Mel Gibson's movie The Passion
News and Commentary
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Mel Gibson's upcoming movie "The Passion," about the death of Jesus Christ, has been the target of praise and criticism. Evangelical Christians who have seen the movie have praised it while Jews and others concerned about possible Anti-Semitic overtones have criticized it. Defenders argue that it is an accurate portrayal of the gospel accounts of Jesus' death and that, therefore, is good enough. Are they right?
Only the initial part of a story is listed - to read the rest, you will have to click on the links. Stories are listed in reverse order, with the most recent news appearing first.
News and Commentary about Mel Gibson's movie The Passion
-->Religious Persecution and Passion in America
Conservative Christians of all denominations continually talk as though there were persecuted in America - which others find awfully strange, considering how much power and...
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Mel Gibson's move "The Passion" has been very successful and will make him a ton of money - so it's only natural that he would...
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A common complaint raised by defenders of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is that critics of the movie are actually motivated by anti-Christian and anti-Jesus...
Read more...Translating "The Passion"
One of the "selling points" of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is supposed to be its historical realism - for example, the use of original...
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Mel Gibson is making a bucket of money from his movie "The Passion," but will similar box office success come with a film adaptation of...
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Is there anything antisemitic about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion"? Perhaps a better question might be: is there anything about it that isn't antisemitic? It...
Read more...Appeasing an Angry God
In order to better understand why Mel Gibson made the choices he did when creating his movie "The Passion" and why it has resonated so...
Read more...They Know Not What They Watch: "The Passion" On Campus
Some have hoped that Mel Gibson's "The Passion" movie could be useful for teaching about religion and religious differences. Christians might learn why others would...
Read more...Mel Gibson's Celluloid Brutality
Some charge that Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion," but defenders are certain that that cannot be the case unless the gospels themselves are antisemitic. This,...
Read more...Hindu Perspective on Mel Gibson's "Passion"
What do members of other religions think about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion"? We've heard from Jews, Orthodox Christians, fundamentalist Christians, and Catholics - but...
Read more..."The Passion" As Campaign Ad
President Bush should fight this campaign on religious faith, and he should fight it in a way that shows just how intolerant and bigoted...
Read more...Polish Criticism of Gibson's "The Passion"
I've been curious about how Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" will be received outside America. In Canada so far, it doesn't seem to have done...
Read more...Orthodox Perspective on Gibson's "Passion"
A variety of religious perspectives have been presented about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" - but what about the Orthodox Christian Church? They are as...
Read more...Church Youth Group Sees Bootleg "Passion"
The youth pastor at Abundant Life Tabernacle Church in Gary, Indiana, was so excited about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" that he just couldn't wait...
Read more...Vatican Sermon Criticizes "The Passion"
For the most part, Vatican leaders have been strangely silent on Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion." Vs has offered a rather weak and unpersuasive defense...
Read more...Passion as Pornography
Some critics of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" have claimed that it is "pornographic" in its representations of violence and brutality. This seems like a...
