When the Religious Right Came for Martin Scorsese
Martin Scorsese's film 'The Last Temptation of Christ' faced significant backlash from the religious right upon its release in 1988. The film, based on a controversial novel, depicted a more humanized version of Jesus, which many found blasphemous. This controversy set a precedent for future culture wars in America.
- ▪Martin Scorsese was inspired to make a film about Jesus from a young age, influenced by his Catholic upbringing.
- ▪The film 'The Last Temptation of Christ' was based on a novel by Nikos Kazantzakis that portrayed Jesus in a controversial light.
- ▪The backlash against the film was spearheaded by Reverend Donald Wildmon, marking a significant moment in the culture wars.
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The Weekend EssayWhen the Religious Right Came for Martin Scorsese“The Last Temptation of Christ,” the director’s 1988 epic, became one of the first victims of a new conservative playbook—and set the template for the culture wars of today.By Isaac ButlerMay 30, 2026Illustration by Ben Kothe / The New Yorker; Source photographs from GettySave this storySave this storySave this storySave this storyAs far back as the age of ten, Martin Scorsese wanted to make a movie about Jesus. He even drew storyboards for his imaginary magnum opus. Catholicism was such a force in his life that he considered entering the priesthood as a teen-ager, until he found his true calling as a director.
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