The Blood Libel's Last Gasp: Why "The Passion" Still Hurts

Mel Gibson on the set of The Passion of the Christ,
with Christ (AA Film Archive / Alamy)

In Roman history scholar, Prof. Nathanael Andrade's recent article, (adapted in JTA), rightly challenges the enduring myth of Jewish culpability in the death of Jesus. The scholar dismantles the historical inaccuracies and biased interpretations that have fueled centuries of antisemitism. It's a crucial intervention, yet the persistence of this libel, particularly in popular culture, demands constant vigilance. One need only look at Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" to see how these ancient prejudices continue to fester.

Gibson's film, released to both critical acclaim and fervent condemnation, purported to offer a historically accurate depiction of Jesus' final hours. However, its blatant manipulation of scripture, its graphic violence, and, most insidiously, its portrayal of Jews as bloodthirsty antagonists, served only to reinforce the very narratives that Dr. Andrade so effectively debunks.

The film leans heavily on extra-biblical traditions and embellishments, often presented as historical fact. The Sanhedrin is depicted as a monolithic entity, driven solely by malice towards Jesus. Individual Jews are shown sneering and demanding his crucifixion. This is a far cry from the complex socio-political landscape of Roman-occupied Judea. The Gospels themselves offer varying accounts, and even within those accounts, blame is far from universally assigned to the Jewish people.

But "The Passion's" most egregious offense lies in its perpetuation of the deicide charge – the accusation that the Jewish people are collectively responsible for the death of God. This charge has been the cornerstone of antisemitism for millennia, justifying persecution, pogroms, and even the Holocaust. To visually reinforce this accusation on the silver screen, with all the power of cinematic storytelling, is not just irresponsible, it's dangerous.

Moreover, the film conveniently omits or minimizes the role of the Roman authorities. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, is presented as a reluctant participant, almost sympathetic to Jesus' plight. This glosses over the brutal reality of Roman rule and the empire's history of crushing dissent. It's crucial to remember that Jesus was executed by the Romans, for what they perceived as sedition – a direct threat to their authority.

Fortunately, voices have emerged to challenge this harmful narrative. Scholars Jeremy Cohen and Andrade's work is vital, but so too are visual resources that offer alternative interpretations. Here are a few examples that challenge the Church's historical narrative:

• Antisemitism Uncovered Video: Myth of Deicide: Many YouTube channels offer theological and historical analyses that dismantle the deicide charge, highlighting the Roman role and the complexities of the Gospel accounts. Search for videos addressing "deicide myth" or "who killed Jesus."

• The Passion of the Christ - (Renegade Cut): Several film critics and theologians have produced video essays analyzing the antisemitic tropes present in Mel Gibson's film. Search for "The Passion of the Christ anti-Semitism" on YouTube or Vimeo.

• Jews & Christians: A Journey of Faith | Abrahamic Religions Documentary: Documentaries exploring the historical relationship between Judaism and Christianity can offer valuable context and challenge prejudiced assumptions.

It is our responsibility, as Jews, to actively combat the persistent myth of Jewish culpability in the death of Jesus. By engaging with scholarly work, critically analyzing popular culture, and promoting alternative narratives, we can help to dismantle the structures of antisemitism and build a more just and equitable world. "The Passion" may be a film, but its legacy of hate lingers on, and we must be vigilant in confronting it.