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Poll Reveals "The Passion of the Christ" Does Not Foster Anti-Semitism

Jim Caviezel, who played Christ role, meets pope in Rome

NEW YORK, March 16, 2004 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Institute for Jewish and Community Research has conducted a survey to determine if there has been a change in anti-Semitic sentiment arising from the viewing of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. The poll found that, contrary to what some Jews have claimed, 83 percent felt that the film had no impact on the degree to which they perceived Jews to be the killers of Christ. Nine percent said they were less inclined to blame Jews for Christ's death, whereas two percent were more likely.

Dr. Gary Tobin, president of ICJR, told CNSNews that "…so far the Passion of the Christ is not producing any significant anti-Jewish backlash. The questions raised about the anti-Jewish images in the movie helped bring the question of the role of Jews in the death of Christ out in the open. It is better to have dialogue and honest discussion and trust that the bond between Christians and Jews in America is strong," Tobin said. The ICJR polled 1,003 adults nationwide in early March.

In related news, the Vatican confirmed that Jim Caviezel, who portrays Jesus in the movie, had a brief audience with the pope on Monday. Caviezel also viewed a private screening of the movie with the Legionaries of Christ while in Rome.

The Catholic News Agency is reporting that several Catholic churches in Cuba are converting into theatres, in order to show The Passion of the Christ. The move has been given the blessing of the Cuban Bishops Conference.

Félix Pérez Riera, secretary of the conference, told the news agency EFE that the movie "can contribute to serious spiritual reflection, and even to a personal encounter with Jesus Christ, who sustains our faith and hope."

Read CNSNews coverage of the poll at: http://www.cnsnews.com//ViewNation.asp?Page=\Nation\archive\200403\NAT20040315a....

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