Film to be Released despite Anti-Semitic Content

[peacelover]

Extract from here

But the true controversy surrounding The Passion is the allegation that it blames Jewish people for killing Christ. Historically many anti-Semites have used this 'blood guilt' argument as a justification for attacks on Jews.

'We have a problem here. Already one quarter of Americans believe Jews killed Jesus, and that's before this movie comes out,' said Foxman, who secretly attended a Christian screening of the film in Florida.

The Passion follows a literal interpretation of the Gospels. It depicts their betrayal of Jesus by the Jewish authorities and the Jewish mob. 'The Jews and a group of sadistic Roman soldiers are the only ones portrayed as evil. The Jews make bloodthirsty calls for Jesus's death on a continuous basis,' Foxman said.

Gibson is a follower of an obscure ultra-traditionalist Catholic sect that rejects many recent reforms of the Catholic Church, does not recognise the current Pope and still conducts Mass in Latin. Gibson's father, Hutton Gibson, also stoked up problems when he told one interviewer that the Vatican reforms of the 1960s had been a 'Masonic plot backed by the Jews'.

Gibson has vehemently denied any anti-Semitism in the film, saying that it is a faithful interpretation of scripture. But he raised eyebrows when he claimed that he witnessed agnostics and Muslims on the movie set convert to Christianity during production. He has also warned of a 'dark force' that tried to interrupt screenings and told how actor Jim Caviezel, who plays Jesus, was struck by lightning during filming.

In a bid to defuse some of the tension around the film's release, Gibson last week wrote to the Anti-Defamation League after reportedly deleting a key scene in which a priest calls down an eternal curse on the Jews. 'You are a man of integrity and a man of faith and I do not take your concerns lightly... all who ever breathe life on this Earth are children of God and my most binding obligation to them, as a brother in this waking world, is to love them,' Gibson wrote.

However, Gibson did not address any of Foxman's specific questions about the film. Foxman has now written back to Gibson asking that he include a 'post-script' in the film that will ask its viewers not to come away with anti-Semitic feelings. 'Your words do not mitigate our concerns about the potential consequences of your film... How will the film be viewed by others? Could the images of your film be used by those who are disposed toward hatred to harden their hearts?'

Foxman is still convinced that the film will play into a rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the world, though he accepts that Gibson himself is not at all anti-Semitic. 'He has a very strong belief. But it is others we are worried about. We just fear that people will come away from watching this and blame the Jews,' he said.

But many Christians dismiss Foxman's concerns. 'Anything like this is going to get resistance. But it is ridiculous. I have seen the movie too, and I did not see any hatred of the Jews,' said Giovino.

One thing is certain though: the hype surrounding the film is going to ensure a box-office smash. Experts predict Gibson will recoup his $25m investment on the opening weekend alone.

Does anyone think this is justifiable?

I find it worrying enough that 25% of Americans already think Jews murdered Christ - should we really be encouraging this for the sake of a Hollywood film?

I think it's irresponsible in the extreme. I know we have freedom of expression, but it is qualified, and I'm not sure that this isn't an instance of when this qualification should be exercised.

In the current climate, it is asking for trouble to pander to the lie that Jews killed Jesus. I think this ought to overrule the right to free expression, but does anyone disagree and think that woudl amount to unjustifiable censorship?

[Alfred]

I fully agree with you.

It is a known fact that Jesus was very popular amongst the Jewish leadership at the time of his murder by the Romans. I have even heard rumors that the Jewish Sanhedrin Council tried to prevent the Romans from killing the destitute Jesus; who afterall was from the Galilee....(apparently a poor section of Israel at the time). I could be wrong, but I think it has been proven that the entire Jewish religious leadership of the day wanted to nominate Jesus as the new religious leader (I cannot remember what they called the position). So it is obvious that it is a lie that it was the Jewish religious leadership who took Jesus to the Romans to demand his death.


