[BushCountry]

I hope it proves valuable to others, but I'll not be there.

Since most people on this thread are too kind, I will say it. I wish you weren't here. Basically, you're the turd in the punch bowl, uninvited on this thread. Who cares what a so-called "Godless Athiest" thinks about the The Passion of Christ. I don't and I doubt many others do either.

This movie has touched people of faith in a profound way, please let them bask in its glory. There are too few movies from Hollywood that don't degenerate Christianity, let them enjoy this one.

As a personal side note, I am also fearful of seeing this movie. That says a lot about the power of it.

[Wait4Truth]

It is interesting to me that you feel fearful of seeing this movie. I am going tomorrow with my sister. She and I were talking about it tonight and while I am chomping at the bit to get to the theater, she is anxious, nervous and scared (although she very much wants to see it). She has not been able to express the reasons for her feelings and I want very much to understand where she is coming from. I do not feel nervous or anxious but only wish the moment was already here.

[MineralMan]

"Since most people on this thread are too kind, I will say it. I wish you weren't here. Basically, you're the turd in the punch bowl, uninvited on this thread. Who cares what a so-called "Godless Athiest" thinks about the The Passion of Christ. I don't and I doubt many others do either."

Sorry for the delay in responding to your post. I left my office for the day, shortly after posting.

You're very clear in believing that no non-Christian should have any opinion about this film. That's very short-sighted, in my opinion. I'm not discouraging anyone else from seeing it...that's everyone's personal choice. I merely said that I would not see it, despite my interest in the Jesus story.

I gave my reasons for that decision, but did not comment on Christianity at all. Since I am an atheist, of course I refer to the story of Jesus as a myth. Sorry, but that's my belief. The mythology of societies is one of my primary interests. I'm as interested in the myths of the Roman gods as I am in the myths of Jesus. Myth is my word, since I simply don't believe in the supernatural side of the story. The real side of the story is more than adequate for me to find it interesting, and I don't doubt that a man named Jesus or Joshua was executed for being a religious and political troublemaker. The story has great power, obviously, since it has survived over 2000 years and has accumulated a huge mass of followers.

I'm happy for anyone who has some sort of religious belief, and wish them the best.

I began by commenting on this film and gave the reasons why I wouldn't see it. You respond by telling me to go away. I will not go away. In this nation, and here on Free Republic, I have the right to my viewpoint, as long as I express it in a way that does not break the rules of the forum and of society.

I'm being polite; I'm denigrating nobody. I'm in no way suggesting that people skip the movie. I'm sorry you don't appear able to accept the fact that not everyone agrees with you on every topic.

[Mudboy Slim]

"Who cares what a so-called "Godless Athiest" thinks about the The Passion of Christ."

I--for one--am interested...you don't have to believe in the divinity of Christ--which I do--to recognize him as a great and influential man. How this movie affects an atheist is interesting to me.

Hope that don't make me a turd, too...LOL!!

FReegards...MUD

[Xenalyte]

As a personal side note, I am also fearful of seeing this movie. That says a lot about the power of it.

I'm scared of it. I'm only about 40% wanting to see it right now.

[patriciaruth]

Who cares what a so-called "Godless Athiest" thinks about the The Passion of Christ

Actually, I was interested.

My own assessment of the film was that it is a very devout "mea culpa" made for Christians, and thus is very personal for us; but I didn't think it would be so for nonbelievers.