MOVIES - Sept. 16, 1988

The “Last Temptation of Christ” imbroglio refuses to die. In largely Catholic Ireland, the Archbishop of Dublin said Irish audiences have a right to be protected from public profanity about religious matters, but the republic’s official censor is still considering whether the film should be shown. Several Irish organizations have lobbied against the film as well. But in Finland, Martin Scorsese’s film was passed by the State Board of Film Censors on Thursday, despite protests from Christian leaders there. The film will be shown in its original version to audiences older than 16 in five Finnish cities starting Sept. 25. Esko Almgren, chairman of the Christian League, which has five members in the 200-seat Finnish parliament, condemned the board’s decision Thursday.