OfficialWire: 'Kingdom Of Heaven' May Aid Interfaith Dialogue

The Editorial of OfficialWire: ‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ May Aid Interfaith Dialogue

WASHINGTON, D.C. — (OfficialWire) — 05/01/05 — Because Sir Ridely Scott’s new epic “Kingdom of Heaven” was filmed against the backdrop of the Crusades, it is likely to stir up religious passions still associated with that centuries-long conflict. (“Kingdom” is scheduled to open in theaters nationwide May 6.)

Many Muslims were concerned about the possibility of religious or ethnic stereotyping when they first heard that yet another Hollywood movie would feature Arab-Muslim characters. That concern was not without valid precedent.

American Muslim representatives recently took part in a screening of “Kingdom.” They said the film is a “positive” depiction of Islamic culture during the Crusades. They also said that one of the film’s most striking messages, that Muslims and Christians can live together in peace, will provide an opportunity for increased interfaith dialogue.

In the film, the bad guys are not all Muslims and the Christians are not all angels. Perhaps “Kingdom of Heaven” will do for Muslims that Kevin Costner’s “Dances with Wolves” did for Native Americans, humanize a perceived “other.”

Unfortunately, Internet chat rooms and talk radio shows are already abuzz with the concerns of those who cannot fathom how Muslims can be portrayed as dignified, proud and humane people for whom the ends did not justify the means. Media reports indicated that some conservative Christian are “marshalling their forces” against the film, claiming it is “insulting and unfair.”