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I shared with my husband some of the discussions I had seen posted on FR, about the "baby" Satan was holding and that kind of thing.

I guess I must have missed that particular thread (there have been so many). That scene has mystified me. Could you give me a "Reader's Digest" version of the opinions from fellow Freepers, or point me to the particular thread? I came up with some personal explanation, but am unsure if I'm on the right track and would appreciate other pov's. (My husband felt that the whole "Satan" character was unnecessary and distracting. I wouldn't go that far, but the baby satan did throw me.)

I thought the Satan figure was necessary. Right from the start it harks right back to the Garden of Eden. Also in Scripture Satan tempts Jesus so I felt this was a way for Gibson to include that account by showing Satan present as Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane and reminds us that Satan was squarely against Jesus and stands between us and God.

Anyway, Freeper Reader's Digest is that the figure Satan is shown holding may have been a mocking of the portrayal of Madonna and Child. Also some thought it might be the anti-Christ or Satan's spawn. I believe Mel Gibson said it represented Satan holding sin---but I honestly can't recall because I was partial to the mocking of Madonna and Child symbolism.