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Gibson Says He Has `Softened' Crucifixion Story in New Jesus Movie
Religion News Service ^ | August 13, 2003 | Kevin Eckstrom

Posted on 08/14/2003 12:59:10 AM PDT by Selmo

Director Mel Gibson, under heavy fire from Jewish groups for his $25 million movie on the death of Jesus, has "softened the story" and made changes to make "The Passion" more palatable to critics, according to a spokesman. Scheduled for release next year during Lent, "The Passion" has some Jewish groups nervous it will resurrect old beliefs that Jews were responsible for the death of the Christian savior.

Paul Lauer, marketing director for Gibson's Icon Productions company, said Gibson has edited the film to show more "sympathetic" Jewish characters who were not calling for Jesus to be crucified. "We believe we have softened the story compared to the way the Gospel has told it," Lauer said in an interview. He pointed to Matthew 27:25, in which the Jewish mob calls for Jesus' blood "to be on us and on our children." "That's in the Gospel," he said. "It's not in our film." In addition, Lauer said the character of Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus, will be clearly labeled a Jew in the film. A shouting mob will include voices opposing the execution, Lauer said. Faced with vocal Jewish opposition, Gibson is mounting a pre-emptive public relations offensive to counter his critics -- all for a film that is still being edited. After regional screenings, Gibson has lingered with his audiences to listen to their advice. In an effort to soothe concerns, Gibson is also hoping to launch "The Jewish Initiative" to recruit Jewish and Christian leaders to discuss the film's effects on Christian-Jewish relations. "We've gone out of our way to accommodate this process because we felt it was necessary and important, and to show that we care and that we're not callously sitting back saying, `Screw you, we're going to make the film we want to make,"' Lauer said.

Jewish groups, however, remain unconvinced. Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League, said Gibson has been unwilling to preview his film for anyone but "pre-screened audiences." "The fact that Mel Gibson says this is a work in progress is something we welcome. I don't make light of it," Foxman said. "We respect his creative rights, but we also believe that creative rights come with a certain responsibility."

Invited Christian leaders who have seen the film offer near-universal praise. The Rev. Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, told The New York Times that Gibson was "the Michelangelo of this generation."

Lauer agreed that screenings were for "people closer to our circle of contacts," but told the Times that "there is no way on God's green earth" that critics like Foxman will be invited to previews. Foxman and others, he said, have been "dishonorable." The ADL first raised concerns in June after a group of nine Christian and Jewish scholars reviewed a draft script and concluded the film portrayed Jews as "bloodthirsty, vengeful and money-hungry."

Gibson threatened to sue after he said the draft script used by the scholars was stolen. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops arranged for the script to be returned and apologized to Gibson.

Rabbis who have screened the film say it threatens to undue decades of progress between Christians and Jews after the Vatican refuted the deicide charges in the Second Vatican Council from 1962 to 1965.

Gibson, however, belongs to a conservative Catholic group that rejects the modern papacy and Vatican II, including its overtures to non-Catholics and Jews.

Rabbi A. James Rudin, senior interreligious affairs adviser for the American Jewish Committee, emerged from a Houston screening "troubled" by what he saw as the film's suggestion that Roman authorities were powerless to stop the murderous rage of Jewish leaders. "The emphasis should be more on what killed Jesus, not who killed him," said Rudin, also a columnist for Religion News Service.

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, an Orthodox rabbi who has close ties to evangelical leaders as president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, also voiced concerns.

"I don't think he's out to get the Jewish community, or attack it, or even be insensitive, frankly," said Eckstein, who was invited to a screening but could not attend because of other commitments. "But I'm not sure if he is aware enough, or sensitive enough, to the history of what has happened because of this deicide charge."


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Front Page News
KEYWORDS: adl; gibson; passion
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To: Selmo
The entire controversy is (and has) been spawned by the use of a simple, three-letter article, namely "the." I don't think there can be any doubt that "the" Jews didn't kill Jesus. However, I think it's equally obvious that certain Jews wanted him dead, and the Roman authority was only too willing to accommodate them. In fact, the Roman authority would have executed him regardless of what the locals might have thought. Their concern was the maintenance of order, while the Sanhedrin would have been scared to death of having the entire country ruined over the popular sedition fostered by a single man. If you don't believe this, mark the reaction of Josephus to the prospect of Roman retaliation nearly 40 years later. Jesus was put to death primarily because he was stirring up trouble. What's more, it appears that he knew this, and was actually tempting his fate.
21 posted on 08/14/2003 2:33:33 AM PDT by Agnes Heep
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To: Selmo
Hope ya'll don't turn on Mel now.
22 posted on 08/14/2003 2:35:36 AM PDT by dennisw (G_d is at war with Amalek for all generations)
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To: Agnes Heep
In fact, the Roman authority would have executed him regardless of what the locals might have thought.......

