Yesterday I posted a Diary on James Carroll's article about obscenity and anti-semitism in Gibson's deplorable film. (In a final comment I also posted a link to JJB's excellent Diary on the same theme. Many comments in the thread to his Diary were non-frivolous.)
http://theologicus.dailykos.com/story/2004/2/25/145123/172
Today I follow up with this link to the astute comments of Juan Cole, which bring out matters that others have missed.
The Passion of Christ in the World Religions
Juan cole
February 26, 2004
The phenomenon of Mel Gibson's The Passion, about the death of Jesus of Nazareth, has provoked a lively debate about the dangers of anti-Semitism. Historians are well aware that medieval passion plays (which shared the sado-masochistic themes of Gibson's movie) often resulted in attacks on Jews. The concern of American Jewish leaders is therefore entirely valid. ...