Catholic Church anxious about Hollywood film on Christ

November 21st, 2007

Kerala’s Catholic church on wednesday cautioned that “Aquarian Gospel”, a new Hollywood production on Jesus Christ showing him visiting the Indian subcontinent during his “missing years”, may end up creating confusion and controversy as there is no historical proof to substantiate the claim.

There is no historic proof to show Jesus came to India and the Church has apprehensions that such portrayal could create confusion, Church spokesman Father Paul Thelekat said. The film, purportedly portrays Jesus visiting Buddhist monasteries and speaking against the inequalities of the caste system, which, the Church apprehends, could offend religious sentiments of different communities.

“It should not offend religious sentiments of Hindus, Christians and Buddhists,” he told PTI. It also could be a repeat of “The Da Vinci Code”, another Hollywood film featuring Christ, which created a controversy, he said.

“The Church is not against artistic and imaginative productions which is welcome provided it is true to the spirit of Jesus Christ and does not distort historical facts.” The bringing out of another film on Christ proves that there was interest in him even now. There is universal interest in the life and message of Christ. Perhaps the film is an attempt to cash in on this interest, he said.

“The Aquarian Gospel” apparently attempts to portray the “missing years” of Jesus Christ when he was between 13-30 years. The story chronicles his purported journeys from Israel to India, Tibet, Persia, Greece and Egypt during which he encounters people of all creed, class and faith. Source: Hindu