Anti-Semitism Not Being Created by 'Passion,' Says Study

[regnaD kciN]

from IMDb (http://us.imdb.com/StudioBrief/#3):

A U.S. survey conducted by the Institute for Jewish and Community Research has concluded that fewer than two percent of those who are familiar with Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ blame Jews for the crucifixion. In an interview with CNSNews.com, a unit of the conservative Media Research Center, Dr. Gary Tobin, president of the IJCR, commented: "So far The Passion of the Christ is not producing any significant anti-Jewish backlash. ... The film and perhaps even more, the discussions about the film, are having something of a positive effect, which is good news. Some Jewish and Christian leaders have been understandably worried that the film might unleash a wave of hostility toward Jews and even erode the constructive effects of Vatican II. But this does not appear to be happening."

Unfortunately, that's the entire story...no further details. I don't know if the IJCR study is right or not (and, of course, it doesn't take into account what may happen in other countries), but I thought it was worth noting.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. Of course not!!

The ADL just likes to see itself in the newspapers so it flips any time anything remotely vaguely possibly resembling anti-Semitism occurs.

[mmm]

26. Exactly! This is, in fact, nothing more than a damn good movie.

Great acting and a cool sound track.
You have to look reeeeeel hard to find anti-Semitism
or anti-gay themes. They simply aren't there.

[a_random_joel]

27. I'd like to see your take on Leni Reifenstahl's movies.

[GabysPoppy]

36. I don't have to guess what the reaction would be

n/t necessary

[cantwealljustgetalong]

35. it's likely that one has to look real hard..

when one doesn't recognize what it looks like...

[unblock]

2. "fewer than 2%" isn't the issue

no one ever said that the movie was going to turn 58% of its viewers into anti-semites.

if 10,000,000 people see the movie and "only" 200,000 become anti-semitic, or even if each of those 200,000 already was anti-semitic but now felt they had license to commit violence, then that is a significant concern.

how many synagogues need to be vandalized or jews beaten up before it's a problem?

[Almost_there]

3. Has there been one single incident?

I think that the ADL really blew this way out of proportion and in doing so created such a media storm of free publicity. I have yet to hear of a single person torching a synagogue, having a lynching of a Jewish family or anything of the like. When a Jewish person saw Schindler's list, did they want to go out and kill every German that breathed? Or did they accept that the Holocaust was done by a sick few, and that the hatred was spread through fear and paranoia?

If you were already an anti-semite, sure, the film will help you in your anti semitism, but, where does it say in the movie "Let's kill Jews!". If you think that, sorry, but, I think you either didn't watch the movie or you don't care that Christians believe Christ was sent here to die on the cross for our sins. The key part here being it was the whole purpose of his existance. He was born in Bethlehem and was Jewish, so, the people to ultimately kill him had to be either Jews or Romans. It would be tough to lay the physical action of his crucifiction on the Japanese, American Indians, or Inuit. Sorry, I just think that the ADL went overboard.

And yes, I do wholeheartedly believe anti-semitism is sick, twisted, and wrong, and I live in a very Jewish area, I have been to more Bar and Bat-Mitzvahs than I have Confirmations. Does it matter to me that the Jewish priests killed Jesus? Of course! Does it matter that they were Jewish? Not at all.

~Almost

[a_random_joel]

6. Ever lay eyes on a history book?

Try googling "pogrom" or "blood libel". For starters.

[a_random_joel]

7. Wrong again.

Does it matter to me that the Jewish priests killed Jesus

You have just committed the very thing you are trying to defend.

No one believes that the Jewish priests killed Christ. Christ was crucified. That is a Roman thing.

