(OPINION) Reports have surfaced claiming that Netflix’s version of Mel Gibson’s 2004 film The Passion of the Christ omits a key scripture from Isaiah 53:5, which appears at the start of the original film.

The verse, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed,” is a significant Old Testament prophecy for many Christians, often tied to Jesus Christ’s suffering. Instead of the verse, viewers have reported seeing a 13-second blank screen.

Social media posts on X have fueled the discussion, with users expressing frustration over the alleged removal.

One user stated, “Netflix removing Isaiah 53 from the opening of Passion of the Christ is a disgusting act,” while another claimed the screen goes “all black, black like the souls of those who removed it.”

These sentiments reflect a broader concern among some viewers that the omission was intentional.

However, there’s no definitive evidence confirming Netflix deliberately altered the film. The blank screen could result from a technical glitch, a licensing issue, or an error in the streaming version.

Some have pointed out that the film’s original distributor or Netflix’s content providers might have supplied an altered copy, though no official statement from Netflix has been released to clarify.

The controversy has drawn attention to Isaiah 53’s significance.

Often called the “forbidden chapter” in some Jewish traditions due to its exclusion from certain liturgical readings, the chapter is seen by Christians as a clear messianic prophecy.

According to the Christian Post, its absence from the film’s opening has led to speculation about censorship, especially given the verse’s theological weight.

On the other hand, some argue the outrage may be premature.

Without a statement from Netflix or the film’s rights holders, it’s unclear whether the omission was intentional or a mistake.

The film itself remains unaltered beyond the opening, and the narrative of Christ’s passion is intact.

The debate has sparked calls to “buy physical media” to preserve the original version of the film.

As streaming platforms become primary sources for content, such incidents highlight concerns about alterations to culturally significant works.

For now, the question remains: was this a deliberate cut or an oversight? Until Netflix or the film’s distributors provide clarity, viewers are left to draw their own conclusions.