The Passion - Christ revealed

[Caladon]

Mel Gibson - Saint? Sinner? Or money maker? As an atheist I couldn't give two hoots about this film, and doubt I will even go to see it for the story. But why are so many 'believers' appalled by it?

[andy hughes]

The problem seems to be the level of violence involved, although personally, as an atheist, I see the whole cornerstone of Christianity being that Jesus endured a humiliating trial, and an agonizing common criminal's death so that we, as mankind, would be spared pain ourselves. Now to me, that is simple enough to grasp - a God gave his son up to human suffering, even though he didn;t have to, to save us all. Believing that, or not, is up to the individual. I haven't seen the film, but it seems that a similar furore is emerging as did after Copploa's 'The Last Temptation Of Christ' where again, the central point being made was swamped by the film methods used to make it. Crucifixion is long, agonizing, and horrific, as is the scourging that sometimes went before it. the Romans were an occupying army, ruling by fear and example - if Christians don't enjoy having their faces pressed up against that reality, they should avoid the film, and stick with the comfortable 'white angel' images of Christ that have been passed down through the ages. I think mel Gibson was brave to realise his own vision, and he's more than capable of riding out any opinion storms. I would reserve my vitriol for Mr Gibson senior, an avowed fundamentalist and Holocaust denyer.

[SavageMonkey]

I'm agnostic but I'm going to see it tonight, should be pretty funky even for non-Bible followers. Empire only gave it 3/5 stars, but I've heard good reviews from other people.

[Cetti]

I didn't know believers were appalled by it. Only last night I saw that whole churches are taking their full congregations to see it - and this is happening in the US as well as here. We're talking about people in their thousands flocking to see what the fuss is all about - no wonder it's such a Box Office hit!

If anyone is against it the only reason I can see is that it doesn't apparently give a balanced view of the reason behind the crucifixion - and that (as andy says) is God's love for the whole world using Jesus as the sacrificial lamb -for us.

There was nothing nice and cosy about the crucifixion. It was cruel, bloody, gory in the extreme, muscle and sinew exposed for all to see, but another point that has been missed is that there can be no blame attached to the Jews and Romans. Jesus was sacrificed from his own free will. This was the reason He came to earth. While He was hanging on the cross don't you think He could have summoned thousands of angels to come to His aid - No, this was His choice - and His alone!!!

[Mattix]

Hmmmm.. as a film lover, id have to say this film was.... awful... Violent, but awful lol. I could have cut the whole thing down to about 30mins. The main bulk was Jesus carrying his cross, then falling over, then staring at someone, then getting up, then falling over and so on... (all done in slow motion) and Mel must have had a few too many pots of blood, aka. Red paint going.. as it was everywhere... Well, thats my view..