[Almost_there]

15. Sorry, I made a mistake...

You are correct, the Romans killed Jesus. I actually did mean to put that, but, my mind went faster than my fingers. however, I believe that to blame the sword for the hand that wields it is foolish, as well as blaming Jews for killing Christ. It was more than his "destiny", it was the entire purpose for God sending his son here, to die for all mankind's sins, to allow for the redemption of man. So, sorry about the mistake, I don't blame the Jews, the Romans, or anyone but humanity itself. I am as at fault as the man who drove home the nails. But, calling it a "Roman" thing is a bit narrow too, don't you think? Ever heard of "Roman Catholics"? There are over a billion of them floating around. And 61,000,000 in the US, though no one seems to like to deal with that tidbit. Yes, more than a billion worldwide http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761573737/Roman_Catholic_Church.html and 26% http://www.adherents.com/largecom/com_romcath.html of the US is Catholic, so, I am pretty sure its not a "Roman" thing.

I just don't see it. I don't see the hate that was feared to come from this movie materializing, and I won't make it up. I haven't seen any articles about acts of anti semitism, hate crimes, swastikas, Synagogue burnings, etc because of this movie. Time will tell, but, I hope people take it in one of two ways: It was a movie and entertaining (or not so entertaining and a waste of $9) or as a movie about how Christ died for mankind's sins.

~Almost

[a_random_joel]

18. The mistake you made is easily amplified.

Fallacy alert #1:

You say, "oops!", my fingers went too fast. But this is EXACTLY how such events are initiated. Your careless mistake, which is so nonchalantly discarded by you as a typo, when repeated by others tends to amplify through the echo chamber of the media and urban mythos.

How easy it is for you to carelessly swat back my correction. Nonetheless, you just PERPETUATED a lie that JEWS were responsible for the death of CHRIST. And you have the gall to do it as you defend the concept that the "Passion" does not stir Anti-Semtism.

Fallacy Alert #2:
But, calling it a "Roman" thing is a bit narrow too, don't you think? Ever heard of "Roman Catholics"?

Perhaps you are unaware that as a user of the English language I must label certain historical elements by the names they are typically associated with. Therefore my usage of the word ROMAN stands. As in the ROMAN Empire. The ROMAN Empire practiced the act of crucifixion. The JEWS did not. Christ was crucified. Need a calculator? I did not mention Roman Catholics.
Are you suggesting that all Roman Catholics are Romans? Perhaps you should make better use of http://encarta.msn.com/

What does the number of Roman Catholics in existence have to do with the issue we are discussing?

Did you know that Madagascar Island is the fourth largest island in the world? http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761568260/Madagascar.html

For your own credibility's sake, I ask that you quit while you are behind.

[KinkyDem]

33. The JEWS did not. Christ was crucified.

I hate to correct your correction but Jesus was crucfied. The debate rages as to wether he we was the Christ. I say he was not. I do not believe that he was the savior. I do not believe he was the Christ that Christians wish he was and the Jews say is still yet to come.

When I speak of the Biblical charector of Jeseus I refer to him as simply as Jesus or Jesus of Nazereth. I do not append the Christ title.

Your error is as bad as the one you are railing aginst. Think about that. Are you REALLY acknowledging that Jesus was the Christ?

[a_random_joel]

39. Whether or not Jesus was the Christ is not the point I seek to debate here

It is not up to me to tell someone who their savior is. I personally do not believe he is. Then again, I am not even sure I believe there will be a messiah at all.

However, since the title has been bestowed upon him, I use it as a reference point only - not to acknowledge the supposed role he plays.

[lumpy]

54. The Jewish priests had no

problem with the crucifixion. They considered Jesus an adversary and heretic.

[a_random_joel]

62. What is your point?

Does that make them culpable?

If so I'd like to hear your take on the death penalty.

[histohoney]

11. I agree with most of what you said

But also, WE ALL killed Jesus. Jesus died for ALL MANKIND.
Also, should we hate Italians,because of the Romans hand in killing Jesus?
Oh and sense we are Christians we also believe Christ rose again and is ALIVE. We have that same hope thanks to Jesus' scarifies. We have that hope because of the events and actions of so long ago.

[a_random_joel]

12. Here's a clue...

I did not kill Jesus. I don't think you did either.

However I did serve time for chaining Prometheus to the rock.

Just thought I'd share that with you.