Having said that, I don't think that modern day Christians will become anti-semitic because of this movie. They have been taught these lies about Jesus all their lives and have not burned down any Synagogs. At least here in the US they haven't. The ones burning down the Synagogs are Muslims, who really don't care about Jesus anyway. So I think you can rest easy.

I will go see the movie and let you know if it makes me hate the Jews. Being pro-Israeli I think I could give you an honest appraisal.

PS: I am surprised that only 25% believe that it was the Jewish religious leadership in Jerusalem who were responsible for killing Jesus. There is hope, as it shows that most Christians did not pay attention to the Sunday Schools lessons they received in Church as youths. I thought the number would be 90%. The article also says that Gibson is a member of an "ultra orthodox" cult or sect that believes these things. The article is in error, because most Christians actually believe these lies.

[Oh Jerusalem]

Originally posted by Alfred
It is a known fact that Jesus was very popular amongst the Jewish leadership at the time of his murder by the Romans.

In your dreams.

This is as fictional as Gibson's film.

I have even heard rumors that the Jewish Sanhedrin Council tried to prevent the Romans from killing the destitute Jesus;

Rumors? By telephone over two millenium perhaps?

Why Jews don't believe in Jesus

[Alma]

Originally posted by Oh Jerusalem
In your dreams.

Maybe Mel Gibson is the second coming? I'm pretty sure he thinks so. And he just raised 25 million dollars to launch his campaign. Once the movie is out, someone will make a poll asking people who's the messiah, and one out of 5 people will say Mel Gibson. If you count them all, that's enough to declare the second coming officially.

[David_in_NYC]

Foxman and the ADL, by claiming to speak in our name, make us all look awful and petty.

Worrying about Gibson's film, which is an accurate representation of the New Testament story, is foolhardy. Object to Christian doctrine all you like, but there is zero chance that there will be a Christian war on Jews. To say this film is anti-semitic is to say Christianity is anti-semitic. To which I can say - having studied it - it isn't.

Meanwhile, in the real world, the Islamic war on Jews continues apace, as it has for decades. (Having studied Islam as well, I can say with certainty it is unmistakably anti-semitic, given the number of passages that refer to the killing of Jews as Allah's will.) But while it takes courage and fortitude to confront a real and mortal threat to our existence, it takes none whatsoever to join in the politically-correct chorus of Christian-bashers.

[Leon]

I havent seen the film, so I obviously cant pass judgement.

But Mel Gibson's background shoud worry us: He grew up in house hold which was staunchly Cathotlic conservative - and against the policies of Vatican two which included the Vatican acknowledging that the Jews were not responsible for Jesus's death.

Gibson's father is known for denying the Holocaust and Gibson certainly didnt help when he claimed that today's Jews are trying to lay the blame on Catholics for the Holocaust.

I was suprised to learn that the man was a religious fanatic - TO THE EXTREME: I read an interview where he claimed that all non-catholics (who dont follow his brand of catholicism) will not reach salvation with G-d. He even included his own wife, an anglican, as among those who would not reach salvation.

[Oh Jerusalem]

I bet this guy saw the film!

American Airlines Pilot Plugs Christianity
Sun Feb 8,10:40 PM ET

NEW YORK - An American Airlines pilot asked Christians on his flight to identify themselves and suggested the non-Christians discuss the faith with them, the airline said.

The case was handed over to the airline's personnel department for an investigation, spokesman Tim Wagner said Sunday.

"It falls along the lines of a personal level of sharing that may not be appropriate for one of our employees to do while on the job," he said earlier.

American's Flight 34 was headed from Los Angeles to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday when the pilot asked Christians on board to raise their hands, Wagner said.

The pilot, whose name was not released, told the airline that he then suggested the other passengers use the flight time to talk to the Christians about their faith, Wagner said.

