Review
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Title: Ultimate Questions (conversations with Truman G. Madsen and David Noel Freedman)
Released by: The Gazelam Foundation
Produced by: Novus Vision Production
(Order from Deseret Book Company — http://deseretbook.com/Ultimate-Questions-Truman-G-Madsen/i/5125006)
Executive Producer: Ann Madsen
Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2014
Run Time: 106 minutes
Format: DVD
Price: $19.99
Reviewed by Kristie Wilkins for the Association for Mormon Letters
Prior to his death in 2009 Truman G. Madsen, one of the most highly respected and loved Latter-day Saint scholars, embarked on a project. Over the years and in the course of his life’s work, Madsen had many interactions with some of the world’s top scholars and leaders, developing deep and lasting friendships with many of them. He planned to record conversations between himself and eight of his colleagues as they discussed some of life’s “ultimate questions.” Unfortunately he was only able to complete filming of the conversations between himself and Rabbi David Rosen and David Noel Freedman, presented in this DVD, but what was recorded is a delightful journey into life’s “ultimate questions.”
David Noel Freedman is one of the most renowned Hebrew scholars. Since 1956, he has retranslated the Bible and Apocrypha from the original text with commentary and analysis. Mr. Freedman has coauthored over 345 works in his lifetime. During his discussion with Freedman, Madsen asked poignant questions that allowed Freedman to share the unique perspective on the Bible that he attained through his years of devoted study. Together they explored the nature of God and man and their relationship to each other. They discussed the creation, angels, forgiveness, the notion of original sin and the various movements to change the gospel to accommodate other cultures that resulted in changes to the original text, among other topics. Throughout their interaction you can see the deep respect and admiration each man felt for the other and his views.
Rabbi David Rosen is known as a great reconciler and peacemaker from his work as Minister of Interreligious Affairs in the Holy Land, Liaison to the Vatican and numerous other assignments. He is currently serving as Director of the American Jewish Committee’s Department of Interreligious Affairs. The focus and nature of the questions brought to the conversation with Rosen were different than with Freedman, zeroing in on the relationships, misunderstandings and challenges facing the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths as they attempt to not only coexist but thrive in a land that has deep religious and cultural significance to each faith. While each of the topics was discussed with passion, they were also discussed with patience, wisdom and generosity of heart. Toward the end Madsen delved into the doctrinal similarities between the faiths and how they can be used to foster understanding and thereby peace.
Ann Madsen perfectly describes the discussions in the DVD presentation as “intimate conversations with dear friends.” Each interaction was filmed in a comfortable setting, with Freedman’s taking place in his study and Rabbi Rosen’s at his kitchen table. The tone of both exchanges was one of genuine love, admiration and respect between the men. Ann points out that “Truman’s ability to clarify and understand complex issues allowed him to guide the discourse far below the surface to search deeply into the ultimate questions” and I wholeheartedly agree.
I personally feel that one of the greatest accomplishments of this production is that Truman Madsen was able to perfectly model what a wonderful experience a discussion between intelligent, passionate and different people can be. We live in a world that fosters competition in just about every aspect of our lives. So often the tendency is to hesitate to rejoice in the accomplishments of others because we feel that might in some way be an acknowledgment of inferiority on our part or to become offended whenever someone expresses a view that is different from our own. The society in which we function daily is also fast paced and abbreviated with text messages, tweets and posts taking the place of meaningful face to face discussions and conversations. The interaction between Madsen and his associates is a complete contrast.
Madsen’s interaction with his colleagues was an exchange of thoughts, ideas and perspectives without judgment. He asked difficult and sometimes pointed questions, not in the spirit of argument but of respectful discussion and in an effort to promote understanding, keeping the pace unhurried so each individual was given time to articulate his thoughts. There were times when the conversation became passionate, particularly in the discussion with Rabbi Rosen, but the tone was always of such great respect and love. Madsen fostered that tone by employing a very effective technique. He would seek to clarify his understanding of what his companion had said by rephrasing comments and asking for confirmation of his interpretation. This allowed Freedman and Rosen to freely express their unique perspectives without fear of judgment or manipulation. Rabbi Rosen said, “There is power in human interaction – showing respect…goodwill can overcome barriers…. I do believe, profoundly, in the power of the human encounter.”
This ability to share thoughts, feelings and perspectives freely with those of other faiths and belief systems was truly one of Truman G. Madsen’s greatest gifts and I feel like this DVD presentation is a powerful demonstration of those gifts and thus a wonderful legacy to this remarkable man. It should be used as a tool to teach for people of all ages to learn to articulate and share their thoughts in profound, meaningful and constructive was that strengthen our relationships with others.
As Ann Madsen concludes the production she says that her husband felt that our (Latter-Day Saint) religion *requires* us to ask big questions and quoted one of Truman’s favorite scriptures from Jeremiah:
“Ye shall seek me and find me when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
As I finished watching this DVD I was struck by two powerful feelings that have lingered with me through the days since. The first was an overwhelming sense of what the world has lost as both Truman Madsen and David Noel Freedman have passed away since the taping of their conversation. The second was a profound wish that Madsen could have finished the rest of the eight planned discussions prior to his death so they could be included in this remarkable DVD. One can only guess at who the other scholars and leaders would have been and the “ultimate questions” that would have been discussed. However, I think we can be certain that we would have come away similarly enlightened, inspired and motivated to continue asking questions and seeking answers.