[histohoney]

51. Sorry late reply

You believe in Prometheus if you'd like friend, I'll believe in Christ.
All I was saying is that I don't believe that Jews should be singled out as the reason for Christ's sacrifice, it was for all of us.

Also I was brought up to believe the Jews were God's special people, and while we have our differences in belief of Jesus, that they should always be respected for their history with God. I guess I never went to a Church that taught hate for anyone.

I was also taught(and I believe) that you should never make sport of any ones beliefs, yours may seen strange to me in some ways but mine may be strange to you.

Sorry for the late reply, I had to go home right after I posted.:hi:

[a_random_joel]

52. Reply.

One of the few things I have absolute faith in is humor.

Some people may find my humor offensive.(Hence the Prometheus satire)

I find proselytization equally offensive.

I respect your views, but don't speak for me. Your statement is almost worse than proselytization, because it is accusing me of something I have absolutely no belief in whatsoever.

If you want to believe it, that's your thing. Don't put words in my mouth.

[histohoney]

60. Friend A-random-Joel

We have a problem communicating with each other.

Yes I know the Prometheus comment was a joke, I'd hoped mine would be taken as a light reply as well. I'm sure "Here's a clue" was not meant to be rude or condescending.

As for putting words in your mouth,no, I think my lack of chat board savvy is at fault. The second part of my reply was not directed toward YOU, but at a second reply from another. I should have made the distinction. I smoke when it comes to morphology and chemistry, I stink at writing.

It was never my intent to make you feel the need to go on the defensive nor to put words in your mouth. I take all the blame for that misunderstanding, I'm and old lady and in my youth we communicated with rocks and sticks.(It's a JOKE)

If you would like to dress me down for my lack of chat-savvy feel free, but I'll read it Monday, the men in my life (Husband and son) have scored some tickets to the tournament (basketball) and I am out of here. Who's playing, I don't care, it's a weekend out of this heat!
I hope you have a good weekend friend.:hi:

[a_random_joel]

63. Thanks.

Yes. I am a sarcastic son-of-a-gun sometimes. I assume that most here can roll with such rhetoric; my apologies if I went overboard.

Religious discussions; ethnic discussions... they tend to be emotionally loaded.

Peace to you and have a great weekend.

[Terran]

14. You are technically right...

Christians believe Christ was sent here to die on the cross for our sins.

Sure, that's the doctrine. Unfortunately, Christians as a group have spent centuries "blaming" Jews for Christ's death, and committing acts of violence toward them because of it. It's one of the most idiotic features of organized Christianity and so many adherents seem to miss the fact that if Christ hadn't been killed by *somebody*, there wouldn't even BE any Christianity.

[a_random_joel]

19. Excellent!

Keep up the good work!

;-)

[NashVegas]

21. If 2% of the RW Fundies Watching "The Deer Hunter" ...

... nah, not gonna say it.

[rinsd]

42. What is the solution?

"how many synagogues need to be vandalized or jews beaten up before it's a problem?"

What's the solution? Banning the movie? I am not sure what you are suggesting here.

Anti-semitism has been problem in this country before the movie, during the movie and will be afterwards.

I can't tell you how many times I have been shocked by casual references to Jewish people that were deragatory. It almost always seems to come from the "rich jews" or "jews run the world" vein of anti-semitism rather than they killed Christ variety.

[a_random_joel]

43. Just where did you think those stereotypes originated?

Anti-semitism is Anti-Semitism. All that was asked was that Gibson be a little bit more sensitive. Considering his father's comments, it is not hard to understand why some would be on guard.

I am for freedom of expression, and I am completely against censorship. But when it comes to an inflammatory, potentially racist message that serves no purpose other than to be inflammatory; that is where the line needs to be drawn.

I believe the Supreme Court has ruled on similar cases that "fighting words" are not protected by the First Amendment. I have not yet seen the movie, but by some accounts this borders on that.

[rinsd]

55. $9=elusive answers...

"I have not yet seen the movie, but by some accounts this borders on that"

I haven't seen the movie either. Maybe I should before further commenting.

