Ian Mckellen on Today Show: Bible Should Have 'Fiction' Disclaimer

[ThePhorest]

This just in...Ian Mckellen is my new hero! I dunno how the public is gonna react to this one, however. Major props for him to have the balls to say it on the Today Show though.

http://newsbusters.org/dv.html?q=node/5402

Da Vinci Code Actor: Bible Should Have 'Fiction' Disclaimer
By Mark Finkelstein

If "The Da Vinci Code" was already feeding the flames of controversy with its challenge to the basic tenets of Christianity, actor Ian McKellen managed to pour a refinery tank's worth of gasoline on the fire on this morning's 'Today' show, asserting that the Bible should carry a disclaimer saying that it is "fiction."

Matt Lauer, in his second day "On The Road With The Code," was in Cannes for the film festival, where the Code will have its debut. It has already been screened to some critics, who have given it decidedly mixed reviews.

As I reported here, NBC reporter Melissa Stark yesterday dipped a timid toe in the sea of controversy when she interviewed Code director Ron Howard, asking how he reacted to the controversy the movie has created . . . for the Church! Sounding more like a sensitivity trainer than a Hollywood director, Howard offered up some ambiguous prose about it being healthy thing for people to engage their beliefs.

Lauer took the bull of controversy more directly by the horns when he interviewed the cast and director Howard today. Said Lauer:

"There have been calls from some religious groups, they wanted a disclaimer at the beginning of this movie saying it is fiction because one of the themes in the book really knocks Christianity right on its ear, if Christ survived the crucifixion, he did not die for our sins and therefore was not resurrected. What I'm saying is, people wanted this to say 'fiction, fiction, fiction'. How would you all have felt if there was a disclaimer at the beginning of the movie? Would it have been okay with you?"

There was a pause, and then famed British actor Ian McKellen [Gandalf of Lord of the Rings], piped up:

"Well, I've often thought the Bible should have a disclaimer in the front saying this is fiction. I mean, walking on water, it takes an act of faith. And I have faith in this movie. Not that it's true, not that it's factual, but that it's a jolly good story. And I think audiences are clever enough and bright enough to separate out fact and fiction, and discuss the thing after they've seen it."

With the camera focused on McKellen, one could hear a distinctly nervous laugh in the background, seeming to come from either actor Tom Hanks or director Howard. McKellen's stunning bit of blasphemy is likely to test the adage that all publicity is good publicity.

[peldor]

Good on him! I don't think it was a blasphemous comment at all, just critical thinking. I hate how religion requires no thought just blind faith, like he said ‘walking on water, that takes a stretch’. I am still waiting for humankind to give up on religion and embrace the world around them.
By the way I am not an atheist (at least I don’t think I am), I believe that everything seeks balance, kind of a middle ground if you will. For every bad guy there tends to be a good guy, for every wrong choice we make we learn and make the right choice next time. I believe that the universe has a way of keeping the cosmic equation balanced. So does that mean I’m going to hell, I think not. Does the church view people like me as a threat? You bet your ass! People who think for themselves and actually see the world around them are the biggest single threat to organized religion. In the good old days the leader of the church or cult would order people like me tortured, or killed (publicly if possible to keep the rest of the brainwashed masses in line) at least we don’t have to worry about that anymore!

[hanglowejohnson]

that was awesome.. wish i woulda seen it.. im sure we will be hearing plenty about that comment in the near future

[Sibling]

Its about time someone said it to the Media. They go and complain about something that is Fiction and then don't even go into the fact that the book is based off of is also fiction.

[Maichena]

I read the book last year. I found it in Barnes & Noble, under the FICTION section. If they think this story puts Christianity in a bad light, they haven't read many books.

How about this one?. That's not under Fiction. He talks about the Bible being misguided.

Or this one? Not fiction either. Judas did betray Jesus. Only because Jesus instructed him to. Woah! hold on there!

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with Jesus and Christianity. It's the fan club that I can't stand.

[jim schmidt]

He's British. No American entertainer would be so honest.

[fire735]

Originally Posted by jim schmidt

He's British. No American entertainer would be so honest.

Ever hear of Martin Sheen, Tom Cruise, the Dixie Chicks, just to name a few? I think they're pretty vocal with their views. And before you say WTF, I'm comparing these f'cks with the British f'ck because they're all famous and using their fame to spread bullsh't (their reality).

[peldor]

Originally Posted by fire735

Ever hear of Martin Sheen, Tom Cruise, the Dixie Chicks, just to name a few? I think they're pretty vocal with their views. And before you say WTF, I'm comparing these f'cks with the British f'ck because they're all famous and using their fame to spread bullsh't (their reality).

Yes, but would they speak out against the most popular religion in America? I think not.

[jim schmidt]

Originally Posted by peldor

Yes, but would they speak out against the most popular religion in America? I think not.

Exactly. I think he's confusing Neoconservatism with Christianity. Then again, I suppose that's a mistake they make all the time, along with confusing Liberalsim with devil worship.

[fire735]

Originally Posted by peldor

Yes, but would they speak out against the most popular religion in America? I think not.

Maybe Tom has since he is a devout scientologist (I really don't know and quite frankly, I don't care). I was referring to these famous people who like to use their fame to spout bullsh't, and I'm really sick of it. That was the reasoning behind my post.

Hey Jim I thought all liberals worship the devil.

[jim schmidt]

Originally Posted by fire735

Hey Jim I thought all liberals worship the devil.

We know. We laugh at you about it.

[Sibling]

Originally Posted by fire735

Maybe Tom has since he is a devout scientologist (I really don't know and quite frankly, I don't care).

I don't think Tom has said anything in Public about other religions since Scientology is not a religion. (At least not consider a religion by them)