"Thank you for your thoughtful and thought-provoking comments. Distance from the film has indeed resulted in some revision of my initial reaction and a refinement of my opinion. However, I still have very serious reservations about Mel Gibson's portrayal. "
From the website:
My first reaction to "The Passion of Christ" was quite severe and in hindsight, I believe more than a bit impetuous.
Distance from the film has provided me with the psychological space needed to process my immediate response to what I initially characterized as "religious barbarism." Although the Gospel of John provided the basic ‘script’ for the movie, Gibson used non-canonical gospels and devotional meditations which contributed to the brutality unleashed on Jesus in the film. He was beaten prior to his trial. His fall off the cliff hanging only by the ropes ...
I choose not to share any other part of my on-going discussion with him at this time. Let me state, though, that in some ways I believe he is in somewhat of an ephiphany himself as a result of the film and the reflections and meditations and study brought about by it.
I am further disheartened by the 'nails' and other "devotional" paraphernalia that we will be seeing hanging around people's neck.
I do not disparage your reaction to the movie. Mine was different.