A Few Of FR's Finest....Every Day....02-25-04....Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"

dansangel

[dansangel]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

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Today is Ash Wednesday. For millions of Christians throughout the world, today is the beginning of forty days of sacrifice, reflection and the anticipation of Easter, the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Also today, opening in thousands of theaters across the U.S. is "The Passion of the Christ," directed by Mel Gibson and starring James Caviezel. Before even being offered to the general public, this movie has already stirred up a torrent of controversy.

The Christian faith is based on the fact that Jesus Christ, Son of God, walked among us some 2000 years ago. He made the ultimate sacrifice by being beaten, crucified and dying on the cross so that we may be forgiven. The movie deals with the last 12 hours that Jesus spent on earth among those who loved Him.

Much of the controversy that surrounds this film centers on the violence and brutality depicted that Christ endured during His last hours. Some critics have charged that such graphic carnage is unnecessary. Mel Gibson feels his movie version is a more accurate protrayal what Christ suffered than the myriad of films supported by Hollywood that have whitewashed the pain and terror.

Simon of Cyrene assisting Christ with the cross

The balance of the controversy lies in charges made that the film and Gibson are anti-Semitic. It is truly a shame that a movie whose focus was meant to be on our Savior and what He did for all of us must instead be upstaged by the back-biting and histrionics of headline-grabbing mere mortals. Gibson stands firmly by his stance that the movie is grounded in history, not finger-pointing, and that the bottom line is that we *all* share culpability in Christ's death, not just a select group.

James Caviezel

If you are still unsure as to whether or not it's worth your while to see this film, please take a moment to read this powerful review by Robert Moynihan from "Inside the Vatican":

The Power and the Glory of Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ"

Mel Gibson

By the time this thread goes to press on the Finest, .45MAN and I will have seen "The Passion of the Christ" with members of our church the previous night. We are hoping that others who have seen it firsthand will share their thoughts, reactions and feelings about what promises to be the most important film about the most important Man to ever live and die on this earth.

May God Bless us all here at the Finest.

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 02-23-04 Military Monday 02-24-04 Let's Celebrate Mardi Gras

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[Cold Heat]

Getting into this too deep! Bailing out now.:-)

[dansangel]

This is only a political aspect.

I understand what you are saying. Structurally, the religion almost looks like a political hierarchy. But, the same can be said for most religious (including Christian) entities.

I think the struggle for Israel might add to that perception, however. Maintaining power is (and has historically been) a major factor in the Jewish existence. It's very sad that they have had to endure the hardships that they have over the thousands of years. But, that is probably why it is so prevalent in not only their faith, but their culture, IMHO.

[Cold Heat]

I understand what you are saying.

Great, because I got out of my comfort zone.

I did not want to be misconstrued.(as often happens on FR)

[AnnaZ]

Seeing it tonight at 7:00pmP...

[dansangel]

Seeing it tonight at 7:00pmP...

I'm excited for you ((((((AnnaZ))))))))

It will transform your life.

[dansangel]

I did not want to be misconstrued.(as often happens on FR)

That's sad. I sometimes have that happen to me and it causes me to sulk and lay low for a while, or I get my dander up and strike back.

When you are dealing with as many personalities as there are on FR, that's likely to happen. Some people are quick to attack instead of debate.

I've been accused of being in attack mode and that has caused me to slow down and count to ten before posting. I don't want to earn that reputation.

[Notwithstanding]

Notwithstanding: active duty -going to Iraq later this year

[dansangel]

Notwithstanding: active duty -going to Iraq later this year

Have pinged the "sistahhood" so that you will be properly accounted for on our Military Prayer.

May God go with you and Thank You for your selfless service to our country.

