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'Killing Jesus' Portrays Jesus as Man, Tones Down His Miracles and Power, Film's Actors Explain
Christian Post ^ | 03/25/2015 | Vincent Funaro

Posted on 03/25/2015 8:38:04 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

The upcoming National Geographic miniseries "Killing Jesus," which is based on Fox News commentator Bill O'Reilly's bestselling book of the same name, tells the story of the historical Jesus and leaves the supernatural claims made by believers out of the equation.

The approach to the film was intentional, according to some of the actors in the film who believe it will help to get the Jesus story out to those who are skeptics.

Chris Ryman, who plays Malchus, the Roman guard who arrests Jesus before His crucifixion, commented on the film's portrayal of Jesus — the man — in the film.

"This is the first time we see Jesus as the man, not as this kind of spiritual divinity," Ryman told The Christian Post on Monday before the film's New York City premiere. "Even though all that is there — and I think that's important, because the main teachings about Jesus was to teach men how you could become better."

He continued: "If you look at this person and you see an angel or a God, you're not going to be able to relate to it. But if you see a man with all His faculties you say, 'Wow, He's like me.' He's a working class intelligent man. Every person can see something in them that Jesus has. That's what you're going to get from this story. The real human side of Jesus."

Ryman also told CP that when he first received the script for "Killing Jesus," he wasn't told that Jesus' miracles wouldn't be depicted in the film. He further admitted that while the entirety of Jesus' story can't be told without acknowledging the supernatural aspects of His life, it can be achieved without the use of Hollywood special effects that are often found in other portrayals of Jesus' life.

Alexis Rodney, who plays Simon Peter in "Killing Jesus," elaborated more on Ryman's point.

"In a lot of other versions you see lights and rays, and that's fine — it serves its purpose," he told CP. "But again [what we're bringing that's different], I think, is being able to make it slightly more ambiguous. You draw in a larger audience who will then get the core message."

Joe Doyle, who plays Judas Iscariot in the film, feels the ambiguity could be viewed as a positive and leaves the decision as to whether Jesus is really God or not in the viewers' hands.

"It's portrayed exactly that, it's ambiguous, but it leaves the question open whether it could be coincidence, which can be construed as miracle as well," Doyle told CP.

Ryman also supports the film's approch and believes it will help expose non-believers to the message of Christ. He also discussed the subtle way the miracles are displayed in the film without them being overtly supernatural or religious.

"When I read [the script], for me, I was like, well, it's smart, because it's obviously meant to be for the non-believers as much as it is for the believers. But for me, there's clear points where I'm like, well, that's clearly a miracle. What's happening there — that can only be a miracle. It's very clever," Ryman continued.

Speaking about the film's non-traditional approach in telling the story of Jesus' life, Rodney explained to CP that he believes younger generations might be more open to learning about Jesus' message. "Especially with the younger generation who are far more skeptical and savvy. If they are to find the beauty within this message, I think that they need this approach."

"Killing Jesus" premiers on the National Geographic channel on Sunday, March 29.


TOPICS: Catholic; Charismatic Christian; Evangelical Christian; History; Religion & Culture
KEYWORDS: billoreilly; easter; jesus; killingjesus; moviereview
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To: SeekAndFind
According to John 18.10, Malchus was the slave/servant (doulos) of the high priest, so he isn't likely to have been a Roman. (His ear was cut off by Simon Peter--only John's Gospel gives the servant's name.)
21 posted on 03/25/2015 9:17:10 AM PDT by Verginius Rufus
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To: SeekAndFind
According to John 18.10, Malchus was the slave/servant (doulos) of the high priest, so he isn't likely to have been a Roman. (His ear was cut off by Simon Peter--only John's Gospel gives the servant's name.)
22 posted on 03/25/2015 9:17:10 AM PDT by Verginius Rufus
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To: SeekAndFind
So does this express the faith and beliefs of Ted Baxter?

If so, the man is on his way to hell and hoping to take some others with him.

That is the goal of satan and Ted is acting as his agent.

23 posted on 03/25/2015 9:18:13 AM PDT by zerosix (Native Sunflower)
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To: SeekAndFind

Does this make Bill O’Reilly a CINO?

In my book, it does.


24 posted on 03/25/2015 9:19:50 AM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: CatherineofAragon

[[ He said it would show the audience why Jesus was really killed]]

Psssst- Mr pseudo-Christian oreilly, Jesus was killed because HE ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE KILLED because the world needed a savior- Perhaps you should take him up on his offer Bill because obviously you aren’t one of His if you think Jesus was killed by mere mortals and couldn’t have stopped it if He wished to do so!

His death had EVERYTHING to do religion!


25 posted on 03/25/2015 9:20:47 AM PDT by Bob434
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To: SeekAndFind

oreilley’s book basically claims Jesus was a ‘good guy’ and ‘role model’ because He was someone who picked himself up by his bootstraps and made soemthign of His life,

And he claism the ‘real reason’ that Jesus was killed was because Jesus interrupted the tax flow from the temple to the roman empire when he overturned the money changer’s tables- He claims rome saw Him as a ‘rabble rouser’ who was upset over taxes

And, he claism the reason the Jews were awaiting Jesus was because they were tired of paying taxes and thought Jesus would free them from government taxes-

Oreilly is clueless!


26 posted on 03/25/2015 9:34:15 AM PDT by Bob434
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To: SeekAndFind

Relying on that self-satisfied balloon, Bill O’Reilly, for a discussion about Jesus is about as useful as trusting Valerie Jarrett with your wallet.


