The 1988 film adaption depicts Jesus being tempted by Satan to disavow his messianic nature, take Mary Magdalene for his wife, and live like a normal man. In 1955, when Kazantzakis’s book was published, the Greek Orthodox Church excommunicated him, and the Catholic Church banned the book. Christian groups denounced the film for controversial portrayal of Jesus Universal Studios publicly defended its showing as a matter of First Amendment rights.

The Last Temptation of Christ, a movie directed by Martin Scorsese and based on the book by Nikos Kazantzakis, provoked public outcry and denunciation from some conservative Christian groups due to its controversial portrayal of the life of Jesus. (AP Photo/Marilyn Wiess, used with permission from the Associated Press) Joining the protest is Steven Ostrom, center in suit, portraying Wasserman, and Ivan Klein portraying Christ. Hymers Jr., right, pastor of the fundamentalist Baptist Tabernacle of Los Angeles, demonstrate against Universal Pictures' 'The Last Temptation of Christ' during a protest in front of the home of Universal chairman Lew Wasserman in Beverly Hills, Ca., July 20, 1988. In this photo, conservative Christians, led by Dr.

The last temptation kazantzakis