Editing Monty Python's Life of Brian (section)

====  Bible ====

The depictions of Jesus in two short scenes at the start of the film are strongly based on Christian [[iconography]]. The resistance fighters leave the [[Sermon on the Mount]], which was a literal recital, angry because Jesus was too pacifistic for them. ("Well, blessed is just about everyone with a vested interest in the status quo…")<ref>cf. Tatum, p. 157</ref> In addition to the respectful depiction of Jesus, the film does not state that there is no God or that Jesus is not the son of God. The appearance of a leper, who says he was healed by Jesus, is in line with the [[Gospels]] and their reports about Jesus performing miracles.<ref>cf. Tatum, pp. 151–162</ref>

Any direct reference to Jesus disappears after the introductory scenes, yet his life story partially acts as a framework and subtext for the story of Brian. Brian being a bastard of a Roman centurion could refer to the [[polemic]] legend that Jesus was the son of the Roman soldier [[Tiberius Julius Abdes Pantera|Panthera]]. Disguised as a prophet, Brian talks about "[[Matthew 6:28|the lilies on the field]]" and states more clearly, "[[The Mote and the Beam|Don't pass judgment on other people or else you might get judged yourself]]": Brian incoherently repeats statements he heard from Jesus.<ref>cf. Tatum, p. 158</ref>

Another significant figure in the film who is named in the Gospels is [[Pontius Pilate]], the central antagonist. Although the humour largely involves Jews, there is no sinister Jew to compare with [[Judas]] or [[Caiaphas]]. An anti-Semitic interpretation of the story is therefore excluded, according to scholars.<ref>cf. Tatum, p. 153</ref> The crucifixion scene, a central part of Christian iconography, is viewed from a historical context within the narrative style of the film. It is a historically accurate enactment of a routinely done mass crucifixion.<ref>cf. Hewison</ref>