It was 2021 and The Life of Brian was on the index. So at least on a similar list. Along with around 700 other films, Monty Python’s cult comedy was not allowed to be shown publicly in Germany on so-called “quiet holidays” – not even on Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
However, at least in Baden-Württemberg, the Good Friday ban was overturned and streaming and television programs are not considered “public” in this country. That’s why “The Life of Brian” ran on RTL II at the time. According to the law, that would have been practically impossible in the cinema – open air or in the hall. In the course of the infection process, that would not have been a good idea anyway. But apart from that, this ban—like the ban on dancing—was a problem unworthy of an enlightened society. This year, 2022, no German broadcaster is currently planning to broadcast the film. Only ORF 3 in Austria wants to show it on Easter Monday. Luckily there are streaming services like Netflix and Co.
The fact that the three kings mix up the stable and accidentally walk in on Brian instead of Jesus, stoning as a pastime, the People’s Front of Judea, the Judean People’s Front (splitters!), Schwachus Longus and the Spanish Inquisition – all of that is one thing above all: funny and brilliant satire that skilfully moves between sharp tongues and slapstick. And she does what good satire does: She doesn’t step down, but up. And up there is the church as an institutionalized form of Christianity with an influence on politics and society that should not be underestimated and on the Catholic side a self-image that is sometimes somewhere above the law – both 43 (!) years ago when “The Life of Brian ” premiered, as well as today.
Put your finger in the wound – even if it hurts
There is no question: freedom of religion is and remains a valuable asset and is rightly enshrined in the Basic Law. But a good that is at least as important is the freedom of art, which is unmistakably mentioned just one article further down in the same constitutional text. It is an important instrument in the critical examination of politics, social developments and also institutionalized religion. And the church in particular should not be isolated from criticism during the holidays.
British comedy troupe Monty Python wasn’t about personally shaming individuals for their beliefs. No, despite all the silliness, it’s ultimately about criticism of the system. And as a church member, no one can free themselves from being part of a sometimes questionable system. Being able to put your finger directly into the wound even on days when it is supposedly uncomfortable is one of the greatest (re)achievements after the Nazi regime.
Turning on “The Life of Brian” is a political act
Because there are no bans on speaking and thinking – even if the right wing likes to propagate the opposite. Freedom of opinion, like freedom of religion and freedom of art, is guaranteed in the Basic Law. However, freedom of expression does not mean having to accept problematic issues unchallenged. And there are certainly enough problems in the church.
Watching “Brian’s Life” at Easter is therefore – and now it’s getting a little pathetic – a downright political act. And laughter is good too. So: stream! and always look on the bright side of life.
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