The Passion

“LOOK!! IT'S BUDDY JESUS!!!”

“Jesus was indeed a "rebel" so to speak, as defined by the religous norm at the time. He caused a ruckus with the authorities by performing miracles, even healing people on the Sabbath. The difference is that Christ rose from the dead. Not too many folks can claim they have the power over death and actually prove it.

As for the Romans making an "example" of Christ, again, Pilate didn't want to kill Jesus, even though Christ claimed He was King of the Jews. Pilate wasn't necessarily "in bed" with the Jewish religous elite at the time, and Pilate knew the Pharisees were worried about Christ and His growing following and they handed Him over to Pilate because they were jealous of the attention Christ was receiving, and for saying He was the Son of God, the Messiah. So Jesus wasn't a "wart" on the Romans, but a "wart" on the Pharisees.”

“I am in shock right now. It is relentlessly violent... but I didn't think it was over the top considering the subject matter. My stomach did not churn, I did not feel at any point that I had to look away from the screen. I saw nothing that would lead me to any feeling of anti-semitism at all, and I can't for the life of me see how anyone else would find it there.

True there has no outside perspective beyond the passion itself... I did not see that as a flaw. The film carried exactly the scope that I expected it to carry. If you want perspective while seeing the movie I suggest reading the Bible (at least the Gospels) beforehand.

The cinematography is brilliant, it almost felt like I was walking through a gallery. The acting was superb. The direction was above average (there were a couple of shots that were straight out of Braveheart, which I thought took away from the film, because I noticed them). The music was good.

There were people who walked out I suppose because they could not handle it, all that I saw were sobbing, and as far as I could tell they all returned at some point, at the end the theatre was still full. Many people were crying, many were staring at the screen in shock. I left as soon as the lights came up, I would say I was numb. I walked too my car wondering if numb was all I would feel. About halfway home I started bawling my eyes out.”

“I was hurt by it. I am hurt by it. I expect that people seeing this movie will have an incredible range of reactions, and I think the reviews play that out. The only way to know how it will affect you is to see it. I am hurt, that's my reaction.”

“I figure if Jesus died for my sins, and that debt's already paid, I better go ahead and make sure I get his money's worth.”

“Not to pry too much too soon, but what do you mean by hurt? Hurt that someone went throught that, hurt that someone went through that for you, hurt that you shouldn't have seen it, hurt that .... you see where I'm going with this. Thanks for the report so soon after seeing it.”

“In the current context, that really wasn't funny Phaedrus.”

“I'm not sure right now, I suppose I'll know after some reflection. I'm just hurt. (certainly not that I shouldn't have seen it, I'm glad I saw it.)”

“To continue the Private Ryan theme of earlier I almost felt ill leaving that movie and also like I'd just run a 10k or something physically exhausting. I have read many WWII books over the years and then to SEE it was a different experience. This sounds like what you're describing.”

“I can't wait to see the movie, but I want to wait until the hype dies down a little. I'll probably go see it in a few weeks. The things I have heard today from people who have already seen it has truely amazed me. NPR ran a segment today that summerized the movie and they had statements from people who have already seen the movie, believers and non believers, and they were all uplifted by the movie. From the way it sounds I think this movie will touch everyone out there, probably the believers more than the non believers, but it should make everyone think.”

“Does anyone want to tell me why this was an important movie to make?

Passion plays used to lead to pogroms. Is this a yearning for the glory days of yesteryear?

Is it art?

Is it a political statement?

Is it entertainment?”

“Dayhiker, sorry if that offended you. It was meant to be funny.”

“Dayhiker you need to listen to Rick and Bubba tomorrow. They have been talking about the movie for the past week and they were going to go see it today. They are supossed to run a whole segment on it tomorrow and Scott Dawson is going to be on there to answer questions for anyone. They had Ricky Skaggs on there today and he actually got to watch a viewing of the Passion,in Hendersonville, with Mel Gibson.”

