Film about Christ raises concerns of anti-Semitism

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI ^ | 8/11/03 | AMY WESTFELDT

[DPB101]

Film about Christ raises concerns of anti-Semitism

But Gibson defends 'Passion' as an
authentic crucifixion account

By AMY WESTFELDT
Associated Press

New York - Those who have seen Mel Gibson's film about the final hours of Jesus Christ have called it beautiful, magical, and a great and important work.

Those who fear "The Passion" could fuel anti-Semitism, however, until this weekend hadn't been allowed to see the film. Seven months before its release, this extraordinary vanity project is stirring passions over Gibson's exclusionary screenings and the potential for a negative depiction of Jews.

On Friday, it was shown in Houston to an audience that included for the first time an official from the Anti-Defamation League, which fights anti-Semitism. Audience members signed confidentiality agreements before attending the screening.

"We still have grave concerns," Rabbi Eugene Korn, director of the ADL's Office of Interfaith Affairs in New York, told the Houston Chronicle in Saturday's editions.

Not just Jews are concerned. The film was first questioned by a nine-member panel that included Christians. Gibson is a member of a Catholic movement that rejects the Vatican's authority over the Catholic church.

The action-movie star and Oscar-winning director of "Braveheart" has spent nearly $30 million of his own money to produce, co-write and direct "The Passion," starring Jim Caviezel as Jesus and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Filmed entirely in Aramaic and Latin, it has yet to secure a distributor.

According to the official Web site for the film, "The Passion" may not reach theaters until June.

In recent weeks, the actor-director had been building support with invitation-only screenings for film industry insiders, conservative commentators, evangelical Christians and sympathetic Jews.

Ted Haggard, president of the National Evangelical Association, saw a screening in June with about 30 evangelical scholars. The scholars are very strict about adherence to scripture, so Gibson "had no assurances that we would be friendly toward that movie."

But Haggard loved it. "I thought it was the most authentic portrayal I've ever seen."

However, critics of "The Passion" - who have not seen the film - worry that it will attract millions to see a violent, bloody recounting of the crucifixion that portrays Jews as a frenzied mob eager to watch Jesus die.

"For too many years, Christians have accused Jews of being Christ-killers and used that charge to rationalize violence," said Sister Mary C. Boys, a seminary professor on a committee that read an early draft of the script. "This is our fear."

While Gibson said "The Passion" will be the most authentic account ever of the crucifixion, Boys said the script presented the Jews as more culpable than the Romans who executed Christ.

It only recounts the last 12 hours of Christ's life, she said, and therefore lacks the context to explain the Jews' portrayal.

In a June statement, Gibson denied that he or the film were anti-Semitic: "My intention in bringing it to the screen is to create a lasting work of art and engender serious thought among audiences of diverse faith backgrounds (or none) who have varying familiarity with this story."

[ultima ratio]

You will find the Churchill quote among the documents of The Holocaust Historiography--hardly an anti-Semitic site. Any more scurrilous wisecracks about my sources?

[Cachelot]

You will find the Churchill quote among the documents of The Holocaust Historiography--hardly an anti-Semitic site.

Holocaust Historiography? Greg Raven's site??? Greg Raven????? You gotta be pulling our collective legs. Or your own leg. Or something else.

Greg Raven, the history revision guy? Are you plumb dumb?

Any more scurrilous wisecracks about my sources?

Dunno about cracks, but your sources are pretty scurrilous ;))).

[Tailgunner Joe]

That’s a credit to America of the last few generations, but historically, it’s a factual charge, which is frequently still used against Jews (by Muslims).

If "Muslims" say this then they are going against their own religion. The Koran teaches that the Crucifixion was a hoax. Perhaps it is Pan-Arab National Socialists who say this.

[TigersEye]

Liberal is not socialist.

Universal Health care isn't socialist? Welfare isn't socialist? Affirmative Action isn't socialist? Hate crimes laws aren't socialist? Abortion on demand isn't socialist?

If not socialist then communist! What planet are you from?

[pyx]

Those who fear "The Passion" could fuel anti-Semitism, however, until this weekend hadn't been allowed to see the film.

Then take your meds and see a doctor about your mental illness.

[ultima ratio]

I did a google search and came up with that. Sorry, if it's not kosher--obviously I'm a novice at anti-Semitism.

[Tailgunner Joe]

Liberal is not socialist.

Liberal is a misnomer. The American Left believes in the redistribution of wealth. They also believe in the eradication of national borders and sovereignty. That makes them International Socialists. "Jews" who vote Democrat stand in solidarity with the enemies of Israel.

[Tailgunner Joe]

Al Gore got more votes than GWB, and since Jews are a small group in the US, you can't lay that at the feet of Jews.

I have no problem with these jews:

;D

[Tailgunner Joe]

Soros supports Gun Control, drug legalization, and inheritance taxes. He is a Gramscisn Socialist.

[Northern Yankee]

I absolutely agree with you Veronica.

The Gospels are being followed exactly. As I have stated before, as Catholics we have never pointed fingers at the Jews, or anyone else in regards to the death of Jesus. (After all..Jesus was a Jew.) He knew the ramifications, and understood what he needed to do. As Jesus stated in the Gospel of John, "You would have no power were it not given from my father above."

I just think there is a mindset out there that wants to destroy anything related to God. I really don't see the ADL as really believing what they are saying.

Your thoughts?

God Bless!

[kstewskis]

Those who fear "The Passion" could fuel anti-Semitism,

Ah ha!

Stop right there, Amy...don't go any farther. You flat out admited it before everyone now.

Exactly what I've said before, it's these blathering idiots who "fear" antisemitism are precisely who are fueling the pot....not Mel and "The Passion".

Tell a lie often enough, and people will believe? You sound like a evil, deceitful liberal, Ms. Westfeldt.

Nice try, now go back and crawl under your rock.

[veronica]

I view this film as I did the Scorcese film The Last Temptation of Christ. As one director's vision/version of a historical event. It really does not have any religious meaning to me, since I am Jewish and do not view Jesus the way Christians do. But you would expect that, right?

In so far as the discussion around the film serves to enable Jewhaters, I find that disturbing, and I'd like to see Gibson address that straight up. But it's not the first movie to be surrounded by controversy, and it won't be the last. To me, it will be one director's vision, and I'll judge it as a film, good, bad or indifferent.

[Northern Yankee]

I think you'll see that Mel will address this at some time, if he hasn't already.

I also find it very distasteful for anyone to denegrade the Jewish faith, or any for that matter. (Although Islam surely has not helped its cause by the silence on the Jihad...)

The Jewish religion is taught with great reverence in my Religious Ed. classes that I teach to my middle school students. At no time is there any blame put upon Judiasm in regards to the death of Christ. He after all accepted his calling, and went willingly.

I will be curious as to your thoughts once the movie comes out.

I look forward to your opinion. I am certain it will be one of great intellect!

Shalom!

Jay