Read more...Vatican Aide Comments on "The Passion"
Vatican spokesman Joaquín Navarro-Valls has stated that Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ" is not antisemitic unless the gospels are also antisemitic. Unfortunately, Navarro-Valls' argument doesn't really hold any water.Passion of Christ, not Jesus of History
One crucial issue that tends to get lost in discussion about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is the fact that it is not and was never intended to be a simple historical reenactment. People certainly believe that the events on screen happened just (or just about) as they are seeing, but what Mel Gibson is depicting is the "Christ of Faith," not the "Jesus of History." There is an important difference between the two.Elaine Pagels on Mel Gibson's Passion
Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is important because how Christians view the figure of Jesus is important. Different understandings of Jesus' role and mission will lead to different understandings of how they, as Christians, should act, should treat others, and should interact with society generally.The Passion: Medieval, Manipulative Propaganda
What if Mel Gibson's movie isn't designed to simply portray events as they "really occurred" but, instead, was created in order to manipulate people's emotions in order to advance a narrow theological agenda? Gibson has definitely tapped into certain Christian traditions, but at the expense of other traditions and in particular of many modern developments in Christianity. Is this movie, then, a step backwards?The Gospel According to Ann Coulter
Ann "We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity" Coulter has come to the defense of Mel Gibson's "The Passion." With friends and supporters like her, though, I'm not sure that Gibson has any more use for enemies.Blood Libel & Interreligious Aggression
People defend Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" by arguing that he is just following the gospels. That is manifestly untrue, but even if it were true would it qualify as an adequate defense against charges of antisemitism? No, because it assumes that there is only one way to read and interpret the gospels - and if that interpretation appears to be antisemitic, well that's just tough. In reality, however, how we read and interpret a text says as much about us as it does about the material itself.Fundamentalist Commentary on "The Passion"
I've written before about how not all Christians are pleased with Mel Gibson's film "The Passion." Some Christian critics are more liberal than Gibson, arguing that his theological message is problematic. Others, however, are far more conservative and really don't like what he has done.Steve Martin Comments on "The Passion"
Mel Gibson has received a fair amount of criticism from other Hollywood figures about the antisemitic content of his recent movie "The Passion." Perhaps none have been more biting and satirical, however, than that from comedian Steven Martin. He speaks through a fictional studio boss named "Stan" who ostensibly writes about an early draft of Gibson's script.Symphony for the Devil
Of all of the news that I have reported on relating to Mel Gibson's "The Passion," this has to be the strangest. It seems that John Debney, composer who created the score for this movie, believes that he met and battled Satan at the time.Mel Gibson and Anti-Christism
Defenders of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" are not all antisemitic, there is no question about it; at the same time, however, a number of them definitely are. They haven't hesitated to express their disgust with Jews when attacking those who have objected or criticized Gibson's film. Now, it seems, some may be trying to appeal to Muslim Antisemites as well.Judge Recommends "Passion" to Offenders
Is Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" something which criminals should watch in the expectation that it will reform them? There is a long history of people imagining that more religion - specifically, their religion of course - will reduce crime and improve people's behavior. There is also a long history of no such connection being established. Not that that every stops anyone from continuing to have faith.Gibson's "Passion" Doesn't Impress Scholars
Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" Is supposed to be the "best" Jesus movie ever made - but religious scholars are not at all impressed by the creation and have raised serious criticisms of it. One must conclude that, whatever this movie is, it can't be the "best" when it comes to accurately reflecting the history of that era or accurately reflecting the stories in the Bible. What's left?Catholic League Calls Archbishop a Liar?
The Catholic League promotes itself as being on the forefront of defending American Catholics against discrimination and bigotry. It is strange, though, that they feel doing this necessitates conflict with the Catholic hierarchy. Recently the Catholic League voiced gushing praise for Mel Gibson, a schismatic, and now they are (implicitly) accusing an Archbishop of lying.French Theaters Won't Show "Passion"
People talk about the rise of antisemitism in Europe, and it is true that there have been serious problems, but it is also true that Europeans are aware of these problems and are interested in doing something about them. This is why French theaters won't be showing Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" - they are concerned that it might spark antisemitic violence and hatred.Critics Attacked over Negative "Passion" Review
Quite a few critics have written negative reviews of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion." For that, they have been savagely attacked by supporters of Mel Gibson - they have ben accused of being Jews, of being Christ-haters, of being secularists, and so forth. Apparently, it isn't possible to be a Christian or a good person and not like Gibson's movie.Mel Gibson's Antisemitic Passion
There have been a lot of accusations about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" being antisemitic. Defenders of Gibson insist that his film is faithful to the stories as told in the gospels, so these accusations are really just attacks on Christianity. But can a sound cases for the antisemitism of Mel Gibson's movie be made?Fascist Passions
