Martin Scorsese's still-controversial 1988 film, and Nikos Kazantzakis' 1953 novel before it, dared to imagine an alternate history in the life of Jesus Christ. During the crucifixion, Christ is given the opportunity to come down from the cross and live his life as a man. He marries Mary Magdalene, has children and grows old. It's not until he's on his mortal death bed that he discovers the truth (spoiler alert!) -- it wasn't God who offered him this chance, but Satan. As Christ comes to terms with his destiny, he begs God to allow him to be crucified. While the film ultimately upholds and even affirms Christian beliefs, the very idea that Christ may somehow have been tempted to even consider not sacrificing himself is too irreverent of an alternate history "what if?" for some to handle.

-Geoff Berkshire