"Mel is a troubled and sinful man, just like the rest of us."
Isn't that the truth. I'm sure that his harsh critics, though, have never said anything they didn't mean when they've tied on one too many, though.
Or just maybe, maybe... they don't have what they say publicized in every media outlet in the country.
Or maybe their sins aren't as sinful as Mel's. Who knows.
All the time, I go to see movies, listen to music, and enjoy all sorts of art that is done by people whose political, social, and moral views I find repulsive. But if they make a good product, I enjoy it. I hope that those who plan to boycott Mel for saying something about Iraq are also boycotting every other media product produced by people opposed to the war. They will live pretty peaceful and media-free lives -- reading lots of old books. Which isn't half bad.
I've always enjoyed Mel's products. Can't think of one I didn't (although I don't think I would have cared for "the Passion" -- most Orthodox I know didn't particularly.)
Only if they don't look into how the authors of the time lived! Of course, a quiet evening with some old books is a great thing to do at times.
My wife and I watch The Passion once a year around Lent. It is good to reflect on what Jesus went through. But you are right that the Orthodox don't look at the Crucifixion in the agonizing detail the way most Western Christians do. We were at a local Greek Orthodox church's Greek fest, and I bought a small crucifix. On one side it has the baptism of Jesus, on the other the crucifixion. I liked the contrast. Also bought a beautiful icon of Noah's Ark.
Troubled an sinful, but arrogantly denying this.