The Last Western Heretic

The often controversial beliefs of Sir Lloyd Geering, New Zealand’s best known theologian, are examined in this Top Shelf documentary. In this excerpt he visits Jerusalem to argue that the resurrection of Jesus shouldn't be interpreted literally. Forty years earlier, this assertion divided the Presbyterian Church (where he was Principal of Knox College) and led to his heresy trial on charges of “doctrinal error and disturbing the peace of the church”. There is archive footage of an unrepentant Geering from the two-day trial, which was broadcast live by the NZ Broadcasting Corporation.  

I would like to suggest that what my accusers have been pleased to call the peace of the Church is more properly called the sleepiness of the Church and we should be thankful to God that it has been disturbed.

– Lloyd Geering at his heresy trial in 1967

Key Cast & Crew

Monique Oomen

Director

Vincent Burke

Producer

Owen Ferrier-Kerr

Editor

Adam Stansfield

Sound

Chaim Meir

Sound

Barry Clay

Sound