Crucifixation was done to many Jews as way of execution. In fact was a favorite Roman Empire method to execute anyone who defied their rule. Jesus defied some Jews who were in a position of power. But he also defied and riled up the Romans who were the rulers of the day. Roman Empire power was unstoppable and demolished the Jewish Temple one generation later.
23 posted on 08/14/2003 2:40:10 AM PDT by dennisw (G_d is at war with Amalek for all generations)
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To: Selmo
IN AN EFFORT TO PLEASE SPECIAL INTERESTS GROUPS concerning the controversial release of the vanity-project/"HATE"-film "The Passion" based on the highly suspect material involving an "alleged" historical figure named "Jesus", Mel Gibson has removed all offensive references and depictions of Crucifixes, Jesus, Disciples, and the word "God". The Romans will be portrayed by GLSEN approved screen guild actors and the Jews by NEA/NAACP approved minorities in order to depict the diversity and inclusiveness of the groups at that time. The sub-titles will be read by a yet-unnamed Gay Episcipalian Cross-dressing Pedophile with a hairlip. Various references attesting to the accuracy and factual references within the Koran will be quoted throughout the film in order to make this a well-rounded fun filled-family event for all. Expect the film to be released at your local indoctrination center this Spring.

Well, you know this is what the Liberals are aiming for...

24 posted on 08/14/2003 2:46:21 AM PDT by Caipirabob (Democrats.. Socialists..Commies..Traitors...Who can tell the difference?)
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To: Selmo
Actually, I had already read that the line "His blood on us and on our children," was not in the rough version screened previously--so Mel hasn't changed anything substantial since he started these screenings. I think his judgment is sound regarding this. And I also see nothing wrong with labeling Simon of Cyrene a Jew--many in the audience might not have known this and it's worth knowing. The film will gain by these touches, not diminish. Nothing has changed, believe me, it's essentially the same movie. Mel is just trying to calm the religious furor and create the appropriate climate for its release.

When it is released, I predict this film will be a cinematic phenomenon--unlike any other movie in history. Since it requires no dubbing, it will be shown all around the world and feel just as authentic in the Philipines and in Brazil as it feels when we watch it here. Countless millions of Christians will see it--and will also keep on seeing it in the years ahead until it won't be possible to hear the Gospel on Palm Sunday without thinking of the images it evokes. This is the real blow to the ADL and to Hollywood--Mel Gibson has created a Christian Masterpiece.
25 posted on 08/14/2003 3:05:29 AM PDT by ultima ratio
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To: Arthur Wildfire! March
Maybe Gibson needs a counter protest? I'm not going to watch the movie, now.

Don't be a fool. You need to reread the article and see it is nothing but fluff. None of the so-called "softenings" listed would make the film inaccurate. The article is liberal wishful thinking on the part of beliefnet.com.

26 posted on 08/14/2003 3:13:03 AM PDT by Longshanks (How many truths... one or many?)
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To: Selmo
Revisionist History makers at work through intimidation

He pointed to Matthew 27:25, in which the Jewish mob calls for Jesus' blood "to be on us and on our children." "That's in the Gospel," he said. "It's not in our film."

I remember Mel claiming that he felt very compelled by God to make this film...so who is he compeled by to tame the film?...a spirit of Fear?...the devilish work of the ADL? Then why did he even bother?....

27 posted on 08/14/2003 4:43:17 AM PDT by joesnuffy (Moderate Islam Is For Dilettantes)
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To: dennisw
I certainly won't.
28 posted on 08/14/2003 4:51:03 AM PDT by wideawake (God bless our brave soldiers and their Commander in Chief)
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To: joesnuffy
I don't agree with your view. He hasn't changed anything to suit anybody. The line you cite was not in the version shown at the screenings. The whole article is nonsense. Much is being made of very, very little.
29 posted on 08/14/2003 5:15:28 AM PDT by ultima ratio
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To: Longshanks; kstewskis; Victoria Delsoul; kattracks; lorrainer; maximillian; MozartLover; ...
I agree with your assessment. Mel has got a winner in this movie, and he will not compromise his faith to appease thosue who wish to seek the destruction of this film.

Let's allow this movie to speak for itself!

