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Much of the controversy has been about the filmmaker's beliefs. Gibson is a member of an ultra-conservative Roman Catholic group termed "Traditionalists." This group does not recognize the Catholic Church's efforts to modernize at the Second Vatican Council held in the 1960s, and has been widely perceived to still blame the Jews for the death of Christ (a belief rejected by Vatican II). So, sight unseen, the movie was condemned by many as anti-Semitic.
Lot's of audience who have watched "The Passion," say is not anti-Semitic, nor dothey believe Gibson promotes any such feelings in the film.
People have been distorting the Bible to fit their own beliefs for centuries. Nothing new.
It is also very clear that anyone who is predisposed towards anti-Semitism could easily twist this film to fit his or her own agenda.
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