>Alan Cooperman has written a long article for The Washington Post, Evangelical Clergy on Mel Gibson: Judging Not, in which he surveys Evangelical reaction to Mel Gibson’s anti-Semitic remarks. Although Evangelical leaders reject as reprehensible and shameful the language used by Gibson, they refuse to relate Gibson’s actions with the movie “The Passion of the Christ.”
When asked whether Gibson’s intemperate speech had prompted Evangelical leaders to voice concern about the portrayal of Jews in “The Passion of the Christ,” James C. Dobson, Director of “Focus on the Family” said: “This incident is not relevant in any way to ‘The Passion of the Christ,’ which is one of the finest films of this era.”
Most Evangelical leaders believe that Mel Gibson’s apology was sincere. I think this reaction is not surprising. Most Evangelicals believe in the reality of forgiveness. After all, when they pray, they are taught to say: “Forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us” (Matthew 6:12 NLT).
Claude Mariottini
Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament 
>Whereas I believe in forgiveness, I also believe that Mr. Gibson expressed a deep seated opinion that requires much more than forgiveness. Mr. Gibson needs to talk to someone who can council him on how he really can heal this feeling he has deep in his mind. This is necessary for him to forgive himself for having those thoughts.
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>Fear Friend,I agree with you. In my post I wrote that the Evangelical leaders had forgiven Mr. Gibson. Whether Mr. Gibson has forgiven himself, I do not know. I also agree with you that Mr. Gibson needs a lot of help. What he said to the arresting officer was ugly and offensive. Drunkenness does not excuse Mr. Gibson’s behavior. He needs to realize that his behavior is unacceptable and must change.Thank you for your comment.Claude Mariottini
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