Anyone going to see The passion of the Christ?

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I'm not seeing the film. I can't speak for Mel, but his father is an anti-semite who believes the holocaust was greatly exaggerated and that Jews are out to create one religion among other interesting and fanatical things. That troubles me deeply. Interestingly, a boy at my 13 year-olds bus stop told her he believed that and he called her a Jew. There are a great many nuts out there who could be incited by this film. Besides, if Mel wanted to evagelize, it seems to me he would chose more than the last 12 hours of Christ's life. Religous intolerance is one of the banes of mankind. From what I have heard this film is hardly going to foster warm and fuzzy feelings toward the original chosen people.

It's neither his Christainity nor his belief in the gospels that are being criticized. It's the villainization of Jews as Messiah killers. There's a difference. A frightening difference. Besides , he employs some very simplistic Hollywood tricks. Remember Westerns with the bad guys in black hats and the good guys in white? The Pharisees are in black and that sweetheart, Pontius Pilate wears white. Incidentally, the historical Pilate was a cold, cruel man who crucified many unfortunates, pesky Romans. I also heard that a crowd described as small in the Bible is swelled to a thousand for the movie. I'm sure Mel's intent was simply to put more extras to work but somehow it seems that religion and Hollywood don't mix.
 
Kathy,

You have two very lucky boys. It's awesome that you and your DH are working to instill an appreciation and curiosity for other beliefs. It will surely enrich their lives. :)
 
Beautifully said, Kathy S!

As a spiritual person who does not believe in religion, I have to agree w/the "ka-CHING!!!!!" posters. No thanks.
 
No waaay! I have trouble with anyone telling me the "one and only" interpretation of any religious history, including the story of Christ and the beginnings of Christianity. There are too many details that we just can't know for sure. The reports of an anti-semitic slant concern me, but I'm even more turned off by an individual with deep pockets using a movie to shove his personal beliefs down my throat. I hope my honesty isn't too offensive, and that those who will be seeing the movie find it enjoyable and uplifting. I'll be watching something else.
-Kate
 
>but I'm even more
>turned off by an individual with deep pockets using a movie to
>shove his personal beliefs down my throat

No offense intended! ... but Hollywood is doing this all the time.


Edited to add: I am sad that the media and everyone else is focusing on the Jew vs. Roman issue. Christ allowed his life to be taken to fulfill Heavenly Father's will. I'm confident that Gibson made the film because of his love for Jesus Christ and not for hate of any other group of people.
 
I want to see it, but I am not looking forward to it. I will be ready to cry and I hope there are enough paper towels in this world for that.

I used to be an unbeliever, even when I was quite mature, and an adept arguer and a scoffer. I since have become, let's say, singing a different tune. I hope this movie, by whatever means, causes many, many other people to enter into full life without any reservations, as I have. He did me a huge favor, and I will never leave Him.

Of course I can't take credit for "my decision," because I now know that God is in charge. However, free will belongs to us. That is a paradox. What kind of God is this.

Thank you for bringing it up.

-Connie
 
It was never a part of my plan to put my faith in Jesus Christ. I hated Him and His followers. But 11 years ago I finally came face to face with Him and with the reality of my wretched condition. Jesus died for me, to take away my sins which are many. The daily realization of this blows my mind. I cannot fully grasp all He did for me at the cross.

That being said, I will probably not go and see the movie. It sounds just way too intense for me. I will wait until it comes out on DVD, so that I have a bit more control when and if I watch it. I am afraid that I would just come undone emotionally and I would rather do that at home with my family than in a movie theater.

By the way, no hard feelings with all of you who disagree.

take care
Maggie
 
I have to agree with Annette, Shywolf, ClareMc, Kathy S and Bobbi. I have many mixed feelings about films like this. My religion is based on what I feel is right for me and my lifestyle. What I choose to believe in. The bible was not written by God, but by Man. And Man at best, is deeply flawed.


If you choose to work on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 then we should be put to death.

Touching the skin of a dead pig makes one unclean. Leviticus 11 - 7
Selling your daughter to slavery. Completely acceptable, Exodus 21 - 7

Homosexuality is a deviant act. But what exactly is deviancy? Accordign to the dictionary, It means to deviant from what is considered normal. So people with ginger hair could be considered deviant? They differ from the norm. Or blacks? It’s all horrifying to me.

Do I believe that Jesus existed? Yes I do. I believe that he was a very very good man, who loved unconditionally. Do I think he walked on water? No. Probably not. Turned bread and fishes to feed the thousands? Probably not. But I think he probably gave aways his last food to people who needed it. Do I believe in the bible? No. Because as I said, Jesus/God did not write it, Man did. And as you can see from the above, man is deeply troubled.
 
I am so fascinated by everyone's replies. They are all extremely thought provoking and valid comment.

As a practising Catholic, I am often amazed at the negative reactions from others about "religion", "Catholicism", "The Bible" etc etc. Often these reactions, to me, seem unprovoked.

The definition of Catholic as many would know means "universal" - and the Church, by definition, is all of us as a whole. Wayne, I think you are correct in saying that man is troubled - as humankind have developed the institution of the physical Church, traditions etc etc.

I believe this (and the abominable actions of some members of the clergy) has created much unhappiness and trouble for many people and has marginalised certain groups (eg homosexuals).

