To the Editor:

Bill O'Reilly is wrong to suggest that Mel Gibson's film "The Passion of the Christ" is an accurate rendering of the four Gospels ("Lay Off Mel Gibson," Feb. 22).  Religious scholars who have seen the film state that it in fact deviates substantially from religious teachings and historical fact.

Prominent Jewish and Christian leaders are deeply troubled by Gibson's sources for the film, which include the writings of a 19^th Century anti-Semitic nun.

It is unfortunate that O'Reilly has positioned himself as an unquestioning backer of this film, while engaging in attack-dog style rhetoric against Gibson's detractors.