I believe there are two debates about Mel's film. Those with something to capitalize on and those who may question the authenticity of the depiction based on the scripture.
I find it funny when those of faith run to the aid of someone taking literary liscense with the scriptures. <pIt may be one thing to amplify, it's quite another to be contrary to the text.
I appreciate your candor, and I have no negative feelings about you personally because we don't agree. But quite frankly, I'm tired. Jesus was, is, and always will be a divisive figure in the world. We have been told from the beginning that we will always be under attack. But sometimes it just wears me out. I have seen so much constant trashing of the film and the filmmaker that I've forgotten all the good things that the film has generated, such as Christians of different denominations coming together and working together and celebrating what we share. It isn't spiritually healthy to constantly wallow in negativity. I can only say that what you see, and what I see when we look at the film are two very different things. We'll just have to leave it at that. I'm looking forward to seeing the film, and I want to view it in the right spirit; that means I'm going to go to the theater with an open mind
and an open heart. I will not be thinking of those who attack the message of the film (no matter in what guise they choose to carry out such attacks-whether diversionary or direct). I will be pondering the central message, an example of which can be found in John 3:16-21. Next to that message, details such as Jews inside or outside the Praetorium or how many people comprised the crowd, or how many lashes Jesus got are put into their proper perspective.
Besides, it's warm and sunny outide, I've got laundry and housework to do, so not only do I not have the energy, I also have neither the time nor the inclination to be constantly focusing on the negative today.