The Passion of the Christ opening day box office gross exceeds all expectations (edit 5 day opening $117 million!!)

[FrodoB]

Originally posted by: dmcowen674

Originally posted by: FrodoB

Originally posted by: nutxo
Hehe. First people cry about religion in government. Then they cry about it being in schools. Now they cry about a movie for crying out loud. I've been saying for a while that this is clearly bigotry ( not the laws themselves, the hate expressed in arguments). I think it's clearly more in line with a nazi way of thinking.

There have been quite a few movies based on biblical stories, the ten commandments etc. Do people think these had a huge impact?

One thing I've been thinking about is, If this movie does have a huge impact and churches fill up yadda yadda, what does this have to say about society? Are people seeking some sort of spirituality because our consumer based , do what feels best for us , society doesnt provide the happiness it is purported to produce leaves people needing something more?

Can anyone discuss this in a rational way without all the name calling and stupidity I've seen in quite a few posts so far?

In my opinion, many people are starting to look for something to fill the void left by materialism. As a society we have become over-advertised, over-shopped, over-sexualized. This over-abundance of earthly pleasures has had disastrous consequences. THere are more depressed people out there. People have LESS sex now than ever before. The concept of family is disappearing. THe concept of neighborhood is disappearing (do you even know your neighbor?). Real life social interaction is becoming a foreign cocenpt with younger people (internet chat and cell phones).
More people are realizing that there is a void inside. Religion easily fills that void. This country was founded by Christians and it now looks like many are returning to these roots..... until they realize that Christianity in its current form doesn't answer everything. I don't have anything to base this on, but I believe that in the end a new spirituality will take shape that combines Christian and "New Age" beliefs.

Good post FrodoB

Thank you.

 

[FrodoB]

The estimated 5 Day opening ended up being $117,538,000!!!!!!!!!! This is absolutely amazing. For those that don't know much about box office numbers, this is the biggest box office news in years!
Here's an early story that I found: http://www.boxofficeprophets.com/hamann/feb2904wrapup.asp

 

[Romans828]

We discussed the movie at Chruch today....

Only about 5 % of the congregation had seen it so far, but 100 % (essentially) plan to in the next couple weeks.

Many people can't wait to go back (myself included)

This movie deserves the patronage its simply an incredible experience.

This movie need not be for the Christians only either.

If Jesus ain't your bag, you can come and laugh at all the silly people being brought to tears by a "fairy tale"

Something for everyone no?

 

[dmcowen674]

The only way we got tickets locally here near Atlanta was because reserved the tickets a week in advance online. It is sold out for the next week here at least.

Edit: They're coming by the Bus loads, every Church from border to border arriving. Incredible sight seeing scores of every church imaginable lined up outside the Theatre.
An event for the History books again.

 

[JackStorm]

Well, what can I say? Jesus was either a major masochist, or as people have said throughout time "The one who came to take on himself the sins of man". Now, while I have a very low opinion of the bible, specially the old testament (Only thing it's good for is wiping your ass with it, if you're out of toilet paper. And no, I don't care if I offended someone by saying this. Just consider yourself offended and deal with it and move on) I have to say that Jesus seemed like a nice fellow, and we would all do good to fallow his ways. Except for the "Getting yourself nailed to a cross" thing. Don't think it's a good idea for people to do that (Though some wackos around the world seem to do it to themselves, getting themselves nailed to a cross that is). But I must say, I do respect the guy for having such faith in humanity that he'd allow himself to be nailed to a cross. Brings tears to the eyes. And a good laugh. Considering most of us (humans in general, not just people on this board) wouldn't do what he did, even if the world depended on it

Anyway you look at it, Jesus deserves respect for what he did. He sure has mine.

With that said, I'm definitely going to see it. Just love these religious movies

P.S: Jesus rules. But sadly, religion sucks.

 

[XMan]

This country was founded by Christians and it now looks like many are returning to these roots..... until they realize that Christianity in its current form doesn't answer everything. I don't have anything to base this on, but I believe that in the end a new spirituality will take shape that combines Christian and "New Age" beliefs.

That's somewhat arrogant, don't you think? Who are you to be the final arbiter of what fulfills people's lives? You say that Christianity doesn't answer everything in a blanket statement applying to everyone, when that is far from the case. It may be perfectly fine for some people, and not enough for others - such as yourself, I'm assuming.