“Private Ryan gave me nightmares and I heard this movie will do the same. I have heard that you won't even be able to sleep after watching it.”

“I cried during Private Ryan (specifically when they delivered the notices to the mother) But this is not the same.

Phaedrus - I would say this is closest to art, if I had to put it in a category. IT IS NOT a passion play. For the life of me I cannot see how anyone would be drawn to hate by this film.”

“I wouldn't say offended so much as annoyed. Had it not been on the heels of bison's post I probably wouldn't have even noticed.

Miss Opie, I usually start work around 6am and don't get to listen to morning radio. I don't know what to think of those two. For country boy humor they're good, but for actual discussion they sort of scare me. They are a bit too Southern Baptist, my way is the only way to think, everyone living north of the Alabama State line is a commie kinda guys. I admire the fact that they unabashedly tell their views, but they aren't as insightful as they think they are.

Crap, I didn't mean to diss your recommendation like that. Thanks for the tip and I'll try to get them online. Do they broadcast online?”

“If they don't touch you, Scott Dawson should.

Yes they broadcast online, I listen every morning. ”

“crap that didnt work

www.rickandbubba.com”

“Thanks, I'll check it out. I can listen to them in moderation. If I'm on the road and listen to them for more than 2 days then I can't take it. They self promote too much.”

“I can see where you get that idea dayhiker, but I love them. I think they are funny and I love the idea that they aren't afraid to share who they are. There's not many public radio shows that offer both. I used to hate morning talk shows until I started listening to them.

Even if you don't like them, I think it will be worth it to listen tomorrow. Same goes to everyone else that wants to hear a discussion of the Passion in the morning.”

“They have a story over at Foxnews that a woman in Kansas City had a heart attack and died during the movie. Now there's some good publicity!”

“Leaving to see the movie now. Report when I return.”

“Buck...

“And you say the Bible is not a "living breathing thing". I defer again to the Bible, and I'd rather heed the words of God than man, when the Bible says otherwise, "For the word of God is living and active". I believe the Bible is indeed a living document."

So what you are saying is that scriptures are perfect?

“Now, the Jews wanting Christ to be killed was prophesied long ago, and Christ layed down His own life, and this was a requirement to be the sacrifical Lamb.”

Where?

“So this is not anti-Semitic, and the Jews are not Christ-killers”

But, but, buck, just a few lines above this disclaimer you said…

“That's why the Jews are so heavily involved. But Christ loved the Jews even as they killed Him, even saying, "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do".””

“"“Now, the Jews wanting Christ to be killed was prophesied long ago, and Christ layed down His own life, and this was a requirement to be the sacrifical Lamb.”

"Where?""

See Isaiah chp 53”

“So, after work, I pass by two churches, both advertising "The Passion" being played there on Sundays during "Worship" at 11:00am.

I just got back from CVS and there was a lady standing in the magazine aisle, flipping through some mag and stopping and gazing at the gory pics of this movie. I step up to the rack, pick up the Guns and Ammo and pretend to flip through it so I could check out what she was doing. She was in her 40's and the main thing I saw about her was that she has her Cross necklace out on her chest. I got the feeling that she might have been at CVS to see what flavors of KoolAid they had.

On my way home, I pass by another church that has a "Passion" related quote on the marqee.

Why is it I hear the start up sound of the Machine?”

“"Nice attack on Buck 2scoops"

get a sense of humor, will you? i meant it as a light-hearted jibe. havent yet mastered the art of vocal inflection with mere words. its not a far jump from stating, as buck did, that those who believe in a loose translation are only doing so because they dont like some of the parts and want the bible to conform to them, to questioning the motives and agenda of someone who would pan the movie. i personally know ppl like that. but it was a light-hearted jibe, because despite the fact disagree with buck on just about everything under the sun, i like the guy. hes a likable doofus and has an excellent eye for the aesthetic.

on the anti-semitism tip, it had never occurred to me that the story was a condemnation of jews, but of mankind in general. it just so happened judaism was the main monotheism of the day. ive always thought of pontius pilate as a sniveling spineless twit, and never bought his "washing hands" excuse.

