The Passion Conspiracy: Did the Jews Kill Christ or was Jesus the Victim of Identity Theft?
by Randy Weiss, Ph.D.
Contact: Joel Wilson or Caleb Weiss at
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972-617-1199 Fax 972-293-2677
Caleb@Crosstalk.orgFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Did the Jews Kill Christ . . .
or was Jesus the Victim of IDENTITY THEFT?MILLIONS HAVE SEEN MEL GIBSON'S PORTRAYAL OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST.
IT CREATED CONTROVERSY AND STIRRED EMOTIONS. WAS GIBSON CORRECT?The new book, THE PASSION CONSPIRACY by Randy Weiss, Ph.D., declares that in spite of Gibson's outstanding presentation of the suffering of Jesus, the anti-Semitic influences should not be overlooked. Dr. Weiss argues that the Jewish identity of Jesus has been stolen by those who present the Christ as outside the mainstream of 1st century Judaism. He clearly defines the ancient patterns of anti-Semitism repeated in the film and explains the common errors relevant to the portrayal of the Jews and the Jewish Messiah including:
The trial of Jesus was portrayed inaccurately:
Jesus was arrested, tried, convicted and executed by 9:00 AM. The Jewish mob scene was seriously flawed. The film's unending stream of angry Jews flowing into Pilate's court was errant. By the design of the conspirators, the Jews of Jerusalem were unaware of the event.
The Jews of ancient Israel had not yet turned against Jesus:
Gibson implied the Jews treated Jesus as an enemy. Weiss argues that Jesus was a beloved "hometown hero." Many Jews believed Jesus was their Deliverer from Roman oppression.
Gibson alleged that Pilate feared a riot would break out if Jesus was not executed:
In fact, the exact opposite was true. Jesus was arrested under the cloak of darkness. The Jewish leaders conspired in secret knowing that if His Jewish followers learned of the plot to kill Jesus, they would have rioted to stop the Crucifixion.Dr. Weiss stated, "The claims of Holocaust denial and anti-Semitism by the film's critics should not be ignored. The founder of the most famous Passion Play in America was a Holocaust denier. Gibson should have avoided the common anti-Semitic patterns of ancient Passion dramas. The important, stunning story of Christ's suffering would have been less offensive to Jews and more faithful to the Gospel narrative."
Book Synopsis:
Using biblical evidence, Dr. Weiss proves that only a small number of people were aware of the conspiracy to kill Jesus. Gibson's Passion drama implies that angry Jewish mobs screamed for the death of Jesus. Weiss clarifies the fallacy of that common view and exposes the actual conspirators. He also explains that Jesus was robbed of His "Jewish" identity at the same time that the Jewishness of His enemies was exaggerated. One example used was that only the enemies of Jesus wore the required Jewish prayer shawl or fringed garment. Gibson's Jesus ignored the clear Mosaic command of the Torah and neither He nor His disciples wore the garb mandated by Scripture. Weiss believes readers will learn to avoid perpetuating negative Jewish stereotypes and become familiar with the reasons for Jewish concerns about the drama. They will also be informed about little-known, yet important, aspects of Jewish culture and Church history by the book.Reform Jewish Rabbi Stanley Halpern provides a foreword from a Jewish perspective.
Additionally, the President of World Missionary Evangelism, Dr. John Cathcart, provides another foreword from a Christian perspective.
For a review copy or for interviews with the author please contact:
Caleb Weiss, PH: 972-617-1199; FAX: 972-293-2677
Caleb@Crosstalk.org www.crosstalk.orgTHE PASSION CONSPIRACY:
Did the Jews Kill Christ . . .
or Was Jesus the Victim of Identity Theft?Book Price: $12.00 U.S.
Street Date: Available August 2004
ISBN Number: 1-57376-004-8
Paperback 214 pp.Ordering Information
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