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.
To quote Rush Limbaugh from a different topic: “I hope he fails.”
I would like to see this actor portray Mohammed in a Bill O’Reilly film. Can’t wait for that one . . . might even have to pop some corn.
The actor was chosen just for the free publicity of course.
I guarantee you that O’Reilly hired this cultist to create a buzz for his film, and for no other reason. Bob
I read Killing Patton. There was blessed little about Patton in this book as BOR padded it out with lengthy descriptions of events in which Patton do not take part, as well as entire political events and speeches.
I'm looking forward to A.D. The Bible Continues which starts airing on Easter Sunday.
OK, I admit I just took the opportunity for a quip. I am sure there were a lot of people who wanted to see Mohammad dead. And for good reasons. A murderous, raping, wife stealing, slave making, thug is bound to build up a portfolio of enemies over time.
The Koran also teaches that the muzzie Jesus will return on their judgement day to smash all the crosses & kill all the Jews.
That’s the day when the rocks & the trees will speak, “O Muslim, O servant of Allah, there is a Jew hiding behind me, come and kill him”.
I, too, have failed to care.
Don't we all?!! LOL!
No harm, no foul.
o reilly knows it all.... just ask him
Count me out, too.
He is such an ass. He always has to prove how open-minded he is by being controversial for the sake of controversy. I can’t stand him.
Where the money goes is pointless. The real point is, BOR put his name and effort to an inaccurate piece of literature that diminishes Christ as savior. And he does it in the name of THE Holy Spirit. The resulting interpretation and mis-characterization of Jesus as something less than fully God and fully man is blaspheme, plain and simple. Before He came to earth, robed in flesh as the only suitable sacrifice for all our sins, He said in Isiah 64:6, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.” It means nothing to the God that owns it all anyway that BOR turns some or all of the proceeds over to earthly charity. We are warned not to mess with God’s word and this is exactly what His Arrogance, O’Reilly, has done.
That was such a great moment that will live forever on YouTube.
That's such a good point. I wonder if O'Reilly thought about it when he cast a Muslim in the role - and I wonder what the Muslim thought when he auditioned for the part?
I don’t remember reading that Jesus was man who “struggled” with his divinity like every other like every other joe schmo muslim does. Won’t bother with this piece of work.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.