The Last Temptations

In her review of “The Last Temptation of Christ,” Sheila Benson’s referring to the Christian furor against the film as “unholy” is a perfect example of newsspeak (“ ‘The Last Temptation of Christ,’ ” Aug. 12).

Her effort to grab the reader in the opening lead has resulted in a distortion of the truth.

But then, Benson is not in the truth-telling business; like Martin Scorsese and Universal Studios, she’s in the business of entertainment. The trouble is, our faith is not for the amusement of the masses but for the salvation of souls.

No one disputes Scorsese’s right to make his film and Universal’s right to distribute it, but we have the right to make a public declaration against it. It is presumptuous for those outside the “faith” to make a judgment on what is or is not sacred to our faith.

This is our domain, and we consider that this film besmirches the faith of millions of Christians. Would a slander against other groups or other religions not fire the same outcry?

Ours is not an “unholy furor,” Ms. Benson. To the contrary, we’re motivated by love for what is profoundly Holy. Individuals may accept or reject the message of Christ, but it is our responsibility as Christians to defend the Biblical record of Christ so that those who seek God will have the opportunity to hear him--not as Scorsese, not as Kazantzakis, not as any man, no not even as the Church intends it to be heard, but as God intends it to be heard.

I challenge those who claim to be “open minded” to read the Biblical account of Jesus and learn for themselves what is truly Holy.

GEORGETTE PORUMBEANU

Los Angeles