Gibson rejects notion that “The Passion of the Christ” is the gospel according to Mel

Paris, France, Mar 1, 2004 / 12:00 am MT (CNA).- In an interview published Friday by the French daily “Le Figaro”, Mel Gibson addressed criticism that “The Passion of the Christ” is “the gospel according to Mel,” saying the film is faithful to the Gospels.

“I don’t believe I have betrayed the Gospels, I believe I have been faithful to them,” said Gibson, adding, “The Gospels are true.  I base my faith on the testimonies of these Gospels.”

Gibson said he wished to tell the story of the Passion without pretense so that everyone might understand that Jesus Christ “died for the sins of all men for all time.”

“Some people, especially in past eras, accused the Jews of killing Jesus Christ, but we are all brothers in guilt,” he said, underscoring as well that “the Vatican has condemned all forms of racism and anti-Semitism.”

Gibson reiterated that his desire to retell the life of Jesus began 12 years ago.  “I had gotten to such a level of personal anxiety that it really was time for me to stop and question myself.  That’s what happened, thanks to my faith and to the special attention I gave to the Passion, the heart of the Christian faith.  That’s how I came back to life,” he explained.