 

[arsbanned]

Ahhh, another American media frenzy extravaganza. I'll do what I do every time this happens: NOT see it, at least for a few years.

 

[Red Dawn]

LOL, what if Gibson ends up being a spokesman for the Ridiculous..err Religious Right because of this movie?

 

[LadyJessica]

What is truth?

Math

 

[Romans828]

Originally posted by: LadyJessica

What is truth?

Math

The standard goes higher

 

[FrodoB]

Originally posted by: X-Man

This country was founded by Christians and it now looks like many are returning to these roots..... until they realize that Christianity in its current form doesn't answer everything. I don't have anything to base this on, but I believe that in the end a new spirituality will take shape that combines Christian and "New Age" beliefs.

That's somewhat arrogant, don't you think? Who are you to be the final arbiter of what fulfills people's lives? You say that Christianity doesn't answer everything in a blanket statement applying to everyone, when that is far from the case. It may be perfectly fine for some people, and not enough for others - such as yourself, I'm assuming.

No, I don't think it's arrogant nor is it a blanket statement. Many are indeed returning to Christianity to fill a void in their lives. That's great. However, there's a reason why a large amount of people left Christianity in the first place. It is not the final answer for many people. I could discuss these reasons for hours, but this isn't the place. The Passion is a great movie. I absolutely loved it and it indeed moved me. It will move a good number of people and probably bring a good number back into the churches. That's actually been happening well before this movie. I really am thrilled that people are rediscovering that there is something greater and more meaningful out there But overall this is a band-aid to a bigger problem. People, religion, and spirituality change over time.

 

[conjur]

Saw the movie today at 4pm.

All I can say is anyone who sees anti-semitism in that movie is LOOKING for it to be anti-semitic.

I in no way, shape or form (nor my sister or my brother-in-law) saw it as anti-semitic.

I'll post my full review tomorrow evening. I'm crashing early...been on the go all day!

 

[dmcowen674]

At a Movie Theatre Northwest of Atlanta in Rome Georgia the Ticket printer put the first 3 digits of all the tickets 666.

Many people demanded a new ticket.

I don't have a link yet, was on the local 11 pm News.


2-29-2004 Satanic Symbol on 'Passion' Tickets

ROME, Ga. - The number 666, which Christians recognize as the "mark of the beast," is appearing on tickets for "The Passion of the Christ" at a Georgia movie theater, drawing
complaints from some moviegoers.

The machine that prints tickets assigned the number 666 as a prefix on all the tickets for the Mel Gibson film, said Gary Smith, owner of the Movies at Berry Square in northwest Georgia. The 666 begins a series of numbers that is listed below the name of the movie, and the date, time and price of the showing.

 

[Dari]

Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ? Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

If you believe the Bible, then the Jews were ultimately responsible. Here's my opinion on this in another thread:

Why are Jews out to crucify Mel Gibson for making a masterpiece? Are they that apprehensive about their own guilt when it comes to the brutal murder of Christ? If anyone remembers ancient Rome, the Romans ruled their empire by letting the locals go about practicing their beliefs. That made things more stable and quiet for the real masters, the emperor. Hence, if there was a problem in Israel at that time, it would be the Jews complaining and the Romans heeding their complaints. In essence, the Romans went out of their way to quelch any disturbance (as seen by the locals). Hence, the Jews were ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, not the Romans. This is how the movie portrays the situation. So, what's all the fuss about?

Hitler's grandfather was Jewish. I know it doesn't make him "officially" Jewish, but he's got Jewish blood running through him. Like it or not, it was a Jew that institutionalized the wholesale slaughter of innocent Jews in Europe.

Your concern about anti-semitism is legitimate but it doesn't change "history", as seen by Christians and Muslims. Nothing you can do about that except censure the film.

EDIT: if you believe the Bible, then, according to your interpretation of what it takes to be a Jew, then Jesus wasn't really Jewish since he was born of a virgin. Jesus was no different from Hitler.

