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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~ Billie, dansangel, dutchess, Mama_Bear, Aquamarine ~

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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[Aquamarine]

Thanks for all the kind words and prayers that you all said these past few days, every day gets a little easier.
We'll be going to the funeral tomorrow and we're supposed to get 3 inches of snow which will make for an interesting trip over the mountains.

[Cold Heat]

I see that I am still confused.....

You were referencing a post about the Gibson interviews that I made.

Yes, he was quite forthright about it and said that he made many artistic changes and added character to some who previously had no known character via the Bible. He felt that lessons could be learned and it fit the story. Also, he allowed escape routes for those who could not stomach the violence.

Interesting stuff about movie making.

[dansangel]

sometimes you get into inextricable situations that require a strategic withdrawal.LOL!

Been there done that, totally innocently - LOL. Like I said, it really helps to "wait before you post."

[Temple Owl]

Good Ash Wednesday afternoon to all.

[Cold Heat]

BTW, none of the changes were substantive to the recorded history.

Except one, that he made long after the film was finished.

He inserted a scene where Jesus or a disciple is explaining the meaning of sin and sacrifice and blame.

He did this to quell the antisemitic BS.

He did not seem to happy about having done it either.

I was quite impressed by his honesty.

[dansangel]

He has provided the same salvation through the same means for everyone, we must simply accept and obey.

I echo your *Amen*!

[LibertyLight]

Just spoke with my brother in LA he is in the business -
TV/FIlm -- he will be going tonight.
I am certain he will go nuts over the impact -
The opening scene was amazing...
I can't wait to talk with him about this film,
Defintely a gift to the world. Mel is a messenger and film is probably the most powerful media venue.

[LadyX]

You have created a most beautiful thread, dansangel and .45Man, with the presentation and your comments.
The wonderful responses by others further demonstrates the power of this film!

Without exception, those who have actually viewed it have difficulty describing adequately the profound and positive effect upon them. Each response is intensely personal, as Mel Gibson anticipated, and wished to evoke.

For weeks, I'm sure you, as well as I, have received e-mails from The Elijah List and other Christian publications about this, exhorting us to see it and reach our own conclusions.
As everyone points out, the maysayers are those who have not seen it!

One's walk is our own; but we are on parallel paths in relation to and toward Him. I greatly value the reactions posted here by our Finest Family.

While I am unable to travel to a town and sit through it in a theater, I eagerly look forward to the DVD version, although that is not to be out until July or August.

Thank you for all the thoughtful expressions on this very Finest of threads.

~ ~ ~ The Greatest of All Love ~ ~ ~

[dansangel]

many thanks

Again, I reiterate: The thanks go to you and all of the military members. ((((((HUGS))))))))

[dansangel]

We'll be going to the funeral tomorrow and we're supposed to get 3 inches of snow which will make for an interesting trip over the mountains.

Again, be careful. Please check in with us when you can.

[dansangel]

(((((((Temple Owl)))))))))

Blessed Ash Wednesday back at you!

[Donaeus]

I'm sharing the same emotions and I look forward to discussing it with you.

Excellent points about the crowd's reception of the first sermon. If they were not familiar with the crucifixion surely the power of that event came through in the words of the eye-witness apostles. Since I came onto the thread the choruses of "Ten Thousand Angels" and "Mended and Whole" have alternately been repeating in my head.

Chorus: Ten Thousand Angels

He could have called ten thousand angels/
To destroy the world and set Him free/
He could have called ten thousand angels/
But He died alone, for you and me

Chorus: Mended and Whole

You were threatened for me, you were slandered for me/
Every thorn, every nail, every tear was for me/
Sweet the thought that my soul may be mended and whole/
My my Lord who was broken for me

I can't wait to go to Bible class tonight.

[dansangel]

Defintely a gift to the world. Mel is a messenger and film is probably the most powerful media venue.

Yes - which is exactly why the movie is making and will continue to make such a strong impact on the public. A positive one, ultimately.

[Donaeus]

You're welcome. I'll continue praying especially for a safe journey to and from the funeral.

[dansangel]

As everyone points out, the maysayers are those who have not seen it!

Without a doubt - if not all, then a vast majority.

Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your feelings with us ((((((LadyX)))))))). I pray that the DVD will be released sooner so that you will be able to experience this movie sooner. Or, that there will be a way that you *can* view it in a theater.

[dutchess]

Just stopped back in and read that you will be attending your friend's funeral tomorrow. Drive carefully and take care. I am sure it will be a very emotional day for you and Mr. A.

[Donaeus]

He has provided the same salvation through the same means for everyone, we must simply accept and obey.

I echo your *Amen*! To God be the glory!

[dutchess]

Heading off to another meeting and not sure I will get back tonight.

Dansy....again, an awesome job today. I have skimmed through more of the responses and between that and listening to many on talk radio today....I definately feel I need to "swallow" my apprehension and see the movie. Thanks for bringing this to the Finest today.

(((((dansy)))))) ((((((sistahs))))))) ((((((finestfriends)))))))

[Aquamarine]

Thank you Dutchess. I'm looking forward to life getting back to normal. Thankfully Spring isn't too far off. (((Hugs)))

[dansangel]

I pinged a bunch of people to this thread, but also want to post a link. Good, positive and insightful review:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1085381/posts