Wingnuts Freaks Out As Latest jesus Film Actually Follows biblical Parable

by Nathaniel Downes 

‘People have been making films covering the figure of jesus christ since light first hit celluloid, starting with The Life and Passion of jesus christ released in 1905. And just as long have been religious zealots proclaiming these cinematic masterpieces as sacrilege, blasphemy or heretical. From The Last Temptation of christ to The Gospel According to St Matthew, various cult groups have over the years attacked any representation of jesus christ which does not fit their narrow interpretation of the bible. Joining this elite list of cinematic targets of hatred is Director Rodrigo Garcia’s latest film, ‘Last Days in the Desert.’
The movie covers the period in which jesus wanders the desert for 40 days, and is a parable to tell the internal discussion which the central figure of the christian delusion had while alone for weeks by himself. To tell this story, he purposefully took lead actor Ewan McGregor and cast him as both jesus christ and as his alter-ego, satan. And it is that last detail which has critics upset.
Historical and biblical analysis have both concluded that these 40 days, known as the temptation of christ, is parable, and not a literal truth. Instead of telling us a literal story, it gave lessons for people to use in their own life. The figure of satan is not even included in most translations of the story, instead calling the figure “The Tempter.”
The casting of the tempter as a mirror of the central figure is a cinematic staple, as seen in movies such as “Raising Cain” and “Oh dog, You Devil.” The use of this mechanism to tell the temptation of christ is novel yet fitting for the parable being told. In the end, those upset over the choice are upset truly on having the core of their faith presented honestly to the public in a manner which is reachable and relatable. People can then understand the tenants of faith for themselves, rather than relying upon elders or leaders to hand these lessons to them. It is much the same arguments which were made against the removal of Latin from catholic services. And they are ultimately misguided.
‘Last Days in the Desert’ is currently on the festival circuit, and is likely to reach theaters later this year.