Michael Medved is not alone in speaking out against those who would attempt label The Passion of Christ as \”anti-semitic\”. Rabbi Daniel Lapin, known on the national airwaves as \”America\’s Rabbi\”, has written a thoughtful article taking his fellow Jews to task.
Lapin states:
Those Jewish organizations that have squandered both time and money futilely protesting Passion, ostensibly in order to prevent pogroms in Pittsburgh, can hardly be proud of their performance. They failed at everything they attempted. They were hoping to ruin Gibson rather than enrich him. They were hoping to suppress Passion rather than promote it. Finally, they were hoping to help Jews rather than harm them.
Kudos to Rabbi Lapin for his fair assessment of the movie and the hysteria surrounding it. Click here for the complete article
I find myself in an interesting position, being both a Jew AND a Christian. On one hand, I understand the emotions behind the fear of some Jewish people. In fact, I think it is indeed possible for some twisted people to walk away from this film with anti-Jewish sentiment. But I also think the First Amendment protects Mel Gibson\’s right to make a film about whatever he wants, especially one as important as The Passion.
I have no doubt that there will be some sort of anti-semitic act that will take place as a result of some already disturbed persons reaction to the film. And I have no doubt that the New York Slimes will put the story front and center as if to say, \”SEE I TOLD YOU SO\”.
But remember, these are the same people that promote gangsta rappers and their songs about killing cops and raping women. These are the same people that defend violent video games such as Grand Theft Auto III, with the gamer playing the part of the person inflicting violence and having sex with hookers. These are the same people that elevate films such as \”American Beauty\” to Oscar status and Quentin Tarantinoto to Best Director.
The hypocrisy is rampant. The bottom line? Jesus came to save the world. He said that He would divide people, even families. You either stand for Him or against Him. Those who stand for Him love Him. Those who stand against Him hate Him. And one day, those who have stood against Him will be without excuse. According to the Scripture, even the most vehement unbeliever, Jew and Gentile alike, will stand before Christ and declare that He is indeed Lord of ALL.