The Jewish Anti-Defamation League is more than a little vocal in their worry that Mel's movie may cause a new wave of anti-Semitism. While most of us are squarely against anti-Semitism, I believe that movies are art, and should be presented no matter what the subject matter--
The following is part of the ADL's press release concerning the movie.
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ADL Statement on Mel Gibson's "The Passion"
New York, NY, June 24, 2003 ... Throughout history Christian dramatizations of the passion, i.e. the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, have fomented anti-Semitic attitudes and violence against the Jewish people. During the past forty years the Roman Catholic and most Protestant churches have issued pastoral and scholarly documents that interpret the death and resurrection of Jesus in their historical and theological contexts. These churches repudiate the teachings that gave rise to Christian accusations that Jews were "Christ killers." They make clear that correct Christian readings and applications of the New Testament must avoid provoking or reinforcing anti-Semitic attitudes and behavior.
In light of the numerous media accounts of Mel Gibson's upcoming film, "The Passion," the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) joined with the Secretariat of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in April, 2003 to assemble Jewish and Catholic scholars to evaluate an early version of the movie's screenplay (the names of the committee's nine scholars appear below). Both offices were in communication with representatives of ICON Productions, including Mel Gibson himself, who indicated their willingness to consider the scholars' suggestions.
ADL thanks the scholars for their work and ADL fully stands behind their report. The committee unanimously agreed that the screenplay reviewed was replete with objectionable elements that would promote anti-Semitism.
The rest of the press release.
It seems to me the ADL is operating under a different history than I have, though I do get mine from the Bible, and understand this history is not universally accepted.
Are they attempting to rewrite history, or is my history (the Jews, in the trial and crucifixition of Christ, did act as portrayed in the Bible) incorrect?
Interested in any and all related discussion.