27 posted on 03/25/2015 9:48:49 AM PDT by Chainmail (A simple rule of life: if you can be blamed, you're responsible.)
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To: Bob434

RE: And he claism the ‘real reason’ that Jesus was killed was because Jesus interrupted the tax flow from the temple to the roman empire when he overturned the money changer’s tables- He claims rome saw Him as a ‘rabble rouser’ who was upset over taxes

WOW, an ancient version of a Tea Party candidate, who woulda thunk !! /sarc


28 posted on 03/25/2015 9:48:49 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: MeshugeMikey

RE: could it be that a mooselim was cast in the lead role ...intentionally?

And why would a Muslim accept the role ( unless he isn’t really serious about his faith )? The Quran states that Jesus DID NOT DIE on the cross.


29 posted on 03/25/2015 9:50:47 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

He is likely what would be referred to as a Nominal muslim.

The sot that only “attends” mosque...on Ramadan...and...”like that”..

In terms of his adherence to the “faith”.. he could have habits very SImilar to Nominal Christians who attend Church only on Easter and Christmas.

Why the producer cast him..in the Role of Jesus is indeed curious


30 posted on 03/25/2015 9:58:48 AM PDT by MeshugeMikey ("Never, Never, Never, Give Up," Winston Churchill ><>)
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To: SeekAndFind
"...tells the story of the historical Jesus and leaves the supernatural out of the equation."

"And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God." 1 Cor 2:4-5.

O'Reilly has clearly said he believes in salvation is by works, so this doesn't surprise me.

31 posted on 03/25/2015 9:59:20 AM PDT by aimhigh (1 John 3:23)
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To: SeekAndFind

Making a Jesus movie to show during Easter week but targeting mostly non-believers. Genius!


32 posted on 03/25/2015 10:03:43 AM PDT by pepsi_junkie (Who is John Galt?)
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To: Elsiejay
I have absolutely no confidence in Bill O’Reilly with regard to accurately representing the final words that Pontius Pilate spoke to and about the Prisoner, Jesus Christ, brought to him by the self-anointed leaders of the Jews for sentencing by Pilate and execution by the Roman occupiers because they, the Jews, were not permitted to impose or carry out the penalty of death, -— and they desperately wanted Jesus killed. Pilate could find no fault in Him, and so stated, but the conniving Sanhedrin had him by the gonads.

I remember several years ago, O'Blowhard was doing a segment that involved Jesus. I don't remember what it was about, maybe homosexuality and the church. One of the guests mentioned to O'Reilly that Jesus had once said "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person’s enemies will be those of his own household". O'Reilly actually disputed that Jesus had ever said any such thing. He said "Jesus was the Prince of Peace!"

IMO, O'Reilly doesn't know squat about the bible or Jesus. He doesn't write his books anyway. This movie sounds just like the sort of uninformed crap one can expect from O'Reilly.

33 posted on 03/25/2015 10:13:04 AM PDT by Sans-Culotte (Psalm 14:1 ~ The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.&#148;)
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To: SeekAndFind

SPOILER ALERT: - at the end He dies.


34 posted on 03/25/2015 10:45:44 AM PDT by LivingNet
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To: Bob434
"Jesus was killed because HE ALLOWED HIMSELF TO BE KILLED because the world needed a savior- "

Yep, that's the thing----the HUGE thing---O'Reilly misses. No one could "kill" the Lord unless He willingly allowed it. He sacrificed Himself for us.

35 posted on 03/25/2015 10:47:57 AM PDT by CatherineofAragon ((Support Christian white males---the architects of the jewel known as Western Civilization.))
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To: Salvation

His own testimony is that he is a CINO.....he said he believe’s that God will accept him because his good works outweigh his bad works............

He and all who believe this are in for a huge shock - but it’s not like they haven’t heard the true gospel......they just reject it.


36 posted on 03/25/2015 10:58:34 AM PDT by Arlis ( A "Sacred Cow" Tipping Christian)
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To: LivingNet

I guess the resurrection is too supernatural for this version.


37 posted on 03/25/2015 11:08:25 AM PDT by xp38
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To: SeekAndFind
Overturning the tables in temple may have momentarily affected the revenues coming to the temple...but the tribute money going to Rome was something else. That was paid with a Roman coin--see Mark 12.15-17 (and parallel passages in Matthew and Luke). The coins had Caesar's likeness and inscription on them.

Bill O'Reilly: poster child for the proverb "a little learning is a dangerous thing."

38 posted on 03/25/2015 11:27:36 AM PDT by Verginius Rufus
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To: SeekAndFind
Overturning the tables in temple may have momentarily affected the revenues coming to the temple...but the tribute money going to Rome was something else. That was paid with a Roman coin--see Mark 12.15-17 (and parallel passages in Matthew and Luke). The coins had Caesar's likeness and inscription on them.

Bill O'Reilly: poster child for the proverb "a little learning is a dangerous thing."

39 posted on 03/25/2015 11:27:36 AM PDT by Verginius Rufus
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To: SeekAndFind; NYer

I saw a bit of O’riley on the 4xladies at noon on Fox news. I didn’t hear what was being discussed but with him sitting there, in the middle, my thought was “4 babes & a boob.” O’R being the boob.


40 posted on 03/25/2015 11:30:18 AM PDT by GreyFriar (Spearhead - 3rd Armored Division 75-78 & 83-87)
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