Religious Activists Suggest Creation of a 'Passion Fund'

As the film 'The Passion of the Christ' has swept through many countries, countless profits have been made. Two religious and social activists from Washington D.C. have suggested that Mel Gibson donate profits from his film to create a "Passion Fund" to support religious activities.

The film has been criticised for inducing anti- Semitism and for its exaggeration of violence. Some suspected that the film has not brought out the important teachings in Jesus' death and resurrection.

"The Passion film failed to provide any sense of what Jesus really stood for during his life: peace, love, justice, and non-violence," said Reverend Jim Dickerson, a long-time Protestant Minister.

To a certain extent the film has pitted two major faiths, Christianity and Islam, against each other and much offence has already occurred worldwide. "The film already has and will continue to generate tensions and fear among many in Christian, Jewish, and other religious communities," said Levine, who is an active member of his synagogue and other Jewish organisations.

Moreover, Rev Dickerson and Levine think that making money from the death of Jesus "is another kind of crucifixion that distorts the true meaning of Jesus' suffering and death."

Looking at the side effects of the film, the two activists have written a three-page letter challenging Gibson to "right the wrongs" that have resulted from his masterpiece, namely the deterioration of Christian-Jewish relations and interfaith community efforts.

According to their proposal for a "Passion Fund", the funds would support efforts to combat religious intolerance and hatred, and promote interfaith community building, peace, justice, non-violence, reconciliation, social action, and community service.

They suggest that the fund is an opportunity for Gibson to bring good from evil. This action is also the true way to embody Jesus Christ's life, principles, and teachings.

Both Dickerson and Levine have continued to advocate in each of their respective faith communities for a renewed interfaith dialogue throughout the metropolitan area. They described the good the "Passion Fund" could do is immense, and is sorely needed now more than ever.