Ah, Jesus movies. I remember being thoroughly traumatized by a Jesus movie in first grade when the Catholic school I went to decided that showing everyone, even the elementary school kids, a Jesus movie right before Easter break was an excellent plan. Oh, the nightmares from seeing a crucifixion at age 7!
Are you in support of this film? Curious, given the blasting of the movie for supposed anti-Semitism.
Yes, definitely in support of it. From what I've seen, most of the blasting that has been publicized is from people who hadn't seen the movie yet. The comments I've heard or read from those who have seen it say it's historical and scriptural, and in no way can be construed to suggest that Jews are collectively responsible for Jesus death.
I certainly wouldn't take a young child to this movie. Kids should be taught the how and why of Jesus' sacrifice, but I think the details of how horrible crucifixion is can wait.
It is not enough simply to say that "scripture cannot be construed to suggest that Jews are collectively responsible for Jesus' death." I know and you know that this is true, but the fact is that a significant subset of Christians did in fact construe the scripture in just such a way for a good 1500-year chunk of time. And some of them are still at it. Are Jewish groups being overly touchy about Mel's movie? Absolutely. But you have to understand that, from their point of view, they have some reason to be touchy. They and their forefathers have heard the crucifixion story innumerable times as a justification for atrocities against them, and this at the hands of us and our forefathers
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It is not enough simply to say that "scripture cannot be construed to suggest that Jews are collectively responsible for Jesus' death."
That's true. People certainly can misconstrue scripture. But I was actually trying to make two separate statements. 1) The movie is scriptural and historical, which I view as positive. 2) People who have actually seen the movie are overwhelmingly in support of it and find no basis for the claims of anti-semitism from the ADL.
If he really believes that, why isn't he saying so every time he has the chance? ... Maybe he is saying so, and I just haven't heard about it.
I'm not sure to what extent he's been defending the movie, rather than letting it speak for itself, both now in private screenings and when it's released. However, I watched an extended interview with Mel a while back on EWTN in which he did (as I recall) talk about everyone's culpability in the death of Christ. Here's where you can find the audio from that show to listen to him talk about the movie.
People who have actually seen the movie are overwhelmingly in support of it and find no basis for the claims of anti-semitism from the ADL.
Yes, this is significant, though a skeptic might note that all of these people were hand-picked by Mel before they saw the movie. The letter from thhe Jewish screenwriter (who is an employee of Mel's) was very good, and spoke clearly about a number of important issues. I'm still a little mystefied by some of Mel's behavior, but there is every reason to believe that this movie is as thoughtful and powerful as its proponents claim. I hope so, and I look forward to finding out for myself.
Would I be mistaken to say that it wasn't until JPII that a Pope specifically proclaimed that the Jews are not responsible for Jesus' death?
I checked the Catechism and found this subject addressed in paragraphs 597-598. It quotes Nostra Aetate, no. 4, from Vatican II, promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965. Also referenced is the Roman Catechism (quote found here under "Reasons Why Christ Suffered") first released under Pope St. Pius V in 1566. The Roman Catechism was a fruit of the Council of Trent in the same way that the new Catechism of the Catholic Church is a fruit of the Second Vatican Council.
So, I do not think it's correct to think that this was a recent recantation of sorts by JPII. Unfortunately, anti-semetic prejudice and discrimination continued contrary to the teaching of scripture, popes, and the Church.
Are you in support of this film? Curious, given the blasting of the movie for supposed anti-Semitism.
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I certainly wouldn't take a young child to this movie. Kids should be taught the how and why of Jesus' sacrifice, but I think the details of how horrible crucifixion is can wait.
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That's true. People certainly can misconstrue scripture. But I was actually trying to make two separate statements. 1) The movie is scriptural and historical, which I view as positive. 2) People who have actually seen the movie are overwhelmingly in support of it and find no basis for the claims of anti-semitism from the ADL.
If he really believes that, why isn't he saying so every time he has the chance? ... Maybe he is saying so, and I just haven't heard about it.
I'm not sure to what extent he's been defending the movie, rather than letting it speak for itself, both now in private screenings and when it's released. However, I watched an extended interview with Mel a while back on EWTN in which he did (as I recall) talk about everyone's culpability in the death of Christ. Here's where you can find the audio from that show to listen to him talk about the movie.
Here's the opinion of Jewish ( ... )
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Yes, this is significant, though a skeptic might note that all of these people were hand-picked by Mel before they saw the movie. The letter from thhe Jewish screenwriter (who is an employee of Mel's) was very good, and spoke clearly about a number of important issues. I'm still a little mystefied by some of Mel's behavior, but there is every reason to believe that this movie is as thoughtful and powerful as its proponents claim. I hope so, and I look forward to finding out for myself.
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I checked the Catechism and found this subject addressed in paragraphs 597-598. It quotes Nostra Aetate, no. 4, from Vatican II, promulgated by Pope Paul VI in 1965. Also referenced is the Roman Catechism (quote found here under "Reasons Why Christ Suffered") first released under Pope St. Pius V in 1566. The Roman Catechism was a fruit of the Council of Trent in the same way that the new Catechism of the Catholic Church is a fruit of the Second Vatican Council.
So, I do not think it's correct to think that this was a recent recantation of sorts by JPII. Unfortunately, anti-semetic prejudice and discrimination continued contrary to the teaching of scripture, popes, and the Church.
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