WAR:THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST: a fact sheet

   ORIGIN OF THE STORY

   Nikos Kazantzakis wrote a fictional novel, "The Last Temptation of
Christ", for which he was reportedly excommunicated from the Greek
Orthodox Church.

   THE HISTORY OF THE FILM VERSION

   Paramount Studios dropped the project in 1983 due, in part, to
pressure from Christians. Director Martin Scorcese sold the idea to
Universal Studios and produced a $10 million version, The Passion,
which was finished in June 1988.

   BASIS FOR EVALUATING THE FILM'S CONTENT

   The original novel, two versions of the script by Paul Schrader (one
of which was represented by Universal as the "shooting script"), and an
eyewitness account of the film as shown to Universal "insiders" provide
the basis for evaluation.

   CONTENT OF THE FILM THAT IS OFFENSIVE TO CHRISTIANS

   (1) Mary declares that her son, Jesus, is "crazy" and "not well in
the head." (2) Jesus is depicted as having "brain fever," "struggling
over his sins," lust driven (especially for Mary Magdalene), confused,
bedeviled by "nightmares and hallucinations," not able to answer basic
questions about His identity, and shocked by His own magical powers.
(3) There are clear references to a youthful sexual encounter between
Jesus and Mary Magdalene in which Jesus did not lose his virginity. (4)
Jesus is shown waiting in line at Mary Magdalene's brothel (a house
where illicit lovemaking is afforded) and entering the darkened room
where she lies naked. (5) One scene shows copulating snakes, one of
which speaks to Jesus in Mary Magdalene's voice. (6) In a dream
sequence Jesus marries Mary Magdalene and has sex with her, kissing on
or near her breasts, as an angel is invited by Jesus to watch. (7)
Jesus convinces Judas to betray Him. (8) Jesus declares to Mary
Magdalene, "...Woman is God's greatest work. And I worship you. God
sleeps between your legs."

   EFFORTS TO WORK WITH UNIVERSAL TO ALTER THE FILM

   Before the contents of the film were really known, Universal hired a
film producer and film marketing expert, Mr. Tim Penland, a believing
Christian, to "build bridges to the Christian Community." Mr. Penland
was joined by a "secret consultant," Dr. Larry Poland, with expertise
in the dynamics of structure of the evangelical Christian community.
Universal promised to invite Christian leaders to a mid-June screening
"far in advance of the release date" and sent invitation letters
confirming this. Martin Scorcese assured questioners that he was making
a "faith affirming" film and that Jesus would be depicted "as sinless,
as deity, and as the savior of the world." Based on these assurances,
Christian leaders agreed to "hold their fire" on the film until its
contents could be more clearly determined.

   BREAKDOWN OF RELATIONS WITH UNIVERSAL

   As the date for the screening for Christian leaders drew near,
Universal "waffled" on its commitment. A "bootleg script" was spirited
out of Universal by a studio employee and feel into the hands of
Christian leaders. Universal execs then declared that " the Christians
can't stop us from releasing this film." Mr. Penland, true to his
original statement to Universal that he would terminate his
relationship "the minute it was determined that the film was
blasphemous to christ or it was viewed as destructive to the cause of
Christ," resigned effective June 12, 1988.

   INDICATIONS THAT UNIVERSAL HOPES TO PROFIT FROM THE CHRISTIAN
CONTROVERSY

   The executives at Universal decided to make prints of the film in 70
millimeter, instead of the usual 35 millimeter, so it could be shown in
the biggest theatres in America. They screened the finished script in
early June for their distribution people with indications that they
expected a box office bonanza. They are adjusting the timing of the
release apparently to capitalize on the height of the controversy.

   PRESENT STATE OF PROTEST BY CHRISTIANS

   Christian leaders have refused to attend any screening by Universal
based on the disclosures of the content. They are mounting a nation
wide effort involving hundreds of Christian groups and costing millions
of dollars to mobilize national pressure to stop the release of the
film. They don't want impressionable viewers to receive a twisted view
of Christ that will keep them from faith in the historic Jesus.

   TO PARTICIPATE IN PROTEST

   Pray

   * For the key figures at MCA-Universal listed below, that God will
show himself to them in a powerful way, convincing them to kill the
film. * For Christians employed by various divisions of MCA-Universal
that they will have the boldness to stand against this release at every
level. * For judgement on those perpetrating blasphemy against out
Lord. * For protection of those who might have their faith stolen by
this film. * Thanking God for turning this situation into a great
victory for the faith.

   Create pressure on key figures to stop the release - lovingly but
firmly. Call or write more than once:

   * MCA-Universal, 100 Universal City Plaza Blvd, Universal City, CA
91608 * MCA-Universal headquarters phone: 818-777-1000 and 818-777-5121
* Lew Wasserman, MCA Chairman of the Board (at Universal City) * Sidney
Sheinberg, MCA President (at Universal City) * Tom Pollack, Chairman of
the Board, Universal Pictures (at Universal City) * Eugene Giaquinto,
head of the home video division * Felix G. Rohatyn, Investment Banker,
MCA Director * Robert S. Strauss, Former Chrisman, National Democratic
Party, MCA Director * Donald Trump, New York Developer, major MCA
shareholder and possible MCA Buyer

   Contact heads of local divisions of MCA owned businesses indicating
that you will not patronize their businesses if Universal releases a
film defaming your Lord. Ask the local managers to protest the release
to the heads of MCA.

   * Universal Studios Tour, restaurants, gift shops, and hotels (at
Universal City) * Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida * "Cineplex
Odeon" theaters nationwide * Universal distribution centers in major
cities (consult white pages) * WWOR-TV Secaucaus, NJ * LJN Toys *
"Spencer Gifts" - located in many shopping malls and retail centers
nationwide * "Intrigue" retail jewelry stores and kiosks * "A2Z - Best
of Everything" shops

   If the film is released, organize a prayer vigil at the theater,
witness to those attending and share materials that give the true
picture of Christ.

   If you are an employee of MCA-Universal, protest to your superiors
about this film and, if led to do so, threaten resignation if the film
is released.

   This fact sheet is provided by Mastermedia International, 2102 Palm
Avenue, Highland, CA 92346, 714-864-5250. Duplicate and distribute this
sheet. Contributions not solicited but accepted.
