Passion play."Passions," Mel Gibson's self-financed $25 million film about the death of Jesus, has religious leaders and others concerned that its tone and graphic depiction of the crucifixion will lead to an increase in anti-Semitism. Fueling the controversy has been Gibson's tight lid on the script and screenings limited largely to conservative Christian groups. For his part, Gibson says the film is the most accurate depiction of the last days of Christ. So the Business Journal asks: What do you make of the flap over Mel Gibson's "Passions?" Lara Frerking Director of Development Boxing Cat Films Someone of the fame and cinematic status of Mel Gibson Noun 1. Mel Gibson - Australian actor (born in the United States in 1956) Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson, Gibson U.S.A., United States, United States of America, US, USA, America, the States, U.S. is going to get a lot of criticism, more than someone from the religious community for making a film about the life of Christ. You're going to be attacked by some groups. It's like abortion--everyone has their own opinion, and you have to take into consideration how much passion you have for the project, and what form you want to put it in. Rabbi Marvin Hier Dean and Founder Simon Wiesenthal Center  This article is currently semi-protected to prevent sock puppets of currently blocked or banned users from editing it. Mel Gibson has every right to make a film about Jesus, but with the right comes the responsibility. For 20 centuries, Jews have falsely paid the bill for the fall of Christ. Mel Gibson has the right to make this film, but we have the right to be concerned and to comment. We know many Christians will be affected by Christ's treatment in the film. Crucifixion was not a Jewish method of punishment. It was Roman. But the Jews are still around to be blamed, so he has a social responsibility to prevent that. Christopher Heard Assistant Professor of Religion Pepperdine University Pepperdine University is a private institution of higher learning affiliated with the Church of Christ in unincorporated Los Angeles County, California, United States. The university's location overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is adjacent to the city limits of Malibu. I really can't say if the film has an anti-Semitic tone without seeing it. Any time Hollywood produces a movie based on the life and death of Jesus, the potential for anti-Semitism is there. From my perspective, the Gospels of the New Testament do portray some bad guys and some of those characters who conspired against Jesus are Jewish. That, however, also has to be balanced with the perspective that Jesus and his followers followers see dairy herd. were also Jewish. Rabbi Neal Weinberg Director Miller Introduction to Judaism Program University of Judaism This is all a marketing tool. They want to have buzz. They are showing the film to conservative media critics like Dennis Prager Dennis Prager (born August 2, 1948) is an American syndicated radio talk show host, columnist, author, ethicist, and public speaker in the United States. He is noted for his conservative political views and for his study of the consequences of secularism in the 20th Century. and Michael Medved on KRLA, who are Jewish, and the reason is because they speak in favor of the film. Gibson is probably pleased to see this controversy. Amanda Susskind Pacific Southwest Regional Director Anti-Defamation League Anti-Defamation League B’nai B’rith organization which fights anti-Semitism. [Am. Hist.: Wigoder, 33] See : Anti-Semitism We are concerned about the portrayal of the death of Jesus in the film. Passion Plays have an infamous history of leading to hatred, violence and even death of Jews. If Mel Gibson says this is a work of love and reconciliation, why is he afraid to show it to us? Cliff Dektar Chairman Program Group on Communications and Public Affairs Those public information, command information, and community relations activities directed toward both the external and internal publics with interest in the Department of Defense. Also called PA. See also command information; community relations; public information. Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. Episcopal Diocese I've read the various pieces in newspapers and it is difficult to say, but I think a thing that opens old wounds is not very good these days. People should be positive and we don't need to put fuel on old fires. In the name of religion, many good deeds and sins are committed, going back to the days of the Spanish Inquisition Spanish Inquisition harsh tribunal established in 1478 to dispose of heretics, Protestants, and Jews. [Eur. Hist.: Collier’s, X, 259] See : Persecution . But it's better not to stir things up one way or the other. |
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