Gibson Says He Has `Softened' Crucifixion Story in New Jesus Movie

Religion News Service ^ | August 13, 2003 | Kevin Eckstrom

[Clintons a commie]

The line "His Blood Be Upon Us and on Our Children!" wasn't in KING OF KINGS, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, or any movie about Christ. Did you ever watch those, and if so, will you never watch them again now?

This is much adieu about nothing.

[Sloth]

The line "His Blood Be Upon Us and on Our Children!" wasn't in KING OF KINGS, JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD, or any movie about Christ. Did you ever watch those, and if so, will you never watch them again now?

Actually, no I didn't, and I don't expect to. The only thing that appealed to me about Gibson's project was its supposed accuracy. IF that no longer exists due to some PC capitulation, then the movie has no appeal.

[AnalogReigns]

Jewish people, who by their very ethnic/religious identity show they and their anscestors rejected the messianic claims of Jesus, have NEVER liked the New Testament gospels--no matter how gently portrayed. I've read mainstream Jewish publications that call the gospels themselves anti-Semitic--however in light of the false perception that Christians caused the holocaust, its an understandable paranoia. "The Passion" to them no matter how gentle would be to us like a Jewish film portraying Christians as mixed-up heretical theists (or tri-theists?), which of course is the classical Jewish understanding of Christianity.

Certain Jewish leaders, using the Romans, definitely did railroad Jesus to crucifixion--and as the gospel Matthew recorded, an inflamed crowd DID yell, "His blood be on us and our children!" However that a Jewish crowd in Jerusalem did this, certainly does not indite the whole Jewish nation---besides a hundred generations have been born since--so no one should be blamed.

The theological truth is the real truth--everyone of us is to blame--that when God the Son came to earth, we wanted to kill Him--and as punishment for our sins, He gave Himself to be killed.

Thank God for our justification before God, He also literally raised Himself up from the grave. (see Rom. 4:25--written by that great Jewish thinker, the Apostle Paul).

[kstewskis]

"I don't think he's out to get the Jewish community, or attack it, or even be insensitive, frankly," said Eckstein, who was invited to a screening but could not attend because of other commitments. "But I'm not sure if he is aware enough, or sensitive enough, to the history of what has happened because of this deicide charge."

This has got to be one of the most asinine, ignorant, AND arrorgant quotes in the whole article. These people have no shame. Chalk it up to another one of those Jewish critics who God had got to be looking down upon, and mutters, "D'oh! Will they ever get it? Please go back and reread John 9:39, ect...."

I'm a little dissapointed that Mel is "softening" the story of The Passion, for the reason of appeasing his critics. However more importantly, he is still sticking to the Gospels. Improving on trying to be as accurate as possible seems to be the reason he has lingered to listen to his feedback, after the previews.

Adding to his ongoing creditbility, he has consulted more about the making of this movie, than anyone previously in making this type of movie, I'm willing to bet.

Except the whiney, "PC" crowd, who are the minority, and are not about truth of The Gospels. And they know who they are.

The ADL first raised concerns in June after a group of nine Christian and Jewish scholars reviewed a draft script and concluded the film portrayed Jews as "bloodthirsty, vengeful and money-hungry."

These particular Jews

who were in power at the time

/ PC statement off

of His death were vengeful. Crucifixion? That's not bloodthirsty and vengeful? Yes or no, it's all beside the point, and not very important. The fact is, Jesus was doing God's will, and they Jews (if they'd only look at it that way) were assisting in God's will, whether the know or believe it or not.

[NCC-1701]

I hope there is a Director's Cut DVD released. Let it have the movie the way it was meant to be shown. Can't wait to see it never the less. 6 months and counting. Mel will get a distributor and let's hope they don't make him sanitize the film and make it PC. PC didn't exist then and shouldn't exist now.

[X-Servative]

Actually, the story of Noah and the flood was technically a "re-write."

[kstewskis]

LOL!!!!!!

[ex-Texan]

A Huge Counter Protest was what the author was suggesting in this article. He was urging Mel to release his film in select theaters all over the USA for public reaction. He was betting people would be lined up around the block to get in.

[RoughDobermann]

Isn't God ultimately responsible for Jesus' death?

[MEGoody]

"Much is being made of very, very little."

Exactly. They knew they couldn't get to the faithful by claiming the film was anti-semitic (because we did not believe it would be), so they are trying to claim it departs from the biblical accounts too much.

[MEGoody]

"Isn't God ultimately responsible for Jesus' death?"

Since Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, yes, God gave His life for us willingly.

[hattend]

So, do I see it at the movies or wait for the Director's Cut DVD?

Sad to see Mel cater to critics...preview it to a real audience and then take comments. The trailer that is on-line made me tear up and there is no dialog in the trailer, just the suffering of Jesus on the way to the cross.

[RoughDobermann]

Since Jesus is God manifested in the flesh, yes, God gave His life for us willingly.

So, what's all the hubbub about?

[YoungKentuckyConservative]

My money is still on Mel.

Mine, too. Mel might have "placated" the press just to get them to go away. My money says the movie goes forward the way "Mel" intends it to be going foward. If he was going to cave, he already would have. There would have been no benefit to him holding out this long only to cave.

[NYer]

The ADL first raised concerns in June after a group of nine Christian and Jewish scholars reviewed a draft script and concluded the film portrayed Jews as "bloodthirsty, vengeful and money-hungry."

YOPIOS!!

Rabbis who have screened the film say it threatens to undue decades of progress between Christians and Jews

Progress towards what? After being flogged 120 times, his skin hanging in shreds, is this the image they expected Mel Gibson to portray to the world?

Imagine if the Egyptians had complained about their unfair portrayal in the making of the movie The Ten Commandments.

[It's me]

After reading this again, I kind of doubt that Mel Gibson will really do this.

[jjm2111]

will be clearly labeled a Jew in the film

What, they're gonna put a caption under him marked "JEW" each time he appears on camera?!?

Like I said on another thread they're going to have Jar Jar Binks stumbling over the Holy Cross screaming, "Heesa Joosa!!"

[Dr._Joseph_Warren]

That's good, but needs a few additional changes.

The actor portraying Jesus will be a black woman, thus demonstrating recognition for the oppression of minorities and women. Whoppi Goldberg is currently auditioning.

The name Jesus is, of course, male centric sexism, so expect to see the name 'Jesus' changed to 'Jesse'.

The Romans will be protrayed as Capitalistic businessmen. Expect to see business suits in place of legionare robes.

The Jews will be portrayed by liberal politicians. Look for Joe Liberman in the role of Peter.

Hillary will play Mary Magdala.

The setting will be the Bronx.

Instead of a crucifixion, 'Jesse' will die of Aids because the Roman Capitalists refuse to pay for treatment.

[HowlinglyMind-BendingAbsurdity]

Whereas the portrayal of semites as mindless, crass, tasteless, self-absorbed neurotic bores on Seinfeld isn't a problem for the ADL?