Posted on 03/27/2015 7:59:10 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
Bill O'Reilly, host of the Fox News program "The O'Reilly Factor," spoke briefly at the premiere of the new National Geographic mini-series "Killing Jesus," which is based on his best-selling book, and talked about his controversial decision to cast a Muslim actor for role of Jesus in the film.
During his speech, which took place before the series was shown to the audience in its entirety, O'Reilly explained his decision to cast young Muslim actor Haaz Sleiman for the role of Jesus.
He admitted to being concerned about some of the backlash that might come, but said Sleiman "was the best person for the job" and that because of this "Jesus would hire him."
O'Reilly also boasted that the semi-biographical series "is what actually happened" with the story of Jesus, and that its portrayal of the Son of God is "very different" from anything that has been seen in other films. He further noted that it's not a "religious film" and is intended to be more of a historical narrative.
And even though the film tones down the power and miracles of Jesus, which can be read about in CP's previous reports, O'Reilly joked about Sleiman turning his water into Zinfandel wine.
Sleiman described his experience as a Muslim man playing Jesus during a red carpet event that took place shortly before the screening, and commented on a few of the reactions he's received from both Christians and Muslims.
"On both sides [there's been] so much support," Sleiman told reporters. "There's some from both sides here and there that are just not happy about it, and I love that because it means we're doing the right thing. Whenever you create some sort of disturbance in the air, there's an awakening that happens. There's an opportunity for conversation and to build bridges. There's an opportunity to connect with one another, especially for different groups that usually wouldn't connect with one another."
Sleiman also talked about how he dealt with conveying Jesus' manhood and His divinity while playing the role.
"It's really to find that balance between humanity and divinity," Sleiman added. "I think, ironically enough, that is something that we all deal with. Every one of us. Because God created us. He breathed life into us. Inherently we have divinity in us, but we're human. And it's that journey. And I feel like I wanted to show that journey through Jesus so that we could all somehow relate to that and feel good about ourselves."
"Killing Jesus" premiers on the National Geographic channel on Sunday, March 29.
the democraps casted one as president.
I was considering watching it but now I’m not.
Sounds like the muslim actor sees Jesus as no more divine than the rest of us. Obama has said that he sees Jesus as a historical figure too and that He is not the only way to salvation.
Sorry, Bill. Won't be taking the bait of your stab at Christian ticket sales.
Now to see if the muslims take their complaints about depictions of Mohammed and Allah consistently since they claim that Jesus is one of the prophets and it is improper to depict ANY of them...
As Bill said "best person for the job" I have to wonder if he considered casting a cisgender woman or transexual in the role.
That’s fine as long as a Christian or Jew can be caste as Mohammed in a movie of his life. What’s that? It’s racist to make a movie about Mohammed? It’s insensitive. The U.S. government will find a flimsy excuse to toss my ass in jail if I do so?
Way to distort the truth, Bill. I will not be watching this movie.
Trying to care, trying to care.....nope.
So, Bill, when is “Killing Mohammed” coming out?
It was a spirit Bill but anytime you contradict/deny The Word of God, there's nothing "holy" about it.
"Since O’Reilly is in New York and Dugard is in California, the team works together on their books by computer and over the phone. Killing Jesus took just eight months and included an advance of more than $10 million."
$10MM in advance eh Bill? A far better haul than 30 pieces of silver. Spend it well, eat, drink and be merry because you have realized your reward in this lifetime. For your willful blaspheme of the Holy Spirit and for all the souls you helped the devil deceive, you are literally toast. Fool.
I don't believe Mohammad was killed. Died of natural causes. AIDs, choking on a pork-chop bone, or something like that...
“He further noted that it’s not a “religious film” ...”
How can a movie about Jesus not be a religious film?
Impossible.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Jesus was a minor prophet. He is not the son of Allah and did not die for our sins. (the position of all Muslims, including actor Haaz Sleiman)
Sure. Best actor for the job, out of how many millions of actors?
Who should he have cast, A blond Norwegian?
This from the guy who confused a Falafel for a Loofah.
So do a LOT of Freepers, apparently.
Based on past discussions, a very great many seem to believe Jews need not accept Jesus as their savior to achieve salvation.
Of course, Jesus himself said, "No one comes to the Father except thru me."
Obviously he was mistaken about that.
Well, there is some disagreement on that. Some people wanted to see Mohammed dead.
The fallout after his death created the Shiites and the Sunnis sects, based on who was to be the rightful heir to the pestilence known as Islam.
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