Morford: How To Gag On 'The Passion' (Gibson's brutal snuff film makes a mockery of true belief)

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | Friday, April 16, 2004 | Mark Morford (they finally found the other gerbil)

[AlbionGirl]

Thanks for the ping. I couldn't read beyond what's posted above 'cause I just don't have the stomach tonight.

These people who are insensed by The Passion are an incredible lot, and a lot like the undead Dracula.

The Passion inspired a killer to turn himself in, that is an incredible Testament to the Power of Chirst, and to the best of my knowledge there is no historical secular equivalent to that.

So let the dead bury their dead, I don't mean that in a spiteful sense at all, I just mean I want no part of these people or this mentality.

[presidio9]

Seems like the boy is a little late to the party (didn't most of the bigoted, leftist, anti-Christian, hateful attempts to stop people from seeing the film end weeks ago)? Can't imagine why a homo would be offended by the Bible/Christ/Christians/Christianity and have an axe to grind. Homosexuality is deviant behavior.

Actually, she devoted a column to this film two months ago, but then she had to, um, take some time off. This is her second effort.

Morford: See The Movie, Buy The Nail

[johnb838]

So you don't do Easter. Sad.

[johnb838]

They didn't think they were going to make any money, but they wanted to make something that would still be being watched in 100 years. I think they were successful.

[arielb]

Thank G-d I'm Jewish and not allowed to go to any movie as theaters are considered "places of scorners". So I'm spared from Kill Bill or Passion or any of the other mindless drivel that Hollywood continues to put out.

[presidio9]

Newsflash: The Passion is notable specifically for NOT being a product of Hollywood. Gibson approached Hollywood and none studio would touch it. So he financed the whole thing out of his own pocket.

The idea that it was overly violent was the left's attempt to scare audiences away from seeing it. The left gets very uncomfortable when people start talking about religion. It didn't work obviously.

[B Knotts]

Interesting. I had never heard that before.

I see that it is in the Talmud. Is this (avoiding theaters/arenas) practiced by all Orthodox Jews?

I would take issue with your characterization of The Passion of the Christ as "mindless drivel." It may not be in agreement with your religion, but it was a well-made, serious and, IMO, faithful translation of the Gospel.

[presidio9]

I know several Jewish people who were deeply moved from this film in the sense that it was about a mother's pain in watching her only child be falsely condemned and executed.

[B Knotts]

Yes, I could see how Jews could find the movie moving.I think it is the best movie I have ever seen, theology aside.

And, I'd love to see Mel's movie about the Maccabees, if he's seriously considering making it (he may have been joking; I'm not sure).

[presidio9]

Since Maccabees is the story of a revolt against Greek paganism, aren't you somewhat concerned this move could be anti-hellenic? Has Hutton Gibson ever said anything nutty about Aristotle Onasis?

[B Knotts]

:-)

But, seriously...I think such a movie would be extremely timely, given what society is trying to force on Christian Churches and church communities.

It is very similar to the Greek official trying to force the Jews to profane their altar with sacrifices to the Greeks' pagan gods.

[presidio9]

Yes, but would Abe Foxman conspire again to give it all that free publicity? Or has he learned his lesson?

[MitchellC]

If 'Passion' is revisionist, it's in order to counter the last few hundred years of liberal theologian/non-theist conspiro-wackiness that has been hell-bent on denying the historical reality of the Gospel at any cost.

[familyop]

"So you don't do Easter. Sad."

That's just it. We do Easter and don't dwell on the Spectacle of Good Friday so much. ...or any other spectacles.