Passenger Amanda Nelligan told WCBS-TV of New York that the pilot called non-Christians "crazy" and that his comments "felt like a threat." She said she and several others aboard were so worried they tried to call relatives on their cell phones before flight attendants assured them they were safe and that people on the ground had been notified about the pilot's comments.

The pilot also told passengers he would be available for discussion at the end of the flight. Wagner said the pilot had just returned to work from a weeklong mission trip to Costa Rica.

Because of privacy issues, there would likely never be any announcement about what kind of punishment or reprimand the pilot may face, Wagner said. The pilot was not scheduled to fly during the weekend, he said.

[RichardP]

Originally posted by Oh Jerusalem
I bet this guy saw the film!

American Airlines Pilot Plugs Christianity
Sun Feb 8,10:40 PM ET

NEW YORK - An American Airlines pilot asked Christians on his flight to identify themselves and suggested the non-Christians discuss the faith with them, the airline said.

The case was handed over to the airline's personnel department for an investigation, spokesman Tim Wagner said Sunday.

"It falls along the lines of a personal level of sharing that may not be appropriate for one of our employees to do while on the job," he said earlier.

American's Flight 34 was headed from Los Angeles to New York's John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday when the pilot asked Christians on board to raise their hands, Wagner said.

The pilot, whose name was not released, told the airline that he then suggested the other passengers use the flight time to talk to the Christians about their faith, Wagner said.

Passenger Amanda Nelligan told WCBS-TV of New York that the pilot called non-Christians "crazy" and that his comments "felt like a threat." She said she and several others aboard were so worried they tried to call relatives on their cell phones before flight attendants assured them they were safe and that people on the ground had been notified about the pilot's comments.

The pilot also told passengers he would be available for discussion at the end of the flight. Wagner said the pilot had just returned to work from a weeklong mission trip to Costa Rica.

Because of privacy issues, there would likely never be any announcement about what kind of punishment or reprimand the pilot may face, Wagner said. The pilot was not scheduled to fly during the weekend, he said.

Unbelievable; at least he (pilot) didn’t stipulate that those who didn’t convert to Christianity wouldn’t finish the flight, to its final destination. Evangelism at 30,000’, it boggles the mind.
On the brighter side, it could have been a mullah, who would not accept ‘no’ as an option. Man, this story boggles the imagination!

[Oh Jerusalem]

Originally posted by RichardP
Unbelievable; at least he (pilot) didn’t stipulate that those who didn’t convert to Christianity wouldn’t finish the flight, to its final destination. Evangelism at 30,000’, it boggles the mind.
On the brighter side, it could have been a mullah, who would not accept ‘no’ as an option. Man, this story boggles the imagination!

Next thing you know, we'll find vats of boiling oil in the galley.

[Kev]

Oh dear, I hadnt read this thread because I dont follow religion and therefore dont really have a grasp on the to-do about this film.

Oh Jerusalem you are just too fast for me!

The pilot also told passengers he would be available for discussion at the end of the flight. Wagner said the pilot had just returned to work from a weeklong mission trip to Costa Rica.

Despite his new found vigor for religion, you would have thought he would have been just a tad wiser in assuming the fear his comments may have provoked.

Elderly harmless citizens have been arrested at airports for attempting humourous remarks about not being terrorists, therefore this may should at the very least be made to understand the gravity of his comments on that flight!

[RichardP]

Originally posted by Kev
Oh dear, I hadnt read this thread because I dont follow religion and therefore dont really have a grasp on the to-do about this film.

Oh Jerusalem you are just too fast for me!

Despite his new found vigor for religion, you would have thought he would have been just a tad wiser in assuming the fear his comments may have provoked.

Elderly harmless citizens have been arrested at airports for attempting humourous remarks about not being terrorists, therefore this may should at the very least be made to understand the gravity of his comments on that flight!

This story truly blows me away! I sounds like one of those “Reader’s Digest”, fifty dollar stories people submit. Insane! I assume the late night comics will have some new material. I would have been downright offended and said something and would have possibly been interrogated upon arrival.
In hindsight, I’m glad the pilot wasn’t Muslim; who knows what he may have or not demanded non-Muslims do.

