‘Son of God’: Jewish Leader Hopes Bible Film Will Be ‘Antidote’ to ‘Passion of the Christ’

Yahoo ^ | 02/26/2014 | Todd Cunningham

[SoConPubbie]

The bible saga “Son of God” will be “the antidote to the poison that ‘Passion of the Christ’ became,” Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman told TheWrap Tuesday.

“It’s almost a disservice to ‘Son of God’ to compare the two,” he said. Mark Burnett and Roma Downey’s pared-down version of the History channel miniseries “The Bible” opens nationwide Friday on roughly 3,000 screens Friday.

It’s been 10 years to the day since “Passion of the Christ” debuted, and it’s still the highest-grossing R-rated movie ever. But it’s remembered as much for the charges of anti-Semitism, excessive violence and prerelease controversy as it is for its $370 million box-office haul.

Also read: Jesus Is Back on the Big Screen in ‘Son of God’ Trailer (Video)

“Gibson bloodied the Jews by portraying them as such villains,” said Foxman. He was among the Jewish leaders who a decade ago spoke out bitterly against Gibson’s brutal recounting of Christ’s crucifixion, saying its depiction of sadistic Pharisees and stereotypical characters fanned the flames of hatred against Jews.

But he has no problem with “Son of God.”

“The story of the crucifixion and the way it has been used through the centuries has never been good for the Jews,” he said.

“Having said that, ‘Son of God’ is the most sensitive, caring depiction of the story of Jesus that I have ever seen. The producers have done everything possible to put the events into historical, political and psychological context.”

Foxman (photo left) said that he thought “Son of God” could replace “Passion of the Christ” as the go-to movie for films about the life and death of Christ.

Also read: ‘Son of God’ Cuts Satan Scenes Featuring Obama Lookalike

. . .

Foxman said that his organization met with Downey and Burnett and provided each other with “mutual guidance.”

[SoConPubbie]

"If we must have an enemy at the head of Government, let it be one whom we can oppose, and for whom we are not responsible, who will not involve our party in the disgrace of his foolish and bad measures." - Alexander Hamilton "We don't intend to turn the Republican Party over to the traitors in the battle just ended. We will have no more of those candidates who are pledged to the same goals as our opposition and who seek our support. Turning the Party over to the so-called moderates wouldn’t make any sense at all." -- President Ronald Reagan "A thing moderately good is not so good as it ought to be. Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice." - Thomas Paine 1792 "It does not take a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men." - Samuel Adams "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen." - Samuel Adams

[Ray76]

Foxman is full of it.

[circlecity]

Sounds like Foxman has a problem with historical accuracy.

[A_Former_Democrat]

Abe Foxman, you brown nosing POS, just go straight to hell.

[LibLieSlayer]

I see that hollyweird still hates Mel.

[GOP_Party_Animal]

What a thin-skinned moron. Does he realize Jesus's loving mother and stalwart disciples in The Passion were all Jews?

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Jewish Leader Hopes Bible Film Will Be ‘Antidote’ to ‘Passion of the Christ’ Exactly what is different between the story told in one film and the other?

[SeekAndFind]

RE: Jewish Leader Hopes Bible Film Will Be ‘Antidote’ to ‘Passion of the Christ’

Exactly what is different between the story told in one film and the other?

[GraceG]

I can never understand the christians who whine about jesus getting “killed” by the jews when the romans also played a part as well. Like it would have been better if jesus had died of old age or falling off a donkey cart for our sins instead..

[frogjerk]

Another reason why I may not see this film.

"The Passion of the Christ" is a phenomenal film regardless of Mel Gibson's sins/behavior. It really has no parallel in film.

[Viennacon]

While I think Gibson is a jackass and probably had an ulterior motive, the facts are that the Jewish authorities during this period were largely villainous. Just look at Herod! The temple leaders at this time were horribly corrupt with some exceptions, Nicodemus being the most notable.

[Jeff Chandler]

Yes, I always defer to people in other religions when evaluating Christian media.

[frogjerk]

RE: Jewish Leader Hopes Bible Film Will Be ‘Antidote’ to ‘Passion of the Christ’ Exactly what is different between the story told in one film and the other?

It will be PC and sinner friendly.

[HangnJudge]

TPOC was, without a doubt,
THE most powerful movie I’ve ever seen

[SierraWasp]

And so was Jesus!!!

[Jeff Chandler]

the Jewish authorities during this period were largely villainous.

Why would they be any different from any other authorities in any period?

[Jeff Chandler]

I can never understand the christians who whine about jesus getting “killed” by the jews

Can you cite some examples in the past 100 years?

[MrB]

It had to be done in exactly the way it was done in order to fulfill prophecy and to prove that He was who He said He was,

and the veracity and divine origin of Scripture.

[AHWilde]

Now if we could just find an antidote to Foxman.

[Resolute Conservative]

“Gibson bloodied the Jews by portraying them as such villains,” said Foxman. He was among the Jewish leaders who a decade ago spoke out bitterly against Gibson’s brutal recounting of Christ’s crucifixion, saying its depiction of sadistic Pharisees and stereotypical characters fanned the flames of hatred against Jews.

Didn’t make me hate Jews, it made me hate myself and by deduction all of mankind.