Most American Jews, experiencing warm and gracious interactions each day with their Christian fellow-citizens, would feel awkward trying to explain why so many Jewish organizations seem focused on an agenda hostile to Judeo-Christian values. Many individual Jews have shared with me their embarrassment that groups, ostensibly representing them, attack Passion but are silent about depraved entertainment that encourages killing cops and brutalizing women.Citing artistic freedom, Jewish groups helped protect sacrilegious exhibits such as the anti-Christian feces extravaganza presented by the Brooklyn Museum four years ago.
One can hardly blame Christians for assuming that Jews feel artistic freedom is important only when exercised by those hostile toward Christianity. However, this is not how all Jews feel.
Outstanding post.
I just had a conversation last week with a Jewish family who contribute and work in the arts community in Tampa. VERY liberal. (who would have guessed?) We were debating the NEA funding which Bush just proposed, but of course they hate him anyway and won't vote for him regardless. They absolutely fit your description above. I had to question their judjment of what art is worthwhile and what's just a vehicle for shock value. They wouldn't give the Passion due respect as artwork, their liberal bias precluded any objectivity. Very disturbing, but I hope they at least think about it in the depths of their conscience.