Bear Grylls’ Remark About Mary Causes Uproar
Bear Grylls, the British adventurer, recently drew criticism for describing Mary, the mother of Jesus, as a “Palestinian refugee” in a Christmas message shared on social media. In his post, Grylls referred to Mary as a “young, poor, and no doubt terrified Palestinian girl,” and he highlighted the significance of Jesus’ birth. This led to backlash from critics, particularly the Campaign Against Antisemitism, who pointed out that Mary was a Jewish woman from Judea, not a Palestinian. They explained that the term “Palestine” was not used in Mary’s time, as it was introduced centuries later by the Roman Empire.
In response to the backlash, Grylls removed the post and issued a follow-up message clarifying his intentions. He explained that he had used the term “Palestine” based on biblical maps, but he reiterated that Mary was indeed Jewish. Grylls emphasized that his purpose was not to misrepresent history but to frame the story of Jesus’ birth, which he considers the “Greatest Story Ever Told.” He also acknowledged that Mary and her family did experience refugee-like circumstances when they fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s decree.
Despite this clarification, the controversy persisted. Critics continued to argue that Grylls’ use of “Palestinian” was historically inaccurate, as it ignored the Jewish identity of Mary and the political realities of the time. Some also accused Grylls of politicizing the story of Jesus and distorting its historical context. However, Grylls stood by his message, emphasizing his goal of sharing the story in a way that was relatable and engaging for a broad audience.
This incident is not the first time Grylls has sparked controversy with his remarks about faith. In a 2023 interview, he suggested that Christians might consider skipping church if it improved their spiritual lives, claiming that many modern churches have strayed from the teachings of Jesus. Despite facing criticism for these views, Grylls remains committed to his message of faith and personal growth, encouraging people to focus on the core principles of Christianity.
Overall, while the controversy over his comments about Mary has sparked debate, Grylls continues to use his platform to share his perspective on faith and inspire others. He remains focused on the message of Jesus and his belief in its power to impact lives positively, even as he navigates the complexities of historical and religious discourse.