More on The Passion
Published July 01, 2003
Michael Jennings has an interesting report on Mel Gibson's controversial Jesus film:
Aint it Cool News has pointed me to the first review of the film from someone who has actually seen it. (Follow up posting from the same person here). It's a good review, saying that the film is not anti-Semitic, that it is a fairly faithful telling of the Gospel of St John. Previous reports that the film would not have subtitles turn out to not be true. We are still not quite sure when we are going to see it, as distributors had previously shied away from it due to the controversy and perceived eccentricity of the project.
The film now sonds less eccentric, which in a way is a shame. I am now quite interested in seeing it.
So am I, although something in the author's comments suggests, shall we say, bias (not towards Mel as such, but towards his subject matter). However, if the report is accurate (especially on the bit about the subtitles), I suspect the film might be worth checking out. What's the bets Mel will distribute it himself if he can't get anyone else to do it?
- More on The Passion
- Published: July 01, 2003
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- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Video: Art House, Video: News
- Writer: James Russell
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Gibson's film will probably be just a repeat of the traditional story, if a little more graphic. The sad thing is that no one pays attention to the real story which is embedded in the Gospels like gold in the hills. Everyone assumes they know what the Gospels say. But endless repetition doesn't make for truth.
E.g., the Greek Gospels do not say that Judas betrayed Jesus. It's a mistranslation of a neutral word, as most scholars now admit. William Klassen has done the most to fight to correct Judas' reputation in his book "Judas: Betrayer or Friend of Jesus?" (1996). And there is more info in the Gospels to support the idea that Judas was not a traitor.
As for Jewish leaders putting Jesus on trial, that too is contradicted in many places. John 18:19-24 describes a very mild questioning of Jesus. He also says the questioning was done by Annas, who would have been a retired high priest. This too suggests an informal, less serious matter for the Jewish leaders. All the Gospels agree that it took place in the high priest's house, not in the official chambers. I am barely scratching the surface here. There is more on my blogspot and on my Web site (each is linked to the other). The site is:
www.historicaljesusghost.com