Major Christian groups reacted in shock after seeing last weekend’s Saturday Night Live movie parody featuring Jesus Christ striking back against his enemies, Django style.
Concerned Women for America said the skit was made to “degrade and taunt,” while The Catholic League’s Bill Donahue called the parody “vicious.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also joined in the outrage, declaring the “violent depiction of Jesus” in Djesus Uncrossed deplorable.
The skit, featuring show host Christoph Waltz as Jesus, spoofed the revenge fantasy Django Unchained by having Jesus fight back against the Romans who crucified him.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“Such misrepresentation of what Jesus, peace be upon him, stands for is extremely offensive to Muslims and to all those who believe in his message. While we understand the use of shocking imagery and bizarre juxtapositions to provoke a humorous response, we believe such a distasteful portrayal of a religious figure revered by billions of Muslims and Christians worldwide crosses the comedic line.
“We strongly support free speech rights for all, but one would hope that common decency and respect for the beliefs of others would help avoid such unfortunate depictions.”
CAIR may be trying to strike a magnanimous tone here and lay down a marker for future satirical depictions of Muslims. There’s simply no chance the oh, so edgy SNL would dare employ the Prophet Muhammad in any sketch, let alone one as irreverent and potentially blasphemous as Djesus Uncrossed.
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