30 posted on 08/14/2003 5:40:43 AM PDT by Northern Yankee (Freedom.... needs a soldier !)
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To: Selmo
Jesus was crucified in Sweden -- I thought everyone knew that.
31 posted on 08/14/2003 5:54:16 AM PDT by Dirk McQuickly
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To: Selmo
"His Blood be upon us and our children"

Isn't that the point of it all?
The Lamb of God?
I plead His blood be upon me and my children daily.


32 posted on 08/14/2003 5:58:02 AM PDT by HangWithMe
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To: Selmo
RATS! Guess I'll have to wait for the DVD "director's cut" to get the original and correct version.
33 posted on 08/14/2003 5:59:45 AM PDT by Xthe17th (FREE THE STATES. Repeal the 17th amendment!)
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To: Selmo
Perhaps instead of being crucified, Jesus could get a splinter in his finger. And at the end of the movie, instead of offering his life for our salvation, he and his disciples could go to Disneyland.
34 posted on 08/14/2003 6:05:12 AM PDT by avg_freeper (Gunga galunga. Gunga, gunga galunga)
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To: Genesis defender
<< If Jewish-Christian relations are healed, then what purpose would there ever be for the ADL?

Sowing seeds of dissent is therefore beneficial to the ADL leadership. >>

Although some of Dishonest Abe's ilk; who still believe that the death-worshipping, pagan-heathen, islamofascist-emulating, false-prophet, Hitler and his gang, were "Christians" -- and are extracting revenge on the entire Judeo-Christian Civilization; seriously need attitude adjustments [They couldn't do the Jewish People more harm if that was their intention in the first place -- THINKS: Now THERE is a novel idea!] I don't otherwise believe "Jewish-Christian relations" to be in need of healing.

Although the Jewish Nation does not have a mandate on luny-left-wing fringe dwelling opportunists who call themselves that which they are not and/or on other haters; there is not a single Christian on this Earth who does not love Judaism as the birthplace of his faith and of his Savior, there are few who are not passionate Zionists and there are millions who would fight until their last breath in defence of Greater Israel!

But you are right on about the cynycism inherent in [Dis]Honest Abe's ADL's sowing of dissent.

Feeds Abe pretty darned well. He and his wax fat -- and high on the hog!

Shalom Shalom -- Brian
35 posted on 08/14/2003 6:18:33 AM PDT by Brian Allen ( Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God - Thomas Jefferson)
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To: Selmo
The only version of this movie they're going to like is the one where Hitler and the SS are crucifying Jesus on the Cross (which of course they could change to the shape of a swastika).
36 posted on 08/14/2003 6:35:28 AM PDT by Paved Paradise
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To: Selmo
This article is unsupported hokum. There's absolutely no fact in it supporting the headline, and it is a lie.

If you think carefully about the man who is Mel Gibson, and the kind of work that he's actually done over the last several years, you'd have to conclude that he's an individual of honesty, persistence, and integrity (Hollywood is still upset with the kids shooting redcoats in The Patriot).

Given that, I believe he'd rather burn the film reels in his backyard than to compromise one single iota on his religious or artistic integrity. I also think he's answering to one and only one authority on this project, and it sure isn't the ADL.

It'll come out exactly the way Gibson wants it, or it will not come out at all. Gibson can afford to burn the $25 million, and I believe he'd do it rather than to compromise his faith. Because that's certainly what this film is all about for him.

In the context of his faith, how do you think Gibson is viewing the criticisms and difficulties? Didn't Jesus Christ also suffer for bringing this message to the world?

There will be no compromise.

37 posted on 08/14/2003 6:43:16 AM PDT by angkor
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To: Selmo
"We believe we have softened the story compared to the way the Gospel has told it," Lauer said in an interview. He pointed to Matthew 27:25, in which the Jewish mob calls for Jesus' blood "to be on us and on our children." "That's in the Gospel," he said. "It's not in our film."

If this is true, I won't go.

38 posted on 08/14/2003 6:53:06 AM PDT by Sloth ("I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!" -- Jacobim Mugatu, 'Zoolander')
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To: Selmo
The bigger problem is that he 'softened' the resurrection which was the central fact of Christ's life.
39 posted on 08/14/2003 6:57:04 AM PDT by George W. Bush
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To: Selmo
will be clearly labeled a Jew in the film

What, they're gonna put a caption under him marked "JEW" each time he appears on camera?!?

I realize that Gibson has to placate those around him, but dumbing down this movie would set a bad precedent at best.

40 posted on 08/14/2003 7:00:33 AM PDT by mhking
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