Germany Warns 'Passion' May Fan Anti-Semitism

Reuters ^ | Wed, Mar 17, 2004 | Erik Kirschbaum

[presidio9]

German Jewish leaders and church officials are warning that Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" may foment anti-Semitism in the country where the Holocaust was planned when the film opens on Thursday.

Rushed into 400 cinemas in the world's second biggest film market by revenues three weeks ahead of schedule in response to public demand, the biblical epic portraying Christ's final 12 hours has also been attacked by German film critics as anti-Semitic kitsch.

"The anti-Semites will only have their views on Jews confirmed," said Salomon Korn, vice president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, who also called the film a "sado-masochist orgy of violence" laden with "kitsch."

Gibson's film has been a huge success in the United States. According to studio estimates, it has earned more than $250 million since its February 25 U.S. opening.

U.S. Catholic and Christian groups, as well as biblical scholars, have defended the film, saying it sticks closely to accounts of the crucifixion in the New Testament.

While anti-Semitism charges have been aired in many of the countries where the blockbuster has been screened, they are especially sensitive in Germany, which still lives under the shadow of the Nazi murder of six million Jews.

Gibson has denied the film is anti-Semitic.

German Protestant church leader Wolfgang Huber told ZDF television on Wednesday he would advise people not to bother seeing the film because of an "intolerable" level of violence and a failure to put Christ's suffering into proper perspective.

German Catholic leaders also called the film problematic and said they were worried it could be used to stir anti-Semitism.

"We urgently warn against using the suffering of Jesus as an instrument for anti-Semitism," the German Bishops' Conference said recently.

Henryk M. Broder, a leading German essayist, wrote in Der Spiegel magazine that "those who can't stand Jews will find confirmation in the film" but said it isn't likely to convert those who aren't anti-Semites into Jew haters.

"Gibson wakes fears that it could start all over again with Jew-baiting," Broder wrote. "Amazingly, Jews will once again be held responsible for a murder that happened almost 2,000 years ago while other people don't want to hear anything anymore about the murder of millions just 60 years after it happened."

[E. Pluribus Unum]

It's more likely to fan anti-Christianism among the Semites.

[onedoug]

...May fan anti-semitism where anti-semitism is already endemic.

[boomop1]

What would you expect from the birthplace of anti-semitism.

[bobo1]

It is a logical conclusion that German critics would distance themselves from "The Passion", due to history. However, they are missing the point, history is "His Story".

All have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God. Jesus died for us all. We are all to blame, yet we can all be cleansed.

Blessings, Bobo

[presidio9]

Who better than the Germans to lecture an American Catholic on anti-semitism, right?

[Spok]

I will not pretend that this isn't a product of my own prejudice, but, in my mind, it hasn't been long enough since 1945 for me to listen to Germans lecturing the world about what causes anti-Semitism.

[presidio9]

BTW, Anti-Semitism in Germany was rooted in a sense of economic injustice at the hands of people that they believes were culturally and genetically inferior. It was definitely not rooted in any deep-seated religious convictions. The Nazi Party hated Christianity, and to embrace its philosophies was necessarily a denial of Christ. Why would a Nazi blame the Jews for killing a Jew?

[Enduring Freedom]

The thought is illogical and incoherent - and laughable.

Jesus' purpose was to die for the sins of humanity.

The Jews helped to fulfill that prophecy, like the Romans.

And by the way, the murder didn't take, because Jesus didn't stay dead!

[presidio9]

ping

[af_vet_1981]

What would you expect from the birthplace of anti-semitism.

Caution

[presidio9]

Caution

Don't hold your breath. Germany, along with France is about the most UnChristian country in Europe.

[boomop1]

Afraid of the truth? What's this caution crap?

[Mike Darancette]

I didn't know that there were many Christians in Germany.

[RedMonqey]

"German Catholic leaders also called the film problematic and said they were worried it could be used to stir anti-Semitism."


He then added "And don't go to church on Sunday as it could be used to stir anti-Semitism."

Or read your bible...

Or say your prayers...

[boomop1]

Germany and France are terrorist pacifiers.

[RedMonqey]

"Gibson wakes fears that it could start all over again with Jew-baiting," Broder wrote. "Amazingly, Jews will once again be held responsible for a murder that happened almost 2,000 years ago while other people don't want to hear anything anymore about the murder of millions just 60 years after it happened."


How about WE ALL call a truce.

Christians will not hold a small group of Jews for the death of Jesus

AND

Jews will not hold a small group(relatively) of (nominally)Christians for the deaths of the Holocaust.


Both of which cannot be held responsible for the acts of others in the PAST

[Teacher317]

Funny how they miss the fact that every protagonist, hero, and sympathetic figure in the film is also Jewish.

[Murtyo]

"U.S. Catholic and Christian groups, as well as biblical scholars" - some Reuters writer things that catholics ain't ...well you know the implication - shared by the most leftwing newswire and some freepers

[af_vet_1981]

You asked "What would you expect from the birthplace of anti-semitism?"

I answered "Caution." I would expect they would be inclined to exercise caution so as not to repeat history.