I understand what your saying but I can't comment on whther the movie reaches the level of "fightin words". The mvoie is not high on my list of things to see but if I do I'll let you know what I thought about it.

[a_random_joel]

64. If a group perceives a portrayal as ethnically disparaging,

and the scenes depicted serve no purpose other than to be disparaging, one has to ask why?

True, I have not seen the movie. I will withhold final judgment until I do. From a number of accounts, Pilate is displayed as a conflicted man, when by historical accounts he was a barbarian. The Jewish priests are apparently the ones portrayed closer to barbarians.

Why?

[Devils Advocate NZ]

4. Not very good reporting...

either that or the study is hopelessly flawed:

fewer than two percent of those who are familiar with Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ blame Jews for the crucifixion

Consider the bolded words carefully. "who are familiar" does NOT mean "who have seen". I am "familiar" with the movie, and I haven't seen it. In fact most Jews are "familiar" with the movie and haven't seen it either.

So the question is, of those "familiar" with the movie, how many have actually SEEN it, and how many of THOSE people blame Jews for the crucifixion?

[Roaming]

5. People are way too quick to believe the worst sometimes

Until I see some solid evidence of any anti-semitism arising from this movie, I won't believe it. Christianity is about love. As a Christian, I support the Jewish people; I respect them; my Savior was a Jew, for goodness sake. I believe 99.9% of my fellow Christians feel the same way.

And for those who don't, well, there are always nut-jobs and wackos out there that will use any excuse for hate. That will never change.

[AspenRose]

8. Well said, Roaming, and I agree with you-

however I thought there was an anti-Semitic incident in Denver...(?)

Personally I think a person who is already anti-Semitic doesn't need a movie to convince them to take action if they so chose.

And I'd like to think that those who saw the movie (like me) aren't so easily influenced or "brainwashed," or whipped into an anti-Semitic frenzy.

[Isere]

10. Too quick to believe the worst?

If Christianity is about love, then how to explain the "love" of Christians towards Jews during the Spanish Inquisition? How to explain all the love spread by Christians towards Jews during the Middle Ages when enraged Passion play viewers would burn down Jewish villages? How to explain the "love" administered by Christians during the "final solution" of the Holocaust? Even today, when conservative Christians in the US pledge their support to Jews and Israel, it is in the context of an Armegeddon scenario in which all the Jews are killed while loving Christians rise up to heaven!

Hey yo! With this as a background, how can you wonder that some Jews today are little nervous about all that "love?"

Puh-leeze, folks, read a little history.

[Roaming]

13. People who call themselves Christians have done terrible things, yes.

I have read history. That does not condemn Christianity. It condemns those people. Those people were not following Jesus' teachings but the desires of their own hatred. (I might add as an aside that Muslims, when practicing Jihad, ARE following the Koran's teachings, but that's for another thread.)

Regarding Armageddon, that is not correct. Christians support Jews and Israel based on God's covenant with them; the fact that our Savior came through the Jewish race; that Christians consider themselves "grafted branches" onto the family vine of Israel; and the promise of God that Israel will be redeemed and eventually come to recognize the Messiah. Christians are not waiting for Armageddon so that all Jews can be killed; they are looking forward to Christ's return when all will be made right, and that includes the redemption of Israel.

[a_random_joel]

23. And there exists a possibilty that people today who call themselves...

Christians will repeat the same mistakes.

Some of us won't just be sitting around waiting.

[Almost_there]

17. Hmmm.

Well, I have to agree with Roaming here, all major religions (Judaism, Buddhism, Christianity, Muslim - order based on chronological foundation) are religions based upon God's love. To kill is a sin in all of the religions, but, people of all of these religions do it, today and throughout history. I don't think we have to delve to deep into the Palestinian / Israeli conflict to see that both sides have enough blood on their hands for generations to come. Christians have the Crusades and Inquisition, (sorry, but, the Holocaust wasn't really a "Christian endorsed event") Muslim extremists have plenty of blood still wet on their hands, and I guarantee Buddhists have sprouted some people who kill in God's name.

