Gibson's 'Passion' film offers 'teachable moment,' says speaker

Published: 2003-11-10

NEW YORK (CNS) -- The controversy over Mel Gibson's "The Passion of Christ" provides an opportunity for people concerned about its potential for inciting anti-Semitism to "make this a teachable moment," a Catholic scholar told a New York audience. The scholar, Holy Names Sister Mary C. Boys, was a member of a group of Catholic and Jewish scholars who, based on their critique of an early copy of the screenplay, have voiced concerns about historical accuracy and its depiction of Jews. A dispute arose over their assessment of the film because Gibson's production company said the scholars were looking at unauthorized copies of a draft script that did not reflect changes made in the final script. Speaking in New York Nov. 6, Sister Boys said the Catholic and Jewish scholars wrote their report on a draft of the script, and "thought we were through." But the publicizing of their names in a polemical atmosphere has raised questions regarding Catholic principles of Scripture interpretation and the teaching of the Second Vatican Council related to Jews, she said.

Copyright (c) 2003 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .