Christian Bale Describes Moses As 'Terrorist,' 'Freedom Fighter'

Actor Christian Bale is receiving some criticism for describing the biblical Moses as a "terrorist" during the Egyptian Empire in his attempt to free the Hebrews.

Bale, who stars as Moses in the upcoming movie "Exodus: Gods and Kings," said in a recent interview with NBC's "Nightline" that he believes leaders of the Egyptian Empire viewed Moses as a terrorist and "freedom fighter" attempting to free the Jews.

"[He was] absolutely seen as a freedom fighter," the well-known actor said. "A terrorist, in terms of the Egyptian empire. What would happen to Moses if he arrived today? Drones would turn out after him, right?"

Bale received criticism for his comments from Fox & Friends hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck and contributing Priest Jonathan Morris. Morris sought to make Bale's comments clear, suggesting that the actor was pointing to Moses' extreme views in the eyes of the Roman Empire.

Morris said, however, that he didn't agree with Bale's view on drones in relation to the biblical Moses. "It makes it sound like the big bad guys are the ones who use drones, which would of course be the U.S. and the West against terrorists," Morris said. "I don't like the comparison."

The priest went on to say that he believes Moses was "a freedom fighter, no doubt, but a freedom fighter called by God."

Bale added in a recent interview with Esquire Magazine that when he learned he had gotten the role of Moses in "Exodus: Gods and Kings," he immediately watched "Monty Python" and "The Life of Brian" to learn how biblical characters can become parody so he would take his role seriously.

"The Life Of Brian was the first film I rented when I got the part," he told Esquire magazine.

"Not just because it's fantastic, but because you've got to recognise that you can very easily [slip into parody]."