As far as the Jews in Israel, before Armaggedon, well, the literal interpretation is that they will be converted to Christianity before that happens, so, they won't be killed. Voila. Might not be likely this year, but, that's the belief.

Truly, I think God must cry when He sees what happens in His name on this planet.

~Almost

[Roaming]

20. There is an important distinction here, however...

Christianity preaches love -- love to the point of even loving your enemy.

Islam preaches surrender, and even to the point of forcing surrender through Jihad (war, or force). If you read the Koran, there are many verses that support this. Thankfully most Muslims do not practice what is preached in the Koran this way--but of course our current problems are caused by those who do. And, arguably, by all those who stand by those who do, through their silence.

[a_random_joel]

22. Historically.

There is a mountain of evidence. Perhaps you are unaware of it.

Jews are not.

[Roaming]

24. A mountain of evidence...

Thankfully:

The evidence is that the vast majority of Christians follow Christ's teachings; the vast majority of Muslims (when it comes to Jihad at least) do not.

[a_random_joel]

25. Oh, I get it now.

Insult another faith in defense of your own.

Is it impossible for you to see the irony in your post especially in relation to the issues that lie at the heart of this thread?

Does your namesake represent where your rationality is?

[Roaming]

30. I digressed, I agree; we are discussing antiSemitism on this thread

I can understand Jewish people, as well as any person who has been persecuted (blacks, etc.) being sensitive to past hurts. The point I am trying to make is that Jews do NOT need to fear Christians; we're on your side!

[a_random_joel]

31. What side would that be?

I appreciate the sentiment you are trying to express...

but your statement is rather patronizing.

1. I don't have a "side."
2. I need you to be on my side about as much as I need you to save my soul.

Your intentions are good. So I will take it easy on you.

[Roaming]

34. By "side" I mean condemn all anti-semitism and respect you,

I did not mean any of my posts to be patronizing, simply trying to make clear my thoughts which sometimes take a little time to evolve properly! God bless.

[a_random_joel]

41. No sweat.

Just wanted to make sure that you understood the landscape from a different perspective.

It is easy for people to dismiss Anti-Semitism as a fairy tale, until they have encountered it themselves.

I am not claiming that I have witnessed even a small dose compared to what some of my ancestors must have endured(other than snide remarks I have never been physically assaulted or any such thing). And even things as minimal as Christmas songs and Easter specials tend to make an outsider feel... well, like an outsider.

Until you have been there it is easy to dismiss.

[regnaD kciN]

45. How's that again???

It is easy for people to dismiss Anti-Semitism as a fairy tale, until they have encountered it themselves.

I am not claiming that I have witnessed even a small dose compared to what some of my ancestors must have endured(other than snide remarks I have never been physically assaulted or any such thing). And even things as minimal as Christmas songs and Easter specials tend to make an outsider feel... well, like an outsider.

So, are you saying that the broadcasting of "Easter specials" mean that the networks are practicing anti-Semitism?

:eyes:

[a_random_joel]

47. Not at all.

But it is not necessarily inclusive, is it.

[Roaming]

49. Understanding the landscape from other perspectives is why I'm here

Thanks.

[a_random_joel]

53. Great response.

I believe we are now "on the same page".

Welcome aboard, friend.

[metisnation]

59. whose

version of christianity??? Not mine.

[CO Liberal]

9. Wait Until It Comes Out On Video

I think it's safe to assume that many Freepers, Klansmen, white supremicists, and anti-Semittes don't go to theaters.

For fear they'll come in contact with what they hate.

[Almost_there]

16. I hate to say this, but...

It almost looks like you are wanting to see some Synagogue blown up and have a religious zealot say "I hate them thar damn dirty Jews in 'Passion' for killin' Christ! I showed them!" Well, it might happen, sure, but, uh... didn't people kill because they saw The Matrix? And Fight Club? And watched WWF? And video games? Come on, let's have some intelectual honesty. Wait for it to come out on video? Its already out. Want a copy? Send $10 to Chinatown, NYC. Been there since opening night. The nuts have already seen it. It's not a training video. Really.

