|
Consultative Panel on Lutheran-Jewish Relations
Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
January 6, 2004
The portrayal of the Passion of
Jesus is one of the most difficult subjects in the history of
Jewish-Christian relations. Whenever and however it is told, the Passion
sets the Jew Jesus, his Jewish disciples, other Jewish leaders, a larger
Jewish community of considerable diversity, a Roman governor, Roman
soldiers, and God in a complex web of relationships. Because
Christianity and Rabbinic Judaism developed into separate faith
communities, each claiming to be the authentic continuation of biblical
Israel, the Passion story has also borne the weight of conveying
Christian understandings of how such a separation came about.
Tragically, portrayals of the
Passion over many generations have led to the virulent condemnation of
Jewish communities, with Christians lashing out to punish those they had
learned to call "Christ-killers." This doleful history demands a special
vigilance from any who portray the Passion today. The Passion has the
power of the gospel, God's power to bring life from death. We must not
allow the libels of former ages to compromise it in our time.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America has committed itself to "live out our faith in Jesus Christ
with love and respect for the Jewish people" (1994 Declaration to the
Jewish Community). Our Guidelines for Lutheran-Jewish Relations include
reminders that "the New Testament . . . must not be used as
justification for hostility towards present-day Jews," and that "blame
for the death of Jesus should not be attributed to Judaism or the Jewish
people." In keeping with these commitments, we view with concern recent
public reports regarding the forthcoming film on the Passion by Mr. Mel
Gibson.
Recognizing his stature and
influence as a film producer and celebrity, we can expect that Mr.
Gibson's project will shape or reshape understandings of this central
Christian story for millions of viewers. It is imperative that such
influence be exercised with due regard for the powerful heritage of the
Passion as gospel truth for Christians and as human tragedy for many
Jews. It is possible to use the occasion of this major media event to
build understanding and goodwill among Jews, Christians, and many
others.
We therefore urge the following:
We urge
pastors and educators
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to learn the history of
Passion portrayals and their consequences for the Jewish community. We
urge them to study more deeply the gospel portrayals of the Passion
and to grasp the distinctive proclamation of each gospel writer, in
order to lead their congregants and students in well-informed analysis
of Passion portrayals, including Mr. Gibson's. We urge them to teach
boldly in their congregations and to make public witness to this
church's commitment to confess its faith and preach its gospel in ways
that will not demean, malign, or harm the Jewish people.
We urge
members of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to renew their familiarity with
the Passion story by reading and studying the gospel portrayals. We
urge them to become informed about the issues that surround the
challenging task of portraying the Passion in dramatic or cinematic
form. We urge them to consider the many levels at which messages about
the characters in the Passion are conveyed in such a production, such
as the sound track, staging, costuming, and lighting, and to become
better-informed viewers.
We urge
Mr. Gibson to
give due regard, in the final editing of his film, to its historical
accuracy and to its portrayal of Jewish characters. He has been widely
quoted as aiming to produce the most accurate historical portrayal of
Jesus' Passion ever filmed. This goal requires that he give credence
to the critique of historical scholars who are expert in the period,
cultures, and sources of this story. We believe that he aspires to
produce a film that will neither stir antisemitism nor lend itself to
antisemitic exploitation. Individuals and organizations that work
regularly to counter and diminish antisemitism can aid him in
fulfilling that aspiration.
We urge
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
congregations, civic organizations, and people of good will everywhere
to afford opportunities for study and dialogue about Passion
portrayals, including Mr. Gibson's film after it is released. No one
portrayal can express the whole truth of the Passion or summarize the
understanding of the whole Christian church about it. Open discussion
and analysis of the Passion whenever it is portrayed will assist Jews
and Christians and others in our communities to understand one
another, the diversity of our respective views, and the Passion itself
as central to Christian faith.
Consultative Panel on
Lutheran-Jewish Relations
Dr. Franklin Sherman (chair)
Associate for Interfaith Relations
Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Darrell Jodock
Drell and Adeline Bernhardson Distinguished Professor of Religion
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, Minnesota
Dr. Esther Menn
Associate Professor of Old Testament
Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Dr. Peter A. Pettit
Assistant Professor of Religion
Director, Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding
Muhlenberg College
Allentown, Pennsylvania
The Rev. John Stendahl
Pastor, Lutheran Church of the Newtons
Newton Center, Massachusetts
Dr. Karla Suomala
Assistant Professor of Religion
Luther College
Decorah, Iowa
|