However, I truly believe that religion is more about the way you live your life, your beliefs and you share your faith in how you think, behave around others. I have never tried to "push" the Catholic religion onto anyone (and I don't think Mel is either, he is retelling the story of the Passion to the best of his abilities) - however I am continually amazed by how many people ask me about what the Catholic faith involves.

I don't believe that anyone can be pushed into Christianity against their own will - it is a huge ask to believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins and in the case of the Catholic religion- believing that we share in Jesus' Body and Blood every Sunday is a real challenge.

God lives in us and loves us All in a wonderful way - whether we be Black, White, Jewish, Gay, Straight or somewhere in between! He loves and believes in all of us!

I am sure that I can see God/Allah/your higher spirit etc working in all of these respectful, eye opening and thoughtful threads.

Let me know what you think,
Cheers,
Liz :)
 
Liz,

I can only agree with almost everything you said. I feel so sad that more people can’t view religion and the such as you do.

I’m not a catholic or even know very much about the religion, so its hard for me to understand. I have viewed the bible and it upset me greatly. Perhaps I took it out of hand, or as a personal attack.

Religion for me is something that i believe. Something that i do when i'm alone, quiet. I don't believe that you need a church to be a good person or to pray. I believe that living as a good person would probably make God happier than going to chruch daily and yet living ina selfish, nasty manner.

I love your attitude Liz, and thank you for your response. Plus, Average Garden are amazing!
 
Well, I would like to take my immediate family to see the movie. I believe it can only reinforce our understanding of Christs mission on earth. It doesn't bother me if somebody makes money on this project. This is america and we are free to make a buck any legal way possible.

BTW did anyone see Miracle? That is absolutely riveting! We are deep in hockey season here and both of our son's went with their hockey teams and also with our family.

When I was doing L&G on Monday I kept thinking "AGAIN" during the explosive lunges.. my 10 year old was helping to chant "AGAIN" for me LOL!
 
Bobbi, what does Pontius Pilate have anything to do with wearing white?? Every roman folks wore white back then. Nero wore white and he was a nut. Caligulia wore white. Some wore red stash, some wore purple around their waist. It has nothing to do with goodness and badness. What about the Mask of Zorro?? He wore all black and do you consider him evil?
Second of all, Jews did want Jesus dead because they considered him as a blasphemer. Romans wanted him dead because they considered him as a political threat because Jesus was called the "King of Jews". Did it ever occur to you it was the Jews who went to Pontius Pilate to have Jesus killed? Jews and Romans worked together to have him killed. WHy do you think a lot of Jews don't believe in Jesus? They didn't want him to be the Messiah. Also, the first Testament was written by Jewish people. Yes, it was written by God. God inspired a man or men to write the bible. What about Moses? God wrote those 10 Commandments. Moses had to interpret them to people for God. What about Joshua? What about all these apostles?
Thirdly, I have nothing against people who do not believe in God and Jesus but I know for sure deep, deep, deep down people do believe. A lot of them finally believe after something bad happen to them. Just don't try to shove these believes down of throats of people who believe in God and Jesus.
Fourth, WHO CARES IF MEL GIBSON MADE THE MOVIE???????? He used his own money for it and Hollywood always made movies that are absurd and ridiculous about God and Jesus. At least Mel is more honest than Hollywood. Also, why would anyone see The Temptation of Christ? Jesus never had sex nor been married. That's fabrication.
 
I just have to say that I really have a problem when a Christian calls a non-Christian an "unbeliever." Everyone who believes in the teachings of their own religion is a believer, Christian or otherwise. I'm sure no disrespect was intended but I do think it's just a little presumtuous to label anyone who is not a Christian as an "unbeliever."

I will not being giving any of my money to Mel Gibson through his movie. I have never liked Mel Gibson especially after I read some of his anti-women, anti-contraception, anti-choice comments about five or six years ago.

Susan L.G.
 
Hotspur, your wild-eyed anti-semitic screed makes me think of the prayer I heard recently:

"Lord, protect me from your followers."

A-Jock
 
>I don't believe that you need a church to be a good person or to pray. I believe that living as a good person would probably make God happier than going to chruch daily and yet living ina selfish, nasty manner.<
Wayne, those are my thoughts exactly ! My parents are muslim, I spent half of my life in private catholic schools, and one of my best friends is jewish. My parents have taught me to be tolerant and good first, not to be religious first, because religion should not pardon people who commit crimes in its name. It has been the case in the past, and it seems that it will always be the case. Well I am not religious. I highly respect people who practice their religion, I don't for people who pray, but once the prayers are over, have horrible behaviours. I believe in us human beings, and I hope that we will still be able to stay all tolerant to one each other.:D
I hope I don't offend anyone ;)
 
I will not be seeing it because I don't want to see someone get tortured and beaten for 2 hours either.

I am an atheist and it just disturbs me how worked up people get over what to me are all imaginary beings. "Is Sunday holy, or is it Saturday?" "I dunno, but let's start a war over it?" "Is your imaginary being truer than mine?" "Of course not, let's kill each other over it." "What does the imaginary being described in this book from long ago say I should do in my life?" "I dunno, but it's got to be true, because imaginary beings made people write it, not just any imaginary being, you understand, the real one!!"

I wish we could solve some real problems involving suffering and injustice and quality of life, rather than these religious "controversies", but that's life on planet Earth and I accept it.
 
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