We've all heard by now the accusations that Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is antisemitic - made by an antisemitic person and communicating an antisemitic message. But fascist? How can anyone read any sort of fascist theme into this film? Well, it depends upon just how much you know about fascism.The Passion as a Wedge Issue
Debate of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" isn't simply about anti-semitism or even about just how close the movie is to the gospels. No, for right-wing religious ideologues, "The Passion" is a cultural barometer and wedge issue: they separate friends from foes based upon their reactions to the film. There are no sound reasons for rejecting it, thus all who object to the movie in any way belong to "them" - heathens, secularists, and atheists.Mel Gibson's Idolatry
Is Mel Gibson and Idolater? There was a time when movies would never show an image of Jesus - at most you would see a bit of his robe or his hand. Corny? Perhaps - but this was done out of piety and out of a feeling that it would be idolatrous to actually show an image of the Son of God. Mel Gibson is a staunch "traditionalist," so why has he rejected this tradition?Catholic League: Saint Mel
The "Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights" has revealed its true colors in a recent press release about Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion." This organization exists ostensibly to fight anti-Catholic bigotry, prejudice, and discrimination - but that really isn't very true. The reality of the situation is that the organization exists to push a right-wing cultural agenda under the guise of Catholicism.Catholic Criticism of Mel Gibson
A lot of Catholics are going to see Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion," but why? Would this movie be getting anywhere close to the same attention if it were made by someone else - anyone else? Probably not. What's so interesting about Gibson's theology?Passion for a White Jesus
Jesus, if he existed, was a first-century Jew who was born and lived in Roman-occupied Palestine. His friends would have all been Jews as well - Jews descended from a long line of Jews. A reasonably accurate portrayal of his life would depict him and his friends as dark-skinned and dark-haired Jews of the time. So why does Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" have just about everyone look European?Disgusting Jews and Christ-Haters
Anti-semitic tirades against critics of Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" aren't too hard to find. Naturally, those writing such tirades insist that they aren't really Antisemites. No, they are only opposed to "secular" Jews and other evildoers who are undermining our good Christian way of life.Gibson's Critics are "Demonic"
The vilification of those who disagree with or object to Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is well under way. Those who complain are being labeled by Good Christians as "demonic" and "secularists." Those who are properly moved by the film such that they cry are categorized as not truly "knowing" Jesus - meaning that you are "one of them."Latest Temptation of Christians: Ignoring Fears of Antisemitism
Quite a few Christians are dismissive of the idea that Mel Gibson's film "The Passion" is antisemitic or might arouse antisemitic acts or feelings. They may be right - it's possible that nothing will go wrong. Such dismissiveness, however, is itself a sign of a deeper problem: a lack of basic respect for non-Christians and their feelings.More Biblical Movies from Mel?
Apparently, Mel Gibson isn't quite done yet with using films to promote his religious and theological beliefs. It seems that he is actively considering any number of other biblical stories to use as a basis for future projects.Mormons Staying Away from Mel Gibson's "Passion"?
Evangelical Christians are expected to attend Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" in large numbers. Members of other Christian denominations are also thought to be interested in going as well - except for one: Mormons. Surveys in Utah indicate that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints will generally be staying away. But why?What's the Audience for Mel Gibson's "Passion"?
Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" is expected to bring in a lot of money - but from whom? Just who is expected to go to see this movie - and see it numerous times, something normally needed in order for a movie to be a big hit. Who are the members of the groups which have purchased large blocks of seats?Cal Thomas on Atheists and Gibson
In recent years, conservative columnist Cal Thomas has moderated his position - he no longer seems to think, for example, that it is a good idea for the Religious Right to take over the government and impose their will on the entire nation. This does not mean, however, that he has suddenly been imbued with good sense in general - thus, he still acts as though there were something indecent about being an atheist.More Errors in Gibson's Passion
Mel Gibson just can't get a break - but he has brought his problems on himself. He and his supporters have tried to defend his film "The Passion" against critics and against charges of antisemitism by arguing that he was simply being faithful to the gospel accounts of Jesus' death. Therefore, any hint or taint of antisemitism is the fault of the gospels, not Gibson - and anyone attacking that antisemitism is really attacking the gospels (which must mean that they are anti-Christian and anti-Jesus). Unfortunately, it is tough to make such a defense work when the film is filled with things that are obviously erroneous.Gibson's "Passion" Disturbs Religious Leaders
Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" has been released to theaters and religious leaders who actually believe in ecumenicism are disturbed at what they have seen. There was hope that Gibson would be able to edit the movie in order to eliminate the worst problems, but that assumed he actually wanted to.Did Jesus Have to Die?
