The Passion of Jesus Christ

[The Duggler]

Originally Posted by Joeiss

But He had to go through all the beatings, then death. I mean, he did die for us after all.

That's all fine and heroic and all, but what did it changed, or accomplished? Absolutly nothing.

[Professor S]

The pronlem with the Bible is not that it's "messed up" its that its parables are now quite outdated, yet modern Christian religions still attempt to take them literally.

The Bible's message is within the whole of the document, not in specific passages. Those that quote specific passages normally are using the religious text for their own ends and pervert its meaning.

They are moral lessons in which we should strive to live by, not absolute laws that lead to damnation or salvation. The crazy part is that Christianity started out using that ideaology, but has become far more strict and literal over the past 1,500 years.

Originally Posted by Nitram

That's all fine and heroic and all, but what did it changed, or accomplished? Absolutly nothing.

So the birth of Christianity has had no effect on the world in the last 2,000 years?

...

*head explodes from the exposure to sure sheer absurdity*

[Joeiss]

I guess the fact that the year 2004 is in reference to Jesus has no effect on our everyday lives. Jesus changed the world, my friend.


Anyways, here is a review of the movie by Paul Harvey. It contains some little spoilers, but nothing major. It also addresses the fact the Jews are not negatively portrayed in the movie..

Paul Harvey's words:

I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence.

I have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions. I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically
Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words.

The film was very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened. From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final
scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced. In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same.

When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington , DC were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth.

One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation.

Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne voluntarily for love. At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were effusive.
The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be "anti-Semitic?"

Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus" I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another
agenda behind their protestations.

This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that is no longer
acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.

We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of the world. The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion." It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about "The Passion." You will be as well. Don't miss it!

I can't wait to see this movie.

[rottwylor]

Egads.. who cares?!? None of us were there to prove it did or did not happen in any accurate way whatsoever. The bible has been written and rewritten so many times that things got lost in translation and what not. I think that this is the biggest hoax to hit mankind, and I feel sorry for the zealots that will go see this movie with tissue paper in tow.

[DimHalo]

Why did this thread have to become a bash party? So people have different opinions, some may be wrong, some may be right. But that shouldn't matter. A person should feel free to express their opinion without being bashed for it. And people should be able to have a discussion without throwing insults around. Especially when it comes to a topic as serious as a religion. I think the intent of this thread was to see who was interested in the movie and such.

If I'm wrong someone can correct me. But in general I think it would be good to stop the insults and just stick to facts and opinions.

[rottwylor]

Originally Posted by rottwylor

Egads.. who cares?!? None of us were there to prove it did or did not happen in any accurate way whatsoever. The bible has been written and rewritten so many times that things got lost in translation and what not. I think that this is the biggest hoax to hit mankind, and I feel sorry for the zealots that will go see this movie with tissue paper in tow.

Thats my opinion =)

[The Duggler]

Originally Posted by The Strangler

So the birth of Christianity has had no effect on the world in the last 2,000 years?

Sure, it did have an effect, but I'm talking about being useful to mankind.

Except being used as an invisible mean of support by the masses, tell me what good, christianity (or any other religions for that matter) has done?

[rottwylor]

Originally Posted by Nitram

Sure, it did have an effect, but I'm talking about being useful to mankind.

Except being used as an invisible mean of support by the masses, tell me what good, christianity (or any other religions for that matter) has done?

Besides war and segregation and political agenda?

[Professor S]

Originally Posted by Nitram

Sure, it did have an effect, but I'm talking about being useful to mankind.

Except being used as an invisible mean of support by the masses, tell me what good, christianity (or any other religions for that matter) has done?

It always amazes me how people can only see the negative in religion at times. Actually it doesn't, because the negative parts have been so well publicized.

Yes, Christianity and religion have inspired much attrocity in the world, but thats when you take apart the last 2,000 years and reduce it to incidents, much like what many pseudo-religious do when they take apart to Bible to put it in self-serving passages.

Looking back in time, Christianity has had more to do with civilizing the world than any other force in history, including the Roman empire. The very morals that we hold dear, that even inspire such contempt for acts condoned by the Church, would not exist of it were not for Christianity or modern religions.

Man is a violent animal. Chaos and anarchy lead to death and hate. Religion has inspired man to love one another outside of mere familial relationships or tribal setting.

Religion is necessary in the world. Without it we would still be in the muck of our own visceral nature.