the code «SAINTS.»

In related news, the National Catholic Register has reported that Father James Martin, known for his work «My Life with the Saints» and advocacy for bridging the gap between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ community, is part of a discussion panel at the end of each episode. This involvement has sparked conversation regarding his controversial views within the Church.

Despite his ties to Catholicism, Martin Scorsese’s productions have frequently stirred debate. His 1988 film «The Last Temptation of Christ» was notably rated «Morally Offensive» by the National Conference of Catholic Bishops. Nonetheless, Scorsese remains an influential figure, as he explores faith and historical narratives through both film and dialogue with clerics and priests.