[reprobate]

28. You must know there is extreme sensitivity to this.

And until you've been chased thru town at age seven by the bigger guys yelling "Lousy Jew, you killed christ", please don't talk of "intelectual honest".

Anti-semitism has been rampant in this country since it's beginning. It's gone underground since the 50s and 60s, but it's still there, festering in the minds of a few self styled 'true christians' who actively practice it, and in the minds of the many who don't practice it, only ignore it.

[a_random_joel]

29. Thank you.

A deep, heart-felt thank you.

They will never know until they have been in someone else's shoes.

[CO Liberal]

32. Your Response...

...is better than anything I could have written.

Thanks.

[Almost_there]

44. I totally agree. 100%

I can't even begin to think that anti-semitism isn't a real and living problem in this country and this world. I mean, one of Al Queda's objectives is the total and complete destruction of the Jewish state! I agree with you, and I can't even begin to sympathize enough.

I am simply saying that this movie isn't about anti semitism. That's the point I was making, that the film itself isn't meant to enrage, enflame or encourage hatred against Jews or any group. At least it doesn't from where I am sitting.

However, I think many groups have been hated by this and other countries. "Irish need not apply" "Whites Only" "No Chinks" "Wetbacks go home" and so on. Even in other countries, "geijin" is a favorite Japanese slur. And no, I've never been run down by a mob of fanatic Japanese, but, I know millions of Chinese are dead because of their ethnic hatred. I am simply keeping it in the close confines of this movie.

I am truly sorry to hear that you have been on the receiving end of hate and terror like that. I am sorry, I wish things were different, but, we must make do with what we have and try and change from within.

:hug:

~Almost

[CO Liberal]

50. If The People Watching the Movie Aren't Anti-Semitic.....

...then the movie is not anti-Semetic.

However, if people who have a deep, burning, fundamental hatred for the Jewish people watch the movie, they may reach an entirely differnt conclusion.

[seabeyond]

37. i have talked to two people, a kid and adult

after they saw the movie. and let them express to me. and then asked both seperately, did you walk out of the theater feeling an anger or a love. the adult had to admit to anger. the child looked at me in surprise that i had guessed almost that he felt shame in his feel and said yes i felt angry.

i told him to see that for 45 minutes there is no other way a person could go, not to feel bad, but we also know that isnt how jesus wants us to experience him. and this he innately knew. it gave him comfort to be able to openly express the feel of anger, adn then to not what jesus wants us to take from him

[looking glass]

38. Just isn't going to happen

Most of the people concerned with this movie don't get out much.

If they did, they'd see a lot of "My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter" bumper stickers on cars belonging to the very people that they are convinced are going to burn down a synagogue after the matinee.

[roguevalley]

40. The biggest fear here is the spring release of this movie in Europe which

has a very long history of active anti-semitism. It strikes me that the historical record of American anti-semitism is more legalistic and exclusionary rather than vicious murder. (even though there are murders in our history too. We tend to exclude and keep people out that we don't like, like with Jim Crow for example. Some clubs in calcified places like Palm Beach still exclude Jews.)

As for the remark about blood libel, an Aramaic scholar, I forget his name, says that its still in the movie. Only the subtitle was removed. Gibson got his way. If Samaritans watch it or other speakers they will hear it. Interestingly enough, there are many errors of language and choice of language in the film, some funny.

There never was a choice given for executions and no remissions for festivals in the history of the Roman empire. That part of the gospels is very suspect. Also, Pilate -a terrible man and administrator in a time of terrible men- was recalled from Palestina and from his other placement for brutality. He could care less about Jesus and rounded him up in all likelihood during a crackdown that I am sure was a recurring event in his rule.

The Romans wrote the Gospels and to the winner goes the history books. If they were the ones who made the execution, were at odds with the more orthodox Jewish Christian groups over procedures and doctrines as well as battling to establish themselves as the head of the Church- the pope of all the church rather than the Bishop of Rome without the power, prestige and money- then they had to bury a boo
boo they made before conversion. Who better to bury the ax in than the other guys?

