Critics say Gibson film mimics a hateful book

Detroit Freepress ^ | February 19, 2004 | David Crumm

[madison10]

Despite Mel Gibson's effort to disavow any anti-Jewish influence in his film about Jesus' death, his critics are firing back with fresh evidence that the movie closely follows an anti-Jewish book by a 19th-Century German nun.

In a nationally televised interview this week, Gibson said he based his violent portrayal of Jesus' torture and crucifixion on the Bible. He acknowledged that he has read Anne Catherine Emmerich's 1833 book about Jesus' death, but said he was unaware of anti-Jewish references in it.

[cicero's_son]

You're so right. It's a tragedy, really.

The biggest supporters of Israel in the world are evangelical Christians in the United States. Most evangelical congregations have not an ounce of anti-Semitism among them, yet the Jewish leadership in this country attacks them over a movie?

I'm beginning to get so outraged by these attacks as to reconsider my own previously unwavering support of Israel. How many times to evangelicals have to be kicked in the teeth by their "friends" before saying "enough?"

[af_vet_1981]

What is the big deal here?

I think the big deal is 20 Centuries of History.

Yeshua of Nazareth is no longer on trial.

He was innocent.

Some of those who said they were acting in his name and his authority, well that is a different kettle of fish altogether. If they were a minority why were there so many victims ?

[af_vet_1981]

I'm beginning to get so outraged by these attacks as to reconsider my own previously unwavering support of Israel.

This is what the liberal Jews warned us would happen. They said the RightWing or Conservative Christian supporters could not be trusted, that they would eventually turn on Israel and the Jewish people when their religious views were challenged or not accepted. Your anger, well rage really, has caused you to reconsider your "previously unwavering support of Israel." I don't know if you are an evangelical, but I don't trust you at all. Nothing you proclaim about religion has any credibility with me.

[Just mythoughts]

This is what the liberal Jews warned us would happen. They said the RightWing or Conservative Christian supporters could not be trusted, that they would eventually turn on Israel and the Jewish people when their religious views were challenged or not accepted.

You sure let the cat out of the bag.

What did Christ warn us about "DECEPTION".

[af_vet_1981]

It's unrealistic for the Jewish leaders today to expect films on Christianity to cater to their wishes and perceptions.

Yes

It is also unrealistic for nonCatholics to expect films on Catholicism to cater to their wishes and perceptions. Mel Gibson is making a movie commensurate with his faith, his view of what happened. Others can criticize or praise, but he will make his own work of art, as it were.

[Aquinasfan]

scenes of angry Jews calling for Jesus' death are linked through Emmerich to centuries of anti-Jewish diatribes.

Wow, that's thin.

Who's Venerable Anne Catherine Emmerich? A stigmatic nun being considered for sainthood. I consider her visions a better source for "filling in the gaps" than Crossan.

[LiteKeeper]

mega-dittoes - it amazes me when "so-called" scholars don't know what any Sunday School kid knows - the Gospels!

[af_vet_1981]

You sure let the cat out of the bag.

You must be unaware. It is common knowledge among Jews. Liberal Jews continually warn against trusting the "Christain Right" and it is a formidable hurdle for conservative Jews to persuade others that their support for Israel is genuine and unwavering. Indeed ...

[Just mythoughts]

Now we are going to use your words not mine, just for the record.

"liberal Jews" do not trust Christians, why? they are Christians, and "will turn their back on "Jews" and Israel, when their religion is challenged or not followed".

Challenge with what you yourself said you had never read the New Testment. So what is the challenge. No what you have done because of a silly old man and what he chooses to believe tried to smear a "religion".

Do you understand what you have just said.

You have stated "Jews can't trust these Christians because they believe in Christ and not us".

Now without knowing it you have put a whole different picture on what is going on here.

[kittymyrib]

I recommend confessing "Jesus is Lord," to everyone you know. "If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

[Dianna]

It is common knowledge among Jews.

I think it is silly for anyone to equate the Jews who are protesting this movie to Israel at large.

But I must confess, I've found a few FReepers I no longer respect.

Liberal Jews (Foxman et al) have created all this for the purpose of dividing. I'm not willing to allow him to succeed.

[af_vet_1981]

Do you understand what you have just said.

Yes I do, but sadly you don't comprehend me.

you yourself said you had never read the New Testment

Yes, I admit that freely. I surmise you have not read "the NEW TESTMENT" either.

You have stated "Jews can't trust these Christians because they believe in Christ and not us".

Can you cite a reference for that quote or apologize for lying about me. One of the twain if you please.

Now without knowing it you have put a whole different picture on what is going on here.

Do you mean like in a movie ?

[af_vet_1981]

support for Israel is genuine and unwavering. actually, everything is temporary.... get used to it

I know not who you are but acknowledge your view of the situation is "everything is temporary.... get used to it."

I differ from you. My view is that G-d's support for Israel is genuine and unwavering.

[hosepipe]

Hmmmm... Let me get this straight.. the New Testament is anti-semitic BUT Islam is a peaceful religion...

Seems somebody has their head(s) placed directly between their legs and worse.. you buy em books and they use them for toilet paper..

[hgro]

Repent all of you sinners, the day of Judgement is drawing near. An opportunist - Kerry, and an ambulance chaser - Edwards are breathing down the necks of all of us and Heaven forbid, might win election.

Get out and vote for President Bush and encourage all of your friends to do the same.

The President isn't without faults but consider the alternative.

[af_vet_1981]

Liberal Jews (Foxman et al) have created all this for the purpose of dividing. I'm not willing to allow him to succeed.

Liberal Jews and many Gentiles of a set of political and religious affiliations do not want a last alliance between Christians and Jews. Those who are faithful will be faithful to the end because it is their nature. The remainder will fall away and turn.

[cpprfld]

All that I am saying is that I am getting upset my beliefs are getting attacked by Mr. Foxman and the ADL. In addition, you don't see anyone in the Jewish community standing up and saying that Mr. Foxman or the ADL is incorrect in the assertion that Christianity is an Anti-Semitic religion.

[af_vet_1981]

I think it is silly for anyone to equate the Jews who are protesting this movie to Israel at large.

I agree. Yet rage directed against a few American Jews easily transfers to rage against many American Jews and Israel. The hearts of men are easily corrupted.

[Dianna]

All that I am saying is that I am getting upset my beliefs are getting attacked by Mr. Foxman and the ADL.

I understand. It's frustrating to be repeatedly poked with sticks by people whom you have thought of as friends and want to support.

I submit that the purpose of the poking for months on end was in HOPE that someone would make an intemperate remark. Those involved could then crow with glee over having "proved" what their suspicious little hearts have believed all along.

My keyboard has over ridden my good sense on a few occasions. It happens.