Michael Medved is not alone in speaking out against those who would attempt label The Passion of Christ as "anti-semitic". Rabbi Daniel Lapin, known on the national airwaves as "America's Rabbi", has written a thoughtful article taking his fellow Jews to task.
Lapin states:
Those Jewish organizations that have squandered both time and money futilely protesting Passion, ostensibly in order to prevent pogroms in Pittsburgh, can hardly be proud of their performance. They failed at everything they attempted. They were hoping to ruin Gibson rather than enrich him. They were hoping to suppress Passion rather than promote it. Finally, they were hoping to help Jews rather than harm them.
Kudos to Rabbi Lapin for his fair assessment of the movie and the hysteria surrounding it. Click here for the complete article
I find myself in an interesting position, being both a Jew AND a Christian. On one hand, I understand the emotions behind the fear of some Jewish people. In fact, I think it is indeed possible for some twisted people to walk away from this film with anti-Jewish sentiment. But I also think the First Amendment protects Mel Gibson's right to make a film about whatever he wants, especially one as important as The Passion.
I have no doubt that there will be some sort of anti-semitic act that will take place as a result of some already disturbed persons reaction to the film. And I have no doubt that the New York Slimes will put the story front and center as if to say, "SEE I TOLD YOU SO".
But remember, these are the same people that promote gangsta rappers and their songs about killing cops and raping women. These are the same people that defend violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto III, with the gamer playing the part of the person inflicting violence and having sex with hookers. These are the same people that elevate films such as "American Beauty" to Oscar status and Quentin Tarantinoto to Best Director.
The hypocrisy is rampant. The bottom line? Jesus came to save the world. He said that He would divide people, even families. You either stand for Him or against Him. Those who stand for Him love Him. Those who stand against Him hate Him. And one day, those who have stood against Him will be without excuse. According to the Scripture, even the most vehement unbeliever, Jew and Gentile alike, will stand before Christ and declare that He is indeed Lord of ALL.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
February 29, 2004 12:00 AM
I am amazed at your hypocrisy and the tactics that you use.
I'm pretty sure you didn't defend the disgusting porno movie about Jesus shown several years ago, by your love of the first amendment. At least I hope not !
First you bring up the patriot card by singing the praises of "Americas Rabbi", then you end your comments with
"The bottom line? Jesus came to save the world. He said that He would divide people..... You either stand for Him or against Him. Those who stand for Him love Him. Those who stand against Him hate Him"
As if your proclamations somehow represent an accurate analyses of the actual movie. Your a Jew, your a Christian, your a Rabbi and therefore you must be right and there can be no anti-semitism in the movie ?
Only one of the four Gospels describes the fictional event of the Jews claiming responsibility for the death of Jesus.
Are you so ignorant of Roman history, that you support the idea that Pilate or that the Romans were even the slightest bit concerned about what any non Roman thought ? Do you honstly believe that the Romans would decide for or against crucifying Jesus because a bunch of conquered Jewish leaders said to crucify Him ?
Like so many of the blind leading the blind, you seem to be claiming that claims of anti-semitism are just a disguised attempt at preventing the story of the death Jesus. How convenient that is!
I suppose you could say that the music industry isn't making you a world renown songwriter, because they are just trying to prevent your songs of praise of Jesus from getting out.
Just because the movie shows the price He paid doesn't disqualify it from the devils favorite recipe...'an ounce of truth and a pound of lies "
Your a jew and a Rabbi ? I doubt it ! Your a Christian ? Well perhaps you had better read again the part where Jesus said to some of those claiming to be his "I never knew you ! "
James Kelly
February 29, 2004 01:26 AM
Jim,
Wow, talk about a "rant". First of all, I never claimed to be a Rabbi. The article was written by a Rabbi who stated that the claims of anti-semitism were unfounded and self-defeating hysteria.
If you are referring to "The Last Temptation of Christ" as the "disgusting porno movie", I did not protest the movie. I think the movie got far more attention than it deserved BECAUSE of the protests. I did see the film, and while Biblically inacurate, I believe it had some interesting interpretations and I found it to be edifying to my faith in some ways.
I found the rest of your post to be no more than a personal attack. The gospel accounts have stood for two thousand years. They don't need me to defend them.
Joel
March 1, 2004 09:25 AM
Good morning Joel,
I appreciate your articles on The Passion. It's good to see someone with common sense writing about this film (I don't think you're perfect, but that's the cool thing about understanding WHY we need the forgiveness that only Jesus can provide, none of us are perfect). 'Anti-semitic' is an interesting label to throw around. Since 'Jewish' is a nationality and a belief, it can be misunderstood, as can happen with any word that has more than one meaning.
Wasn't Jesus Jewish?
Well, I'm just thinking out loud, and if I'm offending anyone, forgive me.