A Review of Route 60: The Biblical Highway by Nick
Olszyk
Distribution Service: Fathom Events
MPAA Rating, Unrated at the Time of this Review
CNS Rating, Unrated at the Time of this Review
Reel Rating, Four Reels
Most
programs that bill themselves as a “journey through the Bible” work chronologically,
beginning with the Exodus moving through the Kingdom then finishing with the
life of Jesus and travels of Paul. Route 60 instead takes its itinerary
from the famous Highway 60, a major road in Israel that runs north-south from
Nazareth to Beersheba right through nation. This feels odd as the documentary jumps
backward and forward in time constantly. Yet, the distinction is important as
the highway has not only Biblical significance but cultural pride for modern
day Israelis like US-101 or the New Jersey Turnpike. Thus, Route 60 –
with its political narrators – explicitly connects ancient Israel with the modern-day
nation state. This mixing of historical tourism and modern-day politicking makes
for both a delightful aesthetic experience and a deeply reflective one.
The
hosts of this journey are not clergy, scholars, or archeologists but diplomats.
Our Jewish voice is David Friedman, the former US Ambassador to Israel, while
our Christian perspective is Mike Pompeo, the former US Secretary of State.
They start in the north at Nazareth then gradually make their way down the
highway stopping at major points of significance along the way. They spend a
lot of time in Jerusalem but otherwise move at a quick pace, spending only
minutes in places like Bethlehem, covering over twenty sites in only ninety
minutes.
While
the film does touch on theological ideas, the whole of the work is remarkably
political in nature, especially focusing on Biblical leadership. In Jerusalem,
they comment on how David did not fight with his troops which led to the
Bathsheba scandal and eventual dynastic war. Yet his repentance and humility saved
the kingdom and his lineage. Friedman and Pompeo are unapologetically
pro-Israel, comparing the fight against Palestinian terrorism to an ancient
fight against the Philistines. I am by no means an expert in this area, but I
am sure some Middle Eastern Catholics might have a different opinion. While not
everyone may agree with their conclusions, it’s good that the film risks making
these comparisons. So few leaders are willing to make explicit connection
between the Bible and world events, but such reflection would be incredibly beneficial.
Some
cannot travel to the Holy Land; I’m pretty sure the 5th circle of
Hell is just a perpetual airplane ride with toddlers. Route 60, shot in
beautiful 4k high definition, is as close as many will get to the real thing.
The cinematography is gorgeous and dynamic from sweeping drone vistas high in
sky to close ups of the very dirt Jesus tread upon. At a time when the lives of
humans are filtered endlessly through screens, it’s worth remembering that the heroes
of the Bible lived in a physical place and time that is still accessible. Our
faith is not first “of the heavens” but “of the Earth.” Jesus is the incarnate
God who lived among us, not just people but rocks, trees, bugs, and sand.
Route
60 was a unique engagement not just with the Holy Land but the Lord Himself,
reminding us that He is just as much at work today as in the past. Back in 2018,
when President Trump moved the Israeli embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem,
there was enormous backlash from both the left and the right. Critics were
convinced this would escalate tensions and possibly destabilize the region, yet
it was largely
successful, and when Biden became president, he did
not move the embassy back. The history of Israel is a potent reminder that
when we have courage and are faithful to the Lord, He will support us. My only
real criticism is that I would love to see this as a series instead of just a
film.
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