A Deacon's Comments on Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ

Catholic Exchange ^ | 1/16/04 | Keith A Fournier

[oldfart]

I've been going to local theaters and asking the managers if they will be showing it. So far, none have admitted categorically that they will, but some have mentioned that there have been a lot of requests such as mine.

If everybody does something like that, they'll soon see the profit in showing it.

[NYer]

Mr. Harvey didn't say whether the final release version is in Aramaic with English titles or if Gibson changed his plan and had it done in English. Anyone know?

Raymond Arroyo, host on EWTN's The World Over Live, will show an exclusive interview with Mel Gibson, next Friday, January 23, at 8pm.

In the interview, Gibson breaks his silence, speaking for the first time about charges that his film, The Passion of the Christ is anti-Semitic. He talks about his bold vision for the project and his motivation for making the film. Gibson tells Arroyo, “It reflects my beliefs-I’ve never done that before.”

He also candidly comments on the controversy surrounding the movie, his resistance to altering the film, and his personal commitment to press forward: “I don’t know if I will ever work again. I’ve said that this is a career killer and it could well be, but that doesn’t matter because I don’t care,” Gibson says in the interview.

Based on biblical accounts, the movie, "The Passion of the Christ," depicts the last 12 hours of Christ’s life on earth and will be released in the U.S. on Ash Wednesday, February 25th.

EWTNews Director, Raymond Arroyo was on set, in Italy during the filming of “The Passion of the Christ” last year, and is the only broadcast journalist to conduct an extended interview with Mel Gibson about the project.

[Antoninus]

Via Della Rosa

Uh, is this an alternate translation or what? I always thought it was "Via Dolorosa."

[Antoninus]

Well, I guess I shouldn't be so nitpicky.

FWIW, I have already ordered advance tickets for myself and 5 family members for this film. We can't wait to see it.

[Wright is right!]

Pardon, but how does that long quote answer my question about Aramaic or English?

Michael

[FourPeas]

That makes sense actually since I remember hearing a Paul Harvey commentary once comparing the greatness of Christ to that of Buddha. It prompted one local Christian station that carried Harvey's commentaries to drop him.

[betty boop]

The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.

Amen to that, Nick. Thanks for this wonderful post!

[Happy2BMe]

"From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the Cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced."

And Paul Harvey (one of my all-time heroes) has experienced much. For him to say this speaks volumes for me.

Wonderful job Mel Gibson!

It will open up very soon in my area. I am looking forward to something coming out of Hollywood not dripping with adultery, rape, murder, homosexuality, atheism, evolution, political correctness, glorifying hedonism or advocating sympathy towards any of the above.

[Fester Chugabrew]

"Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful."

The glory of God. That's how it is, plain and simple. Crystal cathedrals it ain't.

[Happy2BMe]

"Don't miss it for the world."

I got it.

[joeyGibson]

Can you explain why you attributed this to Paul Harvey when the linked article was written by Deacon Keith A. Fournier?

[PigRigger]

"The Passion evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same..."

In many ways those sentiments echo the very essence of Christ's message. He was a lamb among wolves; innocence murdered by man's evil desires. Even when suffering and being humiliated he prayed for our forgiveness.

To Jew and Gentile alike the gift of salvation was given freely; He laid down his life so we might forever live.

His story and message should touch one's soul; it should impact you emotionally.

I have never been the same since I accepted Christ as my savior.

[TNMountainMan]

Loved the article, but I'm a little confused. The link says the article was written by Keith A Fournier, a deacon. What gives? Is Harvey and Fournier the one and the same? Anyway, can't wait to see the movie.

[carton253]

I have mixed feelings about the film. Yes, I want to see it, and I can't wait. But... I don't know if I can bare to watch Jesus endure all that endured. It's hard enough to watch Jesus of Nazareth... Mel is going for realism and not symbolism.

It is going to break my heart...

[TNMountainMan]

Beat me by 3 seconds. :)

[beckett]

Gibson: "I don’t know if I will ever work again. I’ve said that this is a career killer and it could well be, but that doesn’t matter because I don’t care"

With all due respect to Mr. Gibson, whom I admire immensely (I also intend to see The Passion), it's very easy to say you "don't care" about "ever work[ing] again" when you've got $100 million in the bank. Pardon me if I don't cry any tears for his wrecked career, if wrecked it is (which I doubt).

[beckett]

Was this written by Paul Harvey or Keith Fournier? What's going on?

[nickcarraway]

Last night, everythin, including the healine, said Paul Harvey. I have no idea what happened.

[Fledermaus]

I'm not a Christian, but I'll use my free speech and if any other group tries and stops me they better have good healthcare.

[Zechariah11]

ping