"Idomeneo"
Idomeneo, according to a Wikipedia entry is, “an Italian opera by Wolfgang Amedeus Mozart.” It is not a very well-known opera, but it is often used in rotation with others at local opera houses, especially in Europe.
Recently, an opera house in Berlin was scheduled to perform the Mozart opera, but decided to suspend its performance. [As of this writing, no decision has been made to go on.] Why would they not perform this opera?
As it was going to be interpreted by the German director, a character was going to stagger on the stage with a severed head of Muhammad, the “prophet” of the Islamic religion. When word got out of the addition (it was not in Mozart’s original score or spoken parts), there were some threats of violence, and the opera house suspended operation.
Let me say right here that such a sick image has no place in art. While I, admittedly, do not know much about this opera, it seems that the severed head of Muhammad is not a vital part of the story. It was added by this director. Did Muslims have a right to be outraged? I think so.
But, did they have a right to threaten violence? Why did the Pope recently have to make an apology for saying some things about the Muslim religion being violent? Is it not true? What does the Quran say?
Therefore, when you meet the unbelievers, smite their necks, until you thoroughly subdued them, then bind them firmly. Thereafter you have the choice whether to show them favor or accept ransom, until the war lays down its burdens. Thus you are commanded. (Surah 47:4)
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight against you, but do not exceed the limits. Allah does not like transgressors. Kill them wherever they confront you in combat and drive them out of the places from which they have driven you. (Surah 2:190-191)
Fighting [some tranlations say “War”–Adam] has been made obligatory for you, much to your dislike. It is quite possible that something which you do not like is good for you and that something which you love is bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know….As for unbelievers: they will not cease fighting until they succeed in turning you back from your religion, if they can; if any of you turns back from his religion and dies as an unbeliever, his deeds will become void in this life and in the hereafter. He will be the inmate of the hellfire, to live in there forever. (Surah 2:216-217)
Contrast this attitude with that taught by Jesus and followed by true Christians. We are told to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9); “live in peace” (Second Corinthians 13:11); and “as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Do Christians always follow those commands? No, but we should, and for the most part, we do.
By the way, in the same opera, the character also carries in a severed head of Neptune. There was no fear of violence from any mythologists. He also carries in a severed head of Buddha, but, again, no fear of violence was felt from those of that philosophy/religion.
And, yes, he carries in a severed head of Jesus. It is interesting to me that the opera house felt no violent pressure for this depiction of Christ.
Christians have ways to protest wrongs, and they do not include violence. Silent marches, economic boycotts, letters, petitions and other means have all been used successfully in the past, and without violence.
May we continue to follow the peaceful path of Jesus Christ, and never stoop to the level of violence we see from the Muslim religion. Most people want peace, and they can find it only in the Prince of Peace.