[regnaD kciN]

46. The "Romans wrote the Gospels" myth...

The Romans wrote the Gospels and to the winner goes the history books.

Sorry, but, like so much of what appears from Christian-bashers on this board, that is simply nonsense. Check with any reputable Biblical scholar, conservative or liberal, and they will tell you that the evidence is clear that at least three of the four Gospels (and probably all four) came from Jewish-Christian sources. Furthermore, the Gospels were in existence at a time when Christianity was still officially banned and subject to Roman persecution.

It would be nice to see people get their facts straight instead of relying on "urban legend"-style myths that merely bolster their prejudices. Based on what I've seen posted about Christianity on this site, though, I'm not holding my breath...

:-(

[a_random_joel]

48. Talk about getting "facts" straight.

I have read the gospels. Certain facts within them aren't exactly "straight" either, mind you.

[regnaD kciN]

56. As would be expected...

...from accounts passed on via oral tradition for several decades. What's your excuse?

[a_random_joel]

65. Accounts of the most important event in human history?

The accounts are not talking about how many buttons are on Judas' tunic. For example, who carried the cross? That would be a pretty memorable event, one would think...

What am I supposed to be excusing here? If you want to question the facts that I am representing, please be more specific.

[rman]

61. Europe is mostly atheist

certainly the populations of the big players in Europe.

Probably many people will go see the movie out of curiosity, most of them will probably find the movie distastefull, very few will be angered because it depicts 'their' jesus in agony due to the jews - it just isn't 'their' jesus, because they are not religious.

Also the phenomena of the "reli-fundy" is near non-exsistant in Europe.

I'm curious to see if maybe some Eu religious powers will try to make a big deal out of this movie.

[a_random_joel]

66. Europe also has a pretty long and well documented history of...

Anti-Semitism.

I wouldn't go near Vegas with odds based on that track record.

[rman]

69. you're confusing Europe with Germany

many other Eu nations sheltered jews to prevent them being deported.

[a_random_joel]

71. Actually, I'm not. Nor am I only discussing the Holocaust.

If you can only go back that far, then you have a lot to learn my friend.

[Roaming]

67. Atheist, secular, liberal

Europe's religious face has changed dramatically over the past 50+ years. Germany, the birthplace of the reformation, has some of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world, and they sadly sit empty on Sunday mornings.

[Endangered Specie]

57. Duh, the only people who will come out anti-semetic...

are the ones who came in that way.

[Almost_there]

58. I think that sums it up...

Its sort of like showing any controversial movie to different people. It's all a matter of your pre conceived notion. I don't think this will make anti semites, I think it might give fodder to those that already hate, but, I don't think it will foster it in those that don't already have it, and hey, maybe, just maybe, it will teach those that do have hate that Jesus is the Son of God and he brought a message of Love. Not hate.

In the movie, Jesus even says "They taught you that you should love your neighbors, and hate your enemies. I tell you to love your neighbors, and love your enemies even more." Maybe that message will touch some.

~Almost

[a_random_joel]

68. Duh, not necessarily

There are still parts of this country who have never even seen a "Jew."

And even if your statement is true, what purpose is served by riling them up?

Question:

Do you think showing an anti-African American film to a bunch of Klan members would be a wise thing; because, hey, they're already racist?

[a_random_joel]

70. Anti-Semitism rising in Europe... with links.

Europe's Jews feel anti-Semitism rising
http://www.suntimes.com/output/religion/cst-nws-semite07.html

MSNBC - Europe grapples with rising anti-Semitism
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3999299/

The Truth Seeker - Poll shows rising tide of anti-Semitism
http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=1467

EU Vows to Combat Anti-Semitism
http://www.dw-world.de/english/0,3367,1433_A_1118574_1_A,00.html

From where I sit, this doesn't look too pretty. Call me paranoid...
call me oversensitive... But I won't be sitting around waiting for the yellow stars to be passed out. I'll be watching.