Paul Verhoeven takes on Jesus
As has been widely reported, Paul Verhoeven is set to publish a biography of Jesus in September that claims that Christ was probably fathered by a Roman soldier who raped Mary during an uprising in Galilee. Verhoeven also claims that Christ was not betrayed by Judas Iscariot.
According to The Hollywood Reporter (via) the book – which was co-written by his biographer, Rob van Scheers - is the result of more than 20 years of research.
Verhoeven, who turns 70 in July, has had a lifelong ambition to make a film about Jesus, based on scientific research. Verhoeven decided to write the book to raise interest in the project. His publisher is in negotiations for an English-language translation.
Predictably enough, the instantly outraged are getting their complaints in already. Bill Donohue of the US Catholic League complained to Fox News (via) that the book is “with idle speculation grounded in absolutely nothing.”
Sounds like a religion, then. And on the subject of religion, here’s Pat Condell.
For an alternative take on the Jesus myth, I can’t recommend strongly enough that you check out The God Who Wasn’t There.
Saturday 26 Apr 2008 | Paul | People, Random film talk, Religion