i still dont buy into salvation thru resurrection, however. from the way i understand it, christs sacrifice was meant to replace the usual ritual sacrifice that had been practiced for generations. yet, the whole idea of sacrifice seems wonky to me, and more than a bit pagan. what kind of narcissistic god requires a wasteful slaughter of precious meat or wool (or sometimes wasnt it a person?) that would be better put to use feeding and clothing the community. it just seems silly to me. and yet, if i dont swallow this premise unquestioningly, im damned to hell? fuhgedaboutit”

“"See Isaiah chp 53"

Isaiah 53 can not be describing Jesus.”

“hey nige, what is your religion?”

“Benai Noach.”

“"get a sense of humor, will you? i meant it as a light-hearted jibe"

Me too, hence the use of your clever little sarcasm font. Don't get your panties in a wad.”

“Phaedrus, I haven't seen the movie yet. Very exicted too. But I do want to answer your questions.

I think it is important to tell this story, because God told a man to tell it. That man has the artistic talent, the financial ability, the influence, and the strength to do it.

There are alot of people in the US . . . in the world, who do not know it and might never know it if they have to read the Bible. And everyone (people who know the story and people who don't) will benefit from having it brought to such brilliant life. Just like stories about slavery, world wars, etc, it is a singular and extremely important moment in humankind's history. All people should be educated about such events. Personally, I believe it to be THE moment.”

“Wow! What an amazing movie. This movie is not at all anti-semitic in the least bit. In fact a Jewish man helped Jesus carry his cross. I will add that the movie is brutally gruesome. It was painful to watch and I wouldn't suggest it for kids under 15 or so. I haven't read one of the Gospel's in a long time and I would suggest reading one before seeing the movie as it will make more sense. I had a pretty good idea what was going on but had to think hard about a few parts and I didn't figure out who one of the characters was until the end. But as far as I can remember it is accurate and shows what terrible things that the human race is capable of such as torture. It also shows hope...it's a great movie. I'm still trying to put into words what I think about it but it's really ineffable.”

“BTW, this movie had a huge line...bigger than LoTR or the Matrix...I won't be surprised if it rakes in more this boxoffice weekend.”

“Saw it.

Yeah, I cried. Haven't done that in quite a long time.

And of all these mountains I've climbed, there's no higher place than at the feet of Jesus the Messiah.

Long live our king.”

“"I think it is important to tell this story, because God told a man to tell it......"


No offense to y'all, really:

How is it that it's OK for "God" talk to Gibson, Robertson, Dubya, whatnever, but another person that "hears voices" gets the lock up or put on meds. Do you see how "un-understandable" this whole "Talk with God thing" really is? I don't care if anyone worships what ever they want, but this seems a little like using "God" to be a false profit. why is it that so many follow these false profits?

Why is it OK for only certain people to have the ear of "God"?

Why is it A LOT of people follow these preachers? Can't they follow the Bible themselves? Do they understand that the Bible is written in such a fashionn that ANYONE could interpret it and manipuate it any way they want?”

“That is Newgirl's way of saying Gibson was inspired by God. And it's not at all the same as Pat Robertson saying God has spoken to him.

By the way "false profits" was that meant to be a pun or was the accidental.”

“Bison - understandable, however, I hear everyday about how "God has spoken to me", thing.....it makes the face value of the sentence a little freaky. Do Jews "hear G-d"?

False profits is a term that I use from my old bible days, when I'd look at the book thumper and think "Is this man truly a representive of God?" Maybe the term "Preachers" would have been more appropro, however, I hope that the point is still comes accross.

BTW - Can I get your opinion on the above questions?”

“I believe what they're saying is that you don't hear God in the sense that you hear the voice of George Burns in your head, but rather you feel an urgent tugg in your subconscience to do something or a string on unusual string on coincidences come together to push you in a direction. The hard part is to tell if this is God, a coincidence, or just a bit of heartburn. This is where faith, logic, and a bit of common sense come together and it can be confusing.”