[GailA]

I got to doing some googling

John Valentine Haidt, Christ Scourged, 1758, oil on canvas, 52 in. x 42 in., Moravian Historical Society, Nazareth, Pa.

http://www.carm.org/misc/crucifixion.htm

http://www.holytrinity.ok.goarch.org/Interesting%20Stuff/Special%20Communication%20Plus%20Picture.html

http://www.frugalsites.net/jesus/scourging.htm

http://www.intermirifica.org/lent/passion4.htm Scourging of Jesus

At the Praetorium, Jesus was severely whipped. (Although the severity of the scourging is not discussed in the four gospel accounts, it is implied in one of the epistles (1 Peter 2:24). A detailed word study of the ancient Greek text for this verse indicates that the scourging of Jesus was particularly harsh. (33) ) It is not known whether the number of lashes was limited to 39, in accordance with Jewish law. (5) The Roman soldiers, amused that this weakened man had claimed to be a king, began to mock him by placing a robe on his shoulders, a crown of thorns on his head, and a wooden staff as a scepter in his right hand.

(1) Next, they spat on Jesus and struck him on the head with the wooden staff. (1) Moreover, when the soldiers tore the robe from Jesus' back, they probably reopened the scourging wounds. (7)

The severe scourging, with its intense pain and appreciable blood loss, most probably left Jesus in a preshock state. Moreover, hematidrosis had rendered his skin particularly tender. The physical and mental abuse meted out by the Jews and the Romans, as well as the lack of food, water, and sleep, also contributed to his generally weakened state. Therefore, even before the actual crucifixion, Jesus' physical condition was at least serious and possibly critical.

[dansangel]

Good Googling, Gail. All of that supports what we saw last night. It was mind-bogglingly brutal, but I feel it was necessary to show true suffering, not hollywierd histrionics.

Caviezel bared his very soul in this film. I have no doubt that he suffered to a great degree, as well. How many actors would endure being accidently flogged for real, 8 grueling hours of make-up each day, freezing cold while hanging half-naked from a cross and being struck by lightning? All in a day's work for our Lord.

[Cold Heat]

I've been accused of being in attack mode and that has caused me to slow down and count to ten before posting. I don't want to earn that reputation.

I have been handed my hat back by some FReepers, most of them well meaning.

It has helped, I have learned much, but sometimes you get into inextricable situations that require a strategic withdrawal.LOL!

[LibertyLight]

Just returned from a first viewing of the PASSION of The CHRIST here Queens...
Shocking, Brilliant, Moving - I am still speechless and must go rest and reflect.

[Donaeus]

We are ALL of us sinners and ALL of us responsible for what is depicted as the Passion of Christ.

AMEN!!! "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23 This is the very reason the Bible and The Passion are not Anti-Semitic, every person no matter what their geneology bears the burden for Christ's death because He died for the sins of all. Also God is no respector of persons, He has provided the same salvation through the same means for everyone, we must simply accept and obey.

((((dansangel))))

[Donaeus]

((((Aqua)))) My prayers and thoughts are with you. May God bring you peace and comfort my friend.

[Notwithstanding]

many thanks

so many good people doing so many good things

each one as He wills

many thanks

[FreeTheHostages]

ah, that's helpful. thanks

[Cold Heat]

Yeah, I thought I might provide some explanation.:-)

My young confused days came from having a Catholic Father and a Southern Baptist Mother.

One could forgive my confusion a bit.......LOL!

[Aquamarine]

Thanks for the heads up, it's been taken care of.

May God bless you Notwithstanding.

[dansangel]

I am still speechless and must go rest and reflect.

LOL - I understand completely. I was hit with a migraine last night which dogged me all day today. Ended up leaving work early.

[SpookBrat]

Amen Sister Donaeus. I'm looking forward to seeing this movie, but also dreading it. I wanted to see it today, but Tim is out of town and I won't see it without him. He gets back Friday night so maybe Saturday we can see it.

Maybe so many were cut to the heart the Day of Pentecost because they had seen him hanging, or heard about it, or maybe they were in the crowd yelling at Pilate. I saw a 4 minute clip a few months ago and it ripped me to pieces. It made even the smallest sin less tempting. When you see and know what your sins caused, it makes you run to goodness and turning from temptation so much easier.

Freepmail me when you see it. I want to hear what you have to say.

(((much love)))