The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

If you believe the Bible, then the Jews were ultimately responsible. Here's my opinion on this in another thread:

Why are Jews out to crucify Mel Gibson for making a masterpiece? Are they that apprehensive about their own guilt when it comes to the brutal murder of Christ? If anyone remembers ancient Rome, the Romans ruled their empire by letting the locals go about practicing their beliefs. That made things more stable and quiet for the real masters, the emperor. Hence, if there was a problem in Israel at that time, it would be the Jews complaining and the Romans heeding their complaints. In essence, the Romans went out of their way to quelch any disturbance (as seen by the locals). Hence, the Jews were ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, not the Romans. This is how the movie portrays the situation. So, what's all the fuss about?

Hitler's grandfather was Jewish. I know it doesn't make him "officially" Jewish, but he's got Jewish blood running through him. Like it or not, it was a Jew that institutionalized the wholesale slaughter of innocent Jews in Europe.

Your concern about anti-semitism is legitimate but it doesn't change "history", as seen by Christians and Muslims. Nothing you can do about that except censure the film.

EDIT: if you believe the Bible, then, according to your interpretation of what it takes to be a Jew, then Jesus wasn't really Jewish since he was born of a virgin. Jesus was no different from Hitler.

The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

I guess the only "innocent Jews" are the ones being murdered. Otherwise we are guilty of "the brutal murder of Christ." Please sign me up for "guilty."
BTW, Someone is Jewish if his/her mother is Jewish.

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

If you believe the Bible, then the Jews were ultimately responsible. Here's my opinion on this in another thread:

Why are Jews out to crucify Mel Gibson for making a masterpiece? Are they that apprehensive about their own guilt when it comes to the brutal murder of Christ? If anyone remembers ancient Rome, the Romans ruled their empire by letting the locals go about practicing their beliefs. That made things more stable and quiet for the real masters, the emperor. Hence, if there was a problem in Israel at that time, it would be the Jews complaining and the Romans heeding their complaints. In essence, the Romans went out of their way to quelch any disturbance (as seen by the locals). Hence, the Jews were ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, not the Romans. This is how the movie portrays the situation. So, what's all the fuss about?

Hitler's grandfather was Jewish. I know it doesn't make him "officially" Jewish, but he's got Jewish blood running through him. Like it or not, it was a Jew that institutionalized the wholesale slaughter of innocent Jews in Europe.

Your concern about anti-semitism is legitimate but it doesn't change "history", as seen by Christians and Muslims. Nothing you can do about that except censure the film.

EDIT: if you believe the Bible, then, according to your interpretation of what it takes to be a Jew, then Jesus wasn't really Jewish since he was born of a virgin. Jesus was no different from Hitler.

The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

I guess the only "innocent Jews" are the ones being murdered. Otherwise we are guilty of "the brutal murder of Christ." Please sign me up for "guilty."
BTW, Someone is Jewish if his/her mother is Jewish.

I honestly don't care if you're innocent or guilty, this or that, so long as you don't stand in my way

As for whether or not someone is Jewish, according to your interpretation, the mythical Jesus was not Jewish. He came from a virgin. To compare it to contemporary medical science, it's like having a surrogate mother. Even though the sperm and egg came from a "gentile", if the conduit was Jewish, does that make the child Jewish?

BTW, Christianity is 90% Demotic Egyptian/Ethiopian Rituals and 10% Jewish. Since it was based on the Demotic (as in demos, "popular") Rituals, Christianity was easily accepted because it was a derivative of a much older religion.



Virgin Birth Stories

Mythical Christ

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

If you believe the Bible, then the Jews were ultimately responsible. Here's my opinion on this in another thread:

Why are Jews out to crucify Mel Gibson for making a masterpiece? Are they that apprehensive about their own guilt when it comes to the brutal murder of Christ? If anyone remembers ancient Rome, the Romans ruled their empire by letting the locals go about practicing their beliefs. That made things more stable and quiet for the real masters, the emperor. Hence, if there was a problem in Israel at that time, it would be the Jews complaining and the Romans heeding their complaints. In essence, the Romans went out of their way to quelch any disturbance (as seen by the locals). Hence, the Jews were ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, not the Romans. This is how the movie portrays the situation. So, what's all the fuss about?

Hitler's grandfather was Jewish. I know it doesn't make him "officially" Jewish, but he's got Jewish blood running through him. Like it or not, it was a Jew that institutionalized the wholesale slaughter of innocent Jews in Europe.