“I don't understand why there are preachers who claim that God has spoken to them and mean for it to be taken literally, I'm sure some of them are not exactly pious and prefer to have people think that they have a direct connection in order to gain followers, I'm sure others are quite pious but overzealous.

Why do people follow them? again for a variety of reasons, I'm sure many don't feel comfortable with there own ability to read the Bible and find truth for themselves, so they see this type of preacher as someone who (presumably having a direct connection) can help them find truth.”

“Going on further, bison, could it be that these types of people that need "leadership" fromthe church are also easily swaded people to begin with? Not indepentant enough to develop there own relationship with God, so they have to have another lead them? Like a flock?”

“Interesting choice of words Q, but yes, I'd say you're right. There of lots of folks out there who want the preacher to do their thinking for them just like there of lots who'd like the DNC or Republican party to do their thinking for them as well. Same thing.”

“I would suppose most who follow these kinds of preachers are like that, but certainly not all of these preachers "flock" are "sheep." Many I'm sure simply grew up with that style, or came to find that style of preaching and are comfortable with it.”

“I'm not trying to pick a scab here, fellas, but the term does exsist, "The sheppard and his flock".

Yes dayhiker - That's one thing I was trying to point out.....that there is not enough indepentant thinkers. Me thinks that if there were more, religions around the world would suffer greatly.

I'm not trying to make y'all question yer faith or anything and have a lot of respect for people of every faith, just as a non-believer, these things that go on seem odd to me.”

“That's why I said that you had an interesting choice of words. I knew where you were going with that.

I also think you're correct in that lots of folks are involved in organized religion because their parents were and their grandparents and so on. That's not bad, but folks need to think for themselves. Herd mentatlity is everywhere.

You're not making me question my faith at all. I will concede that there have been some, "Gee, I haven't thought about it that way" moments on this thread, and that's good.”

““Yes dayhiker - That's one thing I was trying to point out.....that there is not enough indepentant thinkers. Me thinks that if there were more, religions around the world would suffer greatly.”

Absolut6ely true. A faith that is not strong enough to be thought about and questioned isn’t a faith strong enough to change your life. I hate to sound like a bumpersticker but…”Question everything!”.”

“I don't think religions would suffer from having independent thinkers (look at the reformation, the Catholic church suffered, but not the religion of Christianity). The church that I was raised in never presented religion as something to be indoctrinated into, most churches are not what you see on tv. In my church (I mean the orginization, not the building or congregation). The pastor is there to carry out the service and tell you what he thinks, as well as be there to help to answer questions you may have, but no one says "don't think another way." By the way I am not a churchgoer, but I am glad my parents church has the pastor that they have, I can go to him at any time with thoughts, doubts, questions, and he will give me his thoughts on the matter, but presents them as his thoughts, and directs me to the Bible and prayer to find my own answers (and I only have to deal with a minimum of chastisement for not attending church).”

“My wife’s church is what you would call a modern, non denom church that does everything it can to not act or look like a traditional church. Having said that, it becomes very clear that they are anything BUT an open, free thinking church. Nearly every church has bylaws that basically outline the beliefs of the church. I was cleaning the church one time and picked up the church pamphlet that had these by laws on them and as I read them I began thinking, “Why exactly do they believe this?”. I began asking the pastor about some of these questions and got answers that were just plain lame and based on assimilated theology or misinterpreted scripture. I thought, “OK, I’ll just have to dig deeper in other places for the answers.”. In her church you have to go through a bible study course and then be baptized by the pastor…even if you’ve already been baptized! WTH?”

“God told me not to watch gratuitous violence.”

“Pulp Fiction?”

“"In her church you have to go through a bible study course and then be baptized by the pastor…even if you’ve already been baptized! WTH?"

This sounds like a hustle to me Nigal.

Is the dude's name Billy Saul Hargiss?”