[Oh Jerusalem]

Originally posted by RichardP
I assume the late night comics will have some new material.

I would name the skit "Baptism by flyer".

[ibrodsky]

Originally posted by David_in_NYC

Worrying about Gibson's film, which is an accurate representation of the New Testament story, is foolhardy. Object to Christian doctrine all you like, but there is zero chance that there will be a Christian war on Jews. To say this film is anti-semitic is to say Christianity is anti-semitic. To which I can say - having studied it - it isn't.

I have spoken out several times here that we should welcome Christian support for Israel, and that fears about some Christians trying to convert Jews or simply use Jews to fulfill their apocalyptic fantasy are unnecessary.

Having said that, your blanket statement that Christianity is not anti-Semitic is also unfounded. One of Christianity's most revered philosophers, Augustine, described Jews (as a group) as "depraved." Fortunately, the other great Christian philosopher, Aquinas, was a great admirer of Maimonides.

I recently read a six volume work on the world's great religions. It was published by George Brazziler in the early 1960s. Each volume was authored by a scholar representing that faith. One thing that struck me was that the volume on Islam was quite moderate, while the volume on Catholicism makes it clear that members of all other faiths are infidels destined for Hell. This book accuses Jews of both "plot[ting] against" and "pierc[ing]" Jesus.

An interesting fact I've discovered in reading some detailed histories of the Jewish people. In the early days of Christianity relations between Jews and Christians were quite cozy. It should not be surprising that most of Jesus' Jewish followers continued to attend synagogue. Early Christian leaders realized that this practice was harmful to Christianity's identity as a religion of its own, and that it was essential to establish a separate identity if Christians were to win converts among the gentiles.

John Chrysostom wrote a nasty book in the 4th century to put a stop to this practice (though I recall reading that most of it was stopped 2 centuries earlier). There is a dispute among Christians as to whether John Chrysostom's book was titled Against the Jews or Against the Judaizers. You only need to scan the text to see that John Chrysostom was anti-Semitic:

But do not be surprised that I called the Jews pitiable. They really are pitiable and miserable.

...

Many, I know, respect the Jews and think that their present way of life is a venerable one. This is why I hasten to uproot and tear out this deadly opinion.

etc.

And, BTW, the problem with Gibson's movie (as it has been described) is that it simply conflicts with the historical record. If Jews forced or persuaded the Romans to crucify Jesus, why were Christian leaders like John Chrysostom still writing against Christians who attended synagogue 300 years later?

P.S.: Jews have been disagreeing with each other from the beginning. On a few occasions the disagreements became violent, but most of the time they simply agreed to disagree. Any portrayal of Jews as a monolithic group is highly suspect.

[Kev]

But Mel Gibson's background shoud worry us: He grew up in house hold which was staunchly Cathotlic conservative - and against the policies of Vatican two which included the Vatican acknowledging that the Jews were not responsible for Jesus's death.

I cant speak for the above, nor his religious roots, but I can attest to having spent about 2 hours with him about 20 years ago and I never got any such feeling about the man. In fact, I have unfortunately met many celebrities, and had to spend time with most, and he was the only one I had ever met who truly was just a very nice guy and quite down to earth.

Personally I am greatly in doubt as to his being anti-semetic, to be honest!


Normally I would refrain from offering any of them my support, but he REALLY was just a fantastic guy, or at least was when I met him and I was quite impressed when speaking to him.......but I rarely was with others, only Mel Gibson!

So I truly do hope the above accusations arent true!

[Oh Jerusalem]

Originally posted by Kev
I cant speak for the above, nor his religious roots, but I can attest to having spent about 2 hours with him about 20 years ago and I never got any such feeling about the man.

I'm not here to say what he is or what he isn't but 20 years is plenty of time for anyone to change their views or opinions.