Your concern about anti-semitism is legitimate but it doesn't change "history", as seen by Christians and Muslims. Nothing you can do about that except censure the film.

EDIT: if you believe the Bible, then, according to your interpretation of what it takes to be a Jew, then Jesus wasn't really Jewish since he was born of a virgin. Jesus was no different from Hitler.

The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

I guess the only "innocent Jews" are the ones being murdered. Otherwise we are guilty of "the brutal murder of Christ." Please sign me up for "guilty."
BTW, Someone is Jewish if his/her mother is Jewish.

I honestly don't care if you're innocent or guilty, this or that, so long as you don't stand in my way

As for whether or not someone is Jewish, according to your interpretation, the mythical Jesus was not Jewish. He came from a virgin. To compare it to contemporary medical science, it's like having a surrogate mother. Even though the sperm and egg came from a "gentile", if the conduit was Jewish, does that make the child Jewish?

Either he was born of a Jewish mother, and is thus Jewish, or he is a clone of a Jewish God, and is also Jewish.

 

[Dari]

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

If you believe the Bible, then the Jews were ultimately responsible. Here's my opinion on this in another thread:

Why are Jews out to crucify Mel Gibson for making a masterpiece? Are they that apprehensive about their own guilt when it comes to the brutal murder of Christ? If anyone remembers ancient Rome, the Romans ruled their empire by letting the locals go about practicing their beliefs. That made things more stable and quiet for the real masters, the emperor. Hence, if there was a problem in Israel at that time, it would be the Jews complaining and the Romans heeding their complaints. In essence, the Romans went out of their way to quelch any disturbance (as seen by the locals). Hence, the Jews were ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, not the Romans. This is how the movie portrays the situation. So, what's all the fuss about?

Hitler's grandfather was Jewish. I know it doesn't make him "officially" Jewish, but he's got Jewish blood running through him. Like it or not, it was a Jew that institutionalized the wholesale slaughter of innocent Jews in Europe.

Your concern about anti-semitism is legitimate but it doesn't change "history", as seen by Christians and Muslims. Nothing you can do about that except censure the film.

EDIT: if you believe the Bible, then, according to your interpretation of what it takes to be a Jew, then Jesus wasn't really Jewish since he was born of a virgin. Jesus was no different from Hitler.

The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

I guess the only "innocent Jews" are the ones being murdered. Otherwise we are guilty of "the brutal murder of Christ." Please sign me up for "guilty."
BTW, Someone is Jewish if his/her mother is Jewish.

I honestly don't care if you're innocent or guilty, this or that, so long as you don't stand in my way

As for whether or not someone is Jewish, according to your interpretation, the mythical Jesus was not Jewish. He came from a virgin. To compare it to contemporary medical science, it's like having a surrogate mother. Even though the sperm and egg came from a "gentile", if the conduit was Jewish, does that make the child Jewish?

Either he was born of a Jewish mother, and is thus Jewish, or he is a clone of a Jewish God, and is also Jewish.

Now you're saying God is Jewish? I thought he was the God of History? If he is Jewish, then he is a local God. This would fall into line with early Judaism. If he is the omnipresent God, then he is the God of all things. If you claim that the latter God is Jewish, then this will be unprecedented in human history...with Jews claiming that they are biologically related to God.

I need to start my own religion with my own God. I think I will call it Judaism. I hope it isn't confused with Judaism.

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari

Originally posted by: SuperTool

Originally posted by: Dari
Why are Jews so sensitive about this movie? Could it be because of their major role in the killing of Christ?

Then most of western europe, mediterranean, and north africa should also be sensitive about this movie as well, since they were once part of the Roman empire that killed Jesus. Tens of thousands of Jews were crusified by Romans, aside from Jesus.

Furthermore, let's not forget that the person responsible for killing the most Jews in human history, Adolf Hitler, was himself Jewish:Q.

Was Hitler's mother Jewish? I was not aware of that.
Jesus was a Jew too. Funny you didn't mention that.
I personally am not sensitive about this movie, and plan to watch it when it comes out on DVD. The concern is that people in other countries may use this movie to agitate anti-semitic sentiments.

