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I have seen the movie and would like to share my thoughts and feelings about my experience if this thread is still for that purpose and if I can...

Though the movie was graphic, I had an "appreciation" of some kind for the visual. I no longer take His love for "face value". Through out the movie I heard myself saying, "Thank You" to Him. I saw Him taking what should have been my punishment and doing so willingly.

Though it may sound odd, I wondered if at some time all of us haven't had a little of Peter and even Judas in us at some time or another. Peter in that we run or shy away from from publicly acknowledging Him regardless of the cost to us. Judas in that we betray Him in our actions/words towards others. Maybe even some of the "religious order" in us in that we accuse or judge others with our prideful theology. I don't know, maybe I am internalizing something in myself.

The hardest part of this movie for me was when He said, "Father, forgive them". "Them" included me as I had my own "flashback" of when I was living in rebellion and sin. I saw my own mocking of Him, my own pride, my own rejection of Him. Again, I thanked Him. I not only thanked Him for His love but for His mercy.

I am not a movie critic and I know my words haven't been eloquent but this is only a small portion of my experience. I have so much more to think and pray through. What I saw tonight will stay with me. That much I am sure of.

ping

....I wondered if at some time all of us haven't had a little of Peter and even Judas in us at some time or another....

Of course. The story is universal and is meant to mirror humanity.

That's why those opposing the film are so offensive.......acting as if they are so perfect, that they never sinned, or have no human weaknesses.

Though it may sound odd, I wondered if at some time all of us haven't had a little of Peter and even Judas in us at some time or another. Peter in that we run or shy away from from publicly acknowledging Him regardless of the cost to us. Judas in that we betray Him in our actions/words towards others. Maybe even some of the "religious order" in us in that we accuse or judge others with our prideful theology. I don't know, maybe I am internalizing something in myself.

That's what the critics missed. That's what I saw. I just got back about an hour ago from seeing the film. It's the universality of humanity, and inhumanity. We see ourselves, or people we know, in every one of the "players", if you will. Simon of Cyrene is far and away the one (besides Jesus, Mary and Mary Magdalene) I liked the most. Not that I'm like him. But there are Simons of Cyrene everywhere. Although he was obviously known to the apostles by the time the Gospels were written, it's certainly within the realm of educated speculation that they knew him only after this happened. Mel Gibson has him as just some guy, probably in town for the Passover, who was picked at random to carry the cross, and who is very reluctant to "get involved". He doesn't want to do it. He's safe in his own little world. But he does get involved. He has mercy. He has pity.

"Though it may sound odd, I wondered if at some time all of us haven't had a little of Peter and even Judas in us at some time or another...."

Odd? My friend what you have just described is the human condition.

How many times do we sit and watch when innocencence is persecuted; how many times do we put our own self interest above the interests of others?

It's called vanity, selfishness and greed; it is our sinful nature. The very bondage Christ released us from by his death and resurrection.

Odd, no. You understand perfectly the reality of our condition.

Your words brought tears to my eyes.....so true. Thanks

I am not a movie critic and I know my words haven't been eloquent but this is only a small portion of my experience. I have so much more to think and pray through. What I saw tonight will stay with me. That much I am sure of.

I beg to differ. Your words were wonderful and precise. I saw the film last night, and I'm still in wonder. I think I'll never be the same. I pray I'll never be the same.

You know, one thing that struck me was how the demonic forces would get someone to do their work, and would then be free to tear them to pieces.