Hideous, Stupid and Barbaric (Anti-Passion Alert!)

Toronto Sun ^ | 2/25/2004 | Michael Coren

[eastsider]

I expected this.

In that case, you'll be disappointed to learn that Jesus, not Mary, steps on the snake ...

[The Great RJ]

Gibson's "fault" is that he didn't make this film Politically Correct. A PC version of the story would not offend anyone, be bloodless and sanitized, be careful of the feelings of various groups etc.

All this claptrap about the film not being historically accurate is BS. Read the contemporary accounts of how people were routinely treated at the time particularly condemned criminals. Gibson is likely more historically accurate than anything seen on the screen before.

As for complaints about the excess blood and violence--does anyone remember "Saving Private Ryan" or "Schindlers List"?

[Integrityrocks]

I saw it. I also have read many books, studied theology at a seminary, and know my history of 2000 years ago very well. Most people just won't allow themselve to believe that this movie is 90% accurate. Their pride (Satan) won't let them go to a place inside themselves where this could possibly be remotely like it happened. Mel Gibson never tried to hide his "Catholic" leaning and the focus on Mary may be Catholic, but it is still the "truth." Something critics will stay in denial over. The book by Saint Emmerich is what inspired Mel to do this movie and trying to stay true to scripture at the same time, while giving details 2000 years worth of generations are ignorant of, is no easy task. Yes.. its hard to watch, but criticizing it, won't change a thing.

[UCANSEE2]

I understand your position. But, for me, it is different.

When I first heard of this movie, I was not interested. Then I saw Mel Gibson interviewed by Diane Sawyer and heard him speak. I saw portions from the movie. I read through threads on FR.

I know that I DO NOT want to see the movie. BUT I MUST. For the content of the movie is about something real. Something that I know in my heart is true. Something I feel every time I receive God's blessings and Grace.

I know that I do not deserve any of it. Only because of Jesus are my sins forgiven each day. Each day I am reborn and have a chance to follow God's plan. His word.

I always fail. In one way or another. Small or large failure, it doesn't matter. I am imperfect. God knows this.

But I never forget to Thank him for his Grace, his Blessings, his forgiveness. Even when I don't recognize I have received those things. For God gives us what we need, not what we want.

And he gave his only son so that we might understand. This movie is a tool in beginning to understand. Mel Gibson was attacked because he made a statement that he thought that God inspired him to make this movie. And Why not? God is in everything, and we are in him. So is Mel.

God set forth his plan and the citizens of Judea, the Sanhedrin Council, the Romans, the disciples of Jesus the Christ, all stood by or ran while the Saviour of Man was crucified. His body died so that our souls would live.

I know. That is why I must see it. Even if it kills me.

[Pyro7480]

Catherine Emmerich isn't a canonized saint yet, but I agree with you analysis.

[Pyro7480]

I'm a little depressed about Christianity and my relationship to it. It always seemed more a religion for men than for women.

Then why are the majority of devout Christians who attend church regularly (and especially Catholics) women?

[mitchbert]

I have a feeling he wrote the optimistic review last week in an silly attempt to give himself credibility knowing he would eventually write a review slamming Gibson.

No, not Coren. He's an unashamedly devout Christian and very consistent in his beliefs (pro-life, pro-family, social conservative). He WAS very much anticipating this film and has been quite positive about it's coming for some time. I was really surprised when I first read this review...it was most certainly not the reaction I expected from him, and I'm convinced it's not the reaction he thought he'd have.

Having saw the film last night, I honestly have to say there's a lot in this review that I agree with, but I suspect reactions to it will be all over the map depending on the viewer's faith (or lack thereof) and the expectations they bring to the theatre. I may see it again.

[GigaDittos]

The hand-wringing jews and other liberal bozos would rather see a crucifixion by lethal injection.

[Dataman]

How often do you want??

Good work; perfect response.

I see SD answered your other question.

[SkyPilot]

virtual fetish.

The Leftists must have e-mailed each other the talking points. All I hear from everyone from Morford to Dowd to this guy is the same thing:

"fetish... fetish.. fetish ...fetish ..fetish ..fetish.. fetish"

or

"S&M fetish...S&M fetish....S&M fetish..."

over and over again. Hey goofballs...when you try to smear your opponents with your own hangups, it is called projection

[biblewonk]

In that case, you'll be disappointed to learn that Jesus, not Mary, steps on the snake ...

Literally?

[PoisedWoman]

Then why are the majority of devout Christians who attend church regularly (and especially Catholics) women?

The majority of people who endure abusive relationships are women. You may not see the connection, but after a "good" Jesuit education, I do.

[Allan]

Bump

[eastsider]

Yes, sir.

[oyez]

There have been any number of movies about Christ made in my life time. With few exceptions they are all about the same. They were never protested, except where somethings were fictionalized. So why this movie? So why this time?

[Pyro7480]

Are you comparing staying in the Catholic Church to an abusive relationship!?

[eastsider]

So why this movie? So why this time?

Why is this Jesus movie different from all other Jesus movies ...

[gramcam]

"I'm very familiar with the passion of Christ--those stations of the cross, you know, that once were displayed on the walls of every Catholic church. As children we went from station to station, pondered Christ's suffering, prayed on our knees."

That ONCE were displayed? Are you here in the U.S. or another country? 'Cause the stations are still here... in all the Churches..... In fact, Friday Stations of the cross is part of the Worship Liturgy during Lenten Season. If there are some new modern churches w/o stations, I'd be interested in knowing about them. Thanks

[gramcam]

"Mary, by the way, is hardly off of the screen, when in fact she is seldom mentioned in the Gospel accounts."

"How often do you want??"

Elsie... I KNEW there was more than one good, good reason I've spent the last few hours reading these reviews. Your list of "Mary" Scripture verses is a great answer - and - an assist to those of us defending. It's been 24 hours since I saw the PASSION ... and I'm still big time identifying with Mary, the "mother." - Thanks BUNCHES!

[PoisedWoman]

Are you comparing staying in the Catholic Church to an abusive relationship!?

Yes.

Muslims relegate women to a back room off the main mosque, Catholics are more subtle but the message is similar: women don't count as much as men. Recently, for example, word came down from Rome that altar girls were no longer permissible. Another tiny dagger in my lifelong night of long knives. I'd only considered returning to the church after being touched to the core by seeing devout and lovely little girls serving mass. Maybe the church had a place for me. Quickly disabused (!) of that notion.

Very orthodox Jewish temples pull the same stuff, with women seated away from the main floor. Not a tremendous amount of support (care and feeding of my spirit) for me on the traditional paths, not a tremendous amount of intellectual satisfaction in nontraditional churches. My best bet: charismatic nondenominational churches, where the Holy Spirit thrives and people are free to participate fully.