Mel Gibson Expects 'Worst to Come' Over Christ Film

Yahoo News ^ | 1/21/04 | Broward Liston

[Libloather]

Gibson Expects 'Worst to Come' Over Christ Film
2 hours, 10 minutes ago
By Broward Liston

ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) - The controversy that has followed Mel Gibson's film about the death of Christ could be persecution or just inspired publicity, but the film-maker himself predicted "the worst is yet to come" on Wednesday at a meeting with 4,500 evangelical Christian pastors.

A day after reports that a high Vatican official denied that Pope John Paul gave a thumbs up to his film, "The Passion of the Christ," Gibson prepared to show it to another hand-picked audience, this time the Global Pastors Network conference meeting in Orlando.

As with past screenings, media were barred, as were Jewish groups worried that the film could incite anti-Semitism if it suggests Jewish authorities in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago were largely responsible for the crucifixion of the man Christians worship as the incarnation of God.

On Tuesday, an aide to the pose denied media reports that the pontiff had praised the film's Biblical accuracy, saying, "The Holy Father told no one of his opinion of this film."

Gibson did not mention the Vatican denial when he addressed the pastors. He thanked them for their prayers, but warned, somewhat ominously "I anticipate the worst is yet to come. I hope I'm wrong. I hope I'm wrong."

Gibson said the film gestated in his imagination for 12 years as he meditated on the gospel stories of a God who became human so he could pay the price for human sin.

"He could have done it by pricking his finger and shedding a little blood. He didn't; he wanted to go all the way," Gibson said.

While Gibson thanked the pastors for their support, his publicity director, Paul Lauer, urged them to send youth groups to the R-rated flick when it opens on Feb. 25 on 2,000 screens in the United States.

The rating, apparently based on the graphic depiction of the crucifixion, means those under age 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Lauer predicted that if the film posts good numbers on its opening weekend, "I think there'll be a lot of powerful people in Hollywood saying, 'Somebody get me a Jesus picture."'

[mrs tiggywinkle]

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."

~Isaiah 43:2~

I'm so very thankful for Mel Gibson and the courage he maintains by the power and leading of the Holy Spirit. God bless him.

[Burkeman1]

The only "Jewish group" that doesn't like this film is the absurd ADL headed by Abe Foxman. Jews in America are about as discriminated against as Irish. It doesn't exist. The ADL needs a reason to exist and they pick this film to pick on. Pathetic. Not one Jew under 75 years old is buying your bull Foxman!

[PresbyRev]

Alot of folks in my church are planning on seeing it, as am I.

[livius]

I don't think this thread should be in chat.

But leaving that aside, I think Mel Gibson is absolutely right. The attacks are going to be fast and furious.

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.


LOVE in Action =


MEL GIBSON is...


Lt. Col. HAL G. MOORE at the...


.."WE WERE SOLDIERS".. Battle of IA DRANG-1965.


http://www.WeWereSoldiers.com


http://www.lzxray.com


http://www.lzxray.com/guyer_collection.htm
(Photos)


.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

I watched "We Were Soldiers" for the first time recently. I was silent for the longest time...

[ALOHA RONNIE]

.

We Veterans of the Battle of IA DRANG-1965 were equally silent for the longest time after our viewing the Ft. Benning Preview showing of .."WE WERE SOLDIERS".. in early 2002.

Now Lt. Gen. HAL G. MOORE (Ret.) himself had to walk out for 10 Minutes during another Preview Showing at the West Point Military Academy.

Thank you for caring.

.

[apackof2]

Lauer predicted that if the film posts good numbers on its opening weekend, "I think there'll be a lot of powerful people in Hollywood saying, 'Somebody get me a Jesus picture."'

Hollyweird is gonna be shocked by the numbers even without the Pope's review, I can't wait to see the film, the Lord bless Mel for his courage in making this movie

[goodnesswins]

I agree with YOU.....my husband and I are looking forward to it....and we don't even attend church regularly (well, that's because we want a CONSERVATIVE church that starts Sunday services at 7am!

[Joy Angela]

Two Thumbs Up
for
The Passion of Christ!

[chicagolady]

Mel Gibson is not the only one who will be attacked.

ANYONE who identifies themselves with Christ is gonna be fair game!

Another prediction? The media is going to turn over any rock they can and they will go to the farthiest ends of the earth to interview the ((CINO'S)) Christians IN NAME ONLY.

They will be rude and crude and tell folks they are gonna burn in hell!
That is what the media will be running on the local news 24 hrs a day.

It will be something to behold.

[Knute]

Rather than going to see this picture as an activity for your particular "Holy Huddle", may I be so bold as to suggest this is a wonderful opportunity to take an unsaved friend, coworker, family member, neighbor etc. out for an evening. Go see the movie, then stop somewhere quiet for coffee and extensive conversation. Bring your Bible. Share YOUR personal testimony and be ready for the Holy Spirit to work in the heart of your guest. Pray before, pray during and continue to pray after. I believe this film is going to have the impact of multiple simultaneous Billy Graham crusades!

[Northern Yankee]

Ronnie... I picked up We Were Soldiers when it came out on DVD. It was hard to watch at the theater. I think I've only seen it once since I picked it up, but it is one of my most treasured movies.

TW... I've seen the clips of the Mel's movie. (The Passion of the Christ.com) It will be an extraordinary movie.

[Northern Yankee]

Am trying to get something going in my parish. Talked to several teachers after Religious Ed classes last night!

[kstewskis]

Great to "see" you again Ronnie!

I picked up We Were Soldiers when it came out on DVD. It was hard to watch at the theater. I think I've only seen it once since I picked it up, but it is one of my most treasured movies.

Right there with ya, Jay!

I have a wall (one of many) dedicated to WWS in my back (war) room, with lobby cards and Oscar Ads framed from the movie...along with a shadow box encasing a 7th Calvary patch, cross sword pin, a commemorative coin from the filming, and a US Army ribbon.

Mel has made us proud in so many ways by commemorating great men and great triumphs in history. This movie will be his greatest tribute to the greatest One of all.

[mrs tiggywinkle]

**TW... I've seen the clips of the Mel's movie. (The Passion of the Christ.com) It will be an extraordinary movie. **

I've seen clips offered on The Passion website and was so very moved just from those. I'm not a 'crier' kind of lady but I have a feeling I'll be absolutely beside myself when I see this movie. <><

[mrs tiggywinkle]

(((Aloha Ronnie)))

Dear, sweet gentleman. God bless you in a most precious way. <><

[Northern Yankee]

Hi Karen.

I am home today as schools were closed all over the place due to windchills at -40! (I had a white-out coming home last night from school and prayed I would get through it alright... Mother Mary didn't let me down!)

Am trying to drum up support for people to go as a parish to see The Passion. Hopefully I can get something going.

How are you?