There is a common belief that Jesus was "ransomed" for our sins - thus, he had to die in order for our sins to be forgiven. This view has been held by many, but not all Christians. One might consider this the "hidden" debate in Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" because Gibson obviously adopts the ransom theory, even though other positions are equally legitimate.More From Hutton Gibson
A few days ago I reported on comments Hutton Gibson, father of Mel Gibson, made about Jews and the Holocaust. Well, it turns out that the quotes I had were only a small portion of what Gibson actually said - when you look at other quotes, he comes off as even worse!Discussion: The Passion of the Christ
A forum member asks: Does anyone actually want to see "The Passion of the Christ?" I'm kind of interested, myself. Is it only a movie for Christians or what? I think it might be interesting to see how the cinematography and acting turned out. Christians are the only people greedy and melodramatic enough to make movies about stuff like this.Accuracy in the Passion Just isn't Possible
There has been a lot of commentary on the accuracy - or lack thereof - in Mel Gibson's move "The Passion." Critics complain that the film won't be an accurate reflection of the gospel stories even as defenders insist that it will be. But what if such accuracy just isn't possible in the first place?The Passion of Mel
The controversy over Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" has caused people to take a much closer look at his character as a person. This is fair because Gibson is portraying himself as making a moral, religious movie while critics allege that he has created an antisemitic film. His character is, then, at issue.Mel Gibson Closing Jewish Hearts to Jesus?
Apparently, even conservative and Orthodox Jews are becoming concerned over the sort of film Mel Gibson has made in his work "The Passion." Despite having very positive relations with conservative and evangelical Christians, they fear that Gibson's film will drive a wedge between Jews and Christians from both sides.Mel Gibson's Father: Holocaust Exaggerated
Most people are probably aware by now that Mel Gibson's father, Hutton Gibson, is an Antisemite and a Holocaust Denier. But, just in case there were people who had questions or doubts, he has done us all a favor by giving an interview with a New York radio talk show host (Steve Feuerstein) in which he makes his position clear.Review of Mel Gibson's The Passion
Although it hasn't actually been released yet, quite a few people have managed to see Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion" - and if they have good things to say, they are allowed to tell the public about how wonderful the movie is. I was lucky enough to stumble across a decent review and would like to share some of its insights.Mel Gibson: My Wife is Going to Hell
As many readers may know by now, Mel Gibson is "Catholic" in only a loose sense - he belongs to a movement of "Old Catholics" who reject everything that has happened in the Roman Catholic Church since the Second Vatican Council, including that Council and all the popes that have been elected. This means that Gibson holds to much older views of Catholicism and religion, which means that the thinks his own wife will go to Hell because she's not a Catholic (not that he really is either).Campaign to Counter Gibson's Film
There is evidently a movement afoot to counter the impact that Mel Gibson's movie The Passion may have, especially where antisemitism is concerned. Both Jews and Christians are working together to try and educate people about the history of antisemitism and how Christianity has contributed to the problem.Passion, But No Love?
One of the more interesting, and perhaps disturbing, aspects of Mel Gibson's film The Passion is that it is entirely focused upon Jesus' crucifixion rather than resurrection, upon violence and suffering rather than love and redemption. In which are we usually told the Christian message really lies?Art vs. Reality: Gibson to Delete Scene in Passion
Bowing to pressure from Jewish critics, Christian groups, and apparently some early focus groups, Mel Gibson has decided to remove one of the more controversial...Mel Gibson, Holocaust Denier?
In the debates over Mel Gibson's upcoming film The Passion, one thing that has always been insisted by his defenders is that Gibson is not...No "Passion" for Truth
One of the defenses of Mel Gibson's upcoming film The Passion, a movie about the last hours of Jesus, is that it is "historically...Mel Gibson's "Passion" Scheduled for Big Opening
It appears that Passion, the movie about the last hours of Jesus Christ created by Mel Gibson, will be getting a big opening around the...No "Passion" for Truth
One of the defenses of Mel Gibson's upcoming film The Passion, a movie about the last hours of Jesus, is that it is "historically...Pope Never Commented on Gibson's "Passion" Film?
