Have we really become so godless that we need a program like “Jerusalem: Center of the World,” a two-hour documentary on Wednesday on PBS that does little but recite the greatest hits, as it were, of the three major religions that have flourished in and around that city?

Surely even nonbelievers know the basics of the crucifixion of Jesus and the Masada story. Surely they have read of the marvel that is the Dome of the Rock. Or, in this insular age, maybe not.

The program, with Ray Suarez as host, gives a boilerplate history of Jerusalem from ancient times, drawing straight from the Gospels, the Talmud, the Koran and other texts but adding nothing in terms of modern scholarship or insight. Didn’t we already know that Islam, Christianity and Judaism have all staked claims in Jerusalem, and that the city’s history is one long tussle for control?

The program could have found some depth in this familiar territory had it gone a little more aggressively into comparing the various styles of overlordship; Jerusalem has seen the full range, from slaughter to tolerance. How have the ruling practices squared with the religious beliefs of those doing the ruling?

Instead the program chooses reverence as its operative tone, turning Mr. Suarez essentially into a travel guide. He spends much of his time showcasing the various religious sites and monuments like a real estate agent trying to sell a house. The result is a nontaxing documentary whose highest use might be as a primer for high school students headed to Jerusalem on a class trip.

JERUSALEM

Center of the World

On most PBS stations on Wednesday night (check local listings).

Directed by Andrew Goldberg; written by Mr. Goldberg and Ray Suarez; Mr. Goldberg, executive producer; Amy Brillhart, producer; Maciej Bugajak and Wolfgang Held, directors of photography; Robyn Fitzsimmons, production coordinator; Mr. Suarez, host and narrator. Produced by Two Cats Productions.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/01/arts/television/01pbs.html?ref=todayspaper&pagewanted=print

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company