Says Picture is Steeped in Religious Prejudice and Propaganda (Jewish Daily Bulletin)
That propaganda aspects are exploited at the cost of the cultural and religious aspects in the moving picture, “The King of Kings” was the opinion expressed by Rabbi David Philipson from his pulpit in the Rockdale Avenue Temple. The picture has just closed a two weeks’ run here.
“Where I a Christian I would resent the role that Jesus is made to enact on the screen,” said Rabbi Philipson. He is represented as a wonder-worker. There is little reference to the greatness of the Prophet of Nazareth. The great teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are not mentioned.
“What repulsive, jeering, greedy countenances were selected for the types of the priests and their aids! How serene and lovely are the types chosen to represent the disciples of Jesus. The spectator cannot but be deeply impressed by the contrast. This picture but emphasizes the historic attitude toward Judaism. The scenario is composed of propaganda for the new religion and disparagement of the old. Christianity is extolled at the expense of Judaism.
“Has not the time come that the horors and evils of past religious animosities should give way to inter-religious good will and fellowship? The producer of the ‘King of Kings’ burns the fires of prejudice and misrepresentation Caiaphas and Judas were no more true representatives of the Jew and Judaism than were the merciless persecutors in all Christian lands down to Russia and Petlura. of this age, true representatives of Christianity.”
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