Steve McEveety, co-producer of Mel Gibson's controversial film The Passion (about Jesus' last hours), managed to get a copy of the movie to the pope...Ultra-traditionalist Catholics Receiving Scrutiny
The Second Vatican Council brought about many significant changes in the way the Roman Catholic Church operated. Not enough changes for some, but far too many for others. There are quite a few Catholics who simply ignore the changes...Mel Gibson: Holywood Martyr Figure
News about Mel Gibson's upcoming movie Passion about the last hours of Jesus continues to come out every so often. One might imagine that Gibson's project just came out of nowhere, but in reality he seems to have been preparing...Jesus Struck By Lightning
According to Mel Gibson, events that occurred on the set of his move Passion, not to mention the rest of his life, have brought him to believe that the Holy Ghost was working with him. But should negative events, like...Albert Mohler, Mel Gibson, and Antisemitism
Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, doesn't like all of the talk about how Mel Gibson's upcoming film The Passion may have strong antisemitic themes. Mohler is convinced that the movie will be true to the gospels...Will The Passion Crucify the Jews?
What's the big deal about Mel Gibson's upcoming movie The Passion? Sure, it might portray Jews in a negative light, but if that is what the Gospels say then it's just depicting historical accuracy, right? Why shouldn't Christians make a...Greatest Story Ever Sold
There has been a lot of angry rhetoric exchanged over the upcoming Mel Gibson film The Passion - but could that be intentional? Could it be part of the marketing plan? Other religious films are released and fade away without...Scholars See Antisemitism in Gibson's Film
The complaints that Mel Gibson's upcoming film The Passion has strong antisemitic overtones is receiving scholarly support as group of Roman Catholic and Jewish scriptural scholars have labeled the film an "intolerable historical and theological...Does Mel Gibson Profess Antisemitism?
There has been a great deal of controversy over the content of Mel Gibson's upcoming film about the last hours of Jesus, titled The Passion. Much evidence suggests that it will have strong antisemitic overtones, but people have not gone...Jewish-Christian Ties Strained by "Passion"
The difficulties between evangelical Christians and Jews arising over Mel Gibson's film The Passion is receiving more media attention. Evangelical Christians, but especially Christian Zionists, have been big supporters of Israel over the years - but...Mel Gibson's Film Already Sparking Antisemitism
A number of individuals and organizations have expressed concern that Mel Gibson's upcoming film Passion, which relates the last hours of Jesus Christ, will ignite antisemitism just as Passion Plays have done in the past. Supporters have rejected this...Jews Should Be Portrayed as Christ-Killers
There has been a lot of criticism of Mel Gibson's upcoming film Passion because many people believe that its portrayal of Jews will promote and encourage antisemitism. One aspect of the controversy which has not been reported on quite so...Raising Mel: More on Antisemitism & Passion
Criticism of Mel Gibson's upcoming film The Passion just keeps rolling in - more and more people are recognizing that the charges of antisemitism are very likely true. Everything Gibson does reinforces people's negative perceptions, except for...Christianity: Despised Faith
The first rumblings of a Christian backlash over Jewish concerns about antisemitism in Mel Gibson's forthcoming film about the death of Jesus Christ were reported here not too long ago. As expected, signs of this backlash continue to crop up....Anti-Defamation League: Mel Gibson's Film to Fuel Antisemitism
As reported here earlier, Mel Gibson has long resisted showing his controversial film "The Passion" to anyone who might be too critical of it. Well, that's changed because he finally allowed a representative of the Anti-Defamation League - and the...Gibson Film Splitting Jews and Evangelical Christians?
There has been a fair amount of press recently about the concerns many people have that Mel Gibson's upcoming movie "Passion," about the death of Jesus Christ, may have strong antisemitic overtones. One aspect to this controversy which has not...The Gospel According to Mel
Mel Gibson's upcoming movie "The Passion," about the death of Jesus Christ, has been the target of praise and criticism. Evangelical Christians who have seen the movie have praised it while Jews and others concerned about possible Anti-Semitic...Holy Ghost Working With Mel Gibson
According to Mel Gibson, his entire career has been leading him to the creation of Passion, a film about the life and death of Jesus Christ done entirely in Latin and Aramaic. He also said that he felt the Holy...
