The Passion Conspiracy: Did the Jews Kill Christ or was Jesus the Victim of Identity Theft?
by Randy Weiss, Ph.D.
REVIEWS:A JEWISH RABBI'S PERSPECTIVE
There has been a great deal of both enthusiasm and consternation in the Christian and Jewish communities as a result of Mel Gibson's blockbuster film, The Passion of The Christ. Christians hail the movie as a grand epic expressing the suffering of Jesus because of, and, on behalf of, all humanity. Jews, on the other hand, fear that this powerful film will lead to an upswing in virulent anti-Semitism. This has been the result of other Passion dramas presented by Christians for many centuries. And, on a very positive side, Christians and Jews of good will have been seeking a meaningful dialogue about the film, the actual events, and their interpretations. These are at the very core of Christian-Jewish relations. But there is a serious problem in obtaining this important dialogue. JEWS AND CHRISTIANS DO NOT SPEAK THE SAME LANGUAGE. Jews have no frame of reference to understand the seminal event which is the Passion. Truly, without the Passion, there would be no Christianity. While there have been major events within Jewish history, there is nothing that defines Judaism's very existence as the Passion does for Christianity.
Likewise, the overwhelming majority of Christians have never suffered a genocide comparable to World Jewry. They have never experienced repercussions or fear at Easter after passionate sermons incited the faithful to murder Jews because they "killed Christ." They can watch The Passion of The Christ without noting the similarities with Nazi-era propaganda, and without thinking, "Sure, they are beating up on the Jewish kid, a lesson they have learned very well." How do we bridge this language gap?
Dr. Randy Weiss' The Passion Conspiracy is required reading for those who truly wish to span that gap. From his unique perspective, Dr. Weiss is able to explain the Passion so that both Jews and Christians can appreciate its importance. And with his keen historical perspective, Dr. Weiss can open the all-too-often blind eye that has allowed Christian anti-Semitism to run rampant for centuries.
Rabbi Stanley Halpern
Temple Israel
Gary, IN 2004
A CHRISTIAN LEADER'S PERSPECTIVE
It is astonishing that a modern film made in two dead languages about the execution of an obscure religious teacher from two thousand year ago in a remote corner of the Roman Empire should cause such world-wide emotional reaction (both pro and con). By any reasonable standard, the story should be buried in the sands of history. Instead, it is so well known the movie can start at the end without explaining the beginning.
Who was this man? Opinion is divided. But were it not for this man, we should know little about the daily drama of life in an ancient Roman province. Were it not for this man, we should know little about old Jewish sects. Were it not for this man, numberless acts of bloody savagery would not have taken place across the centuries, nor would numberless acts of unselfish love and sacrifice been experienced. How can one man have generated such energy? How can one man have generated such dedication? It depends on whom he is seen to be.
This man and his nation are the flash-point of modern international politics and policies. He is a figure of contention from China where his spiritual followers are tortured and suppressed to the Middle East where his ethnic people are threatened with annihilation while the United Nations Security Council winks in assent. The strangest phenomenon of all, his spiritual followers and his ethnic people are often bitterly divided about his identity and each other's agendas.
In this book, a man, who is not only a spiritual follower of this teacher but also a member of his race, shares his thoughts and feelings from both sides of the "divide" at one and the same time. This presents a rare chance for Christians, Jews, and Secularists to gain some insight and understanding of each other and the issue of the Passion of the Christ.John Cathcart, President
World Missionary Evangelism
Dallas, 2004
For the average Evangelical Christian, the idea that there is such a thing as "Christian anti-Semitism" is an outlandish thought. However, for Christians who are familiar with church history, it is an undeniable fact. Dr. Weiss does an excellent job of recounting the obvious Christian anti-Semitism of the Dark Ages and beyond uncovering the subtleties of its continued influence upon Christians in our present time. For some informed Christians this book will be the icing on the cake that gives them the details of the general truths that they have long held; for the uninformed Christians--and there are many--this will be a full-on education in a book. All who wish to be faithful to their Jewish Messiah should read this book.Dr. Rick Walston, President
Columbia Evangelical Seminary
"I read your new book during a recent hospital confinement. . . . Your new book forced me to reevaluate many long held opinions concerning those responsible for the death of Jesus. It’s a must read for all Christians who love the Jewish people."Luther Williams
Founder Elegan Custom Wear
"You'll love it or you'll hate it but it will make you think."
Brian A. Larson
Northeastern Broadcasting
"I wasn't able to stop reading "The Passion Conspiracy" once I had begun. I found Dr. Randy's book to be filled with world history as well as Jewish
history. I found the book to be filled with Biblical truth and an honest appraisal of all Passion plays and movies including the one by Mel Gibson.It is refreshing in this time that we live in to find someone who is willing to speak out concerning truth and error. It is a wonderful to learn so many
things about Jewish culture and heritage that many modern day Churches never relay to their congregations.I am so thankful to have "The Passion Conspiracy" in my possession as a teaching tool for my family and others. I highly recommend that every
Believer in Messiah, as well as those persons who are still not sure about who 'Jesus' really is, to buy the book and read it with open minds and
hearts."Betty Ruth Manney (Founder)
Watchmen on the Walls Ministry
Your book is an eye-opener that shows how imbedded the roots of anti-semitism have been (and still are) in the Christian tradition. The vocal proponents of that particularly offensive anti-semitism are easily dismissed as relics of a less enlightened age. What is more difficult to dismiss is the vestige it has left in the church at large, and its effect on men of good faith, such as, I believe, Mel Gibson.Kevin Cail
Kevin is the proprietor of a contracting business
NOT an attack on Gibson's film, September 7, 2004
I really liked Mel Gibson's film so I was happy to read that Dr. Weiss did too. This book is NOT an attack on Gibson's film or its portrayal of the Passion of the Christ. It is, however, an interesting journey into the undercurrent of anti-Semitism that has run in the church for nearly 2,000 years. With that as his basis, and the Scripture as the final "word," Dr. Weiss explains what was missing or incorrect in Gibson's film, as well as in many Easter plays in many well meaning but inaccurate churches. Do I recommend this book? Oh, yes. Without a doubt.Brian S. Roberts (Utah)
Adolph Hitler and Henry Ford?, September 7, 2004
I had no idea of the anti-Semitism behind the way that Hollywood and even churches portray the The Passion of Christ! You have to ask yourself, What does Adolph Hitler, Henry Ford, and many of the portrayals of the passion of the Christ have to do with each other? Well, sadly, anti-Semitism. It's hard to "connect the dots" in a short review, but read this book for a full and enlightening explanation!Clyde B. Iiet (Oregon)
This book seems extremely timely to me. In these troubled times of war and crimes of hatred, we need a book like this to redirect us. Wow! Having seen the Mel Gibson film, and having had mixed feelings about it, this book helped me to sort out many of those feelings. I found myself deeply moved, my "social-consciousness" challenged, and myself ready for some personal change. I wasn't even aware of the right questions to ask, but after reading this, I feel armed with some solid answers.Dee Bratcher (Arlington, TX )
THE 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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