If you believe the Bible, then the Jews were ultimately responsible. Here's my opinion on this in another thread:

Why are Jews out to crucify Mel Gibson for making a masterpiece? Are they that apprehensive about their own guilt when it comes to the brutal murder of Christ? If anyone remembers ancient Rome, the Romans ruled their empire by letting the locals go about practicing their beliefs. That made things more stable and quiet for the real masters, the emperor. Hence, if there was a problem in Israel at that time, it would be the Jews complaining and the Romans heeding their complaints. In essence, the Romans went out of their way to quelch any disturbance (as seen by the locals). Hence, the Jews were ultimately responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, not the Romans. This is how the movie portrays the situation. So, what's all the fuss about?

Hitler's grandfather was Jewish. I know it doesn't make him "officially" Jewish, but he's got Jewish blood running through him. Like it or not, it was a Jew that institutionalized the wholesale slaughter of innocent Jews in Europe.

Your concern about anti-semitism is legitimate but it doesn't change "history", as seen by Christians and Muslims. Nothing you can do about that except censure the film.

EDIT: if you believe the Bible, then, according to your interpretation of what it takes to be a Jew, then Jesus wasn't really Jewish since he was born of a virgin. Jesus was no different from Hitler.

The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

I guess the only "innocent Jews" are the ones being murdered. Otherwise we are guilty of "the brutal murder of Christ." Please sign me up for "guilty."
BTW, Someone is Jewish if his/her mother is Jewish.

I honestly don't care if you're innocent or guilty, this or that, so long as you don't stand in my way

As for whether or not someone is Jewish, according to your interpretation, the mythical Jesus was not Jewish. He came from a virgin. To compare it to contemporary medical science, it's like having a surrogate mother. Even though the sperm and egg came from a "gentile", if the conduit was Jewish, does that make the child Jewish?

Either he was born of a Jewish mother, and is thus Jewish, or he is a clone of a Jewish God, and is also Jewish.

Now you're saying God is Jewish? I thought he was the God of History? If he is Jewish, then he is a local God. This would fall into line with early Judaism. If he is the omnipresent God, then he is the God of all things. If you claim that the latter God is Jewish, then this will be unprecedented in human history...with Jews claiming that they are biologically related to God.

I need to start my own religion with my own God. I think I will call it Judaism. I hope it isn't confused with Judaism.

I don't practice either, so I don't care. I don't care if Jesus was Jewish or not, if Jews killed him or Romans, if God of Judaism is Jewish. I don't believe in the whole shebang, so it doesn't matter to me. I do know that none of the Jews living today had anything to do with killing Jesus, so I don't understand why we have to be harrassed about this ages old nonsense in 2004.

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by: Dari

<The real Jesus was Jewish. He was stoned, then hanged in a tree by Jews, without any help from the Romans. In case you didn't know, there are two Jesus, the historical and the mythical.

I did not know this. Got links?

 

[dmcowen674]

A Message and writing from Paul Harvey:

Paul Harvey on "The Passion"

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 Revelations. 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 film making 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."

Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know about this film so that all go see it when it comes out.

P.S. From Julie: My daughter, Kristin, tells me they learned at her church Youth Group that Mel Gibson stated he did not appear in his own movie, by his choice, with one exception: It is Gibson's hands seen nailing Jesus to the cross. Gibson said he wanted to do that because it was indeed his own hands that nailed Jesus to the cross (along with all of ours).

 

[alchemize]

I saw this movie Saturday night (spoilers).

I certainly did not see any anti-semitism in it, as it seems to be portrayed very accurately from what I've read in the bible.

The violence was really quite intense, the only part I really saw as maybe "over the top" was when he was hit with the whip and it tore back his skin/muscle to reveal his ribcage. I'd need to re-read the scourging description in the bible. I think the time on the cross was too limited, as in my mind that is where the real torture would have been, hanging from your hands in the elements for 3 days.

It was quite a stirring movie, as a father I got the big throat lump when they did the Mary scene where she flashes back to when Jesus fell and scuffed his knees up. That really made me relate to that this was somebody's son.

Interesting all the resentment a film like this stirs up from the godless libbies

 

[conjur]

Hmmm...the Jewish groups who were upset about this, you're calling them "godless libbies"?

Bill O'Reilly, who called the movie too violent, you're calling him a member of the "godless libbies"?