The results of a recent nationwide poll on the controversial movie "The Passion of the Christ" shows a lowering of hostility toward Jews after the release of the film, said the Institute of Jewish and Community Research (IJCR).

The poll asked 1,003 randomly selected adults whether they held Jews of today responsible for the death of Jesus Christ. Twenty-four percent of respondents said that Jews alive at the time were most responsible for Christ's crucifixion but less than two percent of blamed Jews of today. A large number say the film has made them less likely, rather than more likely, to hold Jews and Jewish institutions of today responsible for the killing of Christ.

"While the film may have a different impact elsewhere in the world, so far the "Passion of the Christ" is not producing any significant anti-Jewish backlash," said IJCR director Dr. Gary Tobin in a statement released Mar. 15. "Some Jewish and Christian leaders have been understandably worried that the film might unleash a wave of hostility toward Jews and even erode the constructive effects of Vatican II. But this does not appear to be happening. Their concern, however, was not unfounded given the rise of anti-Semitism around the world, and the central theme of Christ killing in anti-Jewish prejudice."

Of the respondents who had already seen the film, 80 percent said it had no impact on their views towards Jews, five percent said "The Passion" has made them more likely to hold Jews responsible and 12 percent said the film has made them less likely to hold Jews responsible.

Sixty-two percent of respondents said the film is true to the Gospels while 19 percent said that director Mel Gibson imposed his own interpretation of events that may not be accurate.

"The questions raised about the anti-Jewish images in the movie helped bring the question of the role of Jews in the death of Christ out in the open," said Dr. Tobin. "It is better to have dialogue and honest discussion and trust that the bond between Christians and Jews in America is strong."

Already 16 percent of American adults have seen "The Passion of the Christ" and an additional 56 percent say they plan to see it. The survey projects over 135 million adult viewers in the U.S. alone.