A Freeper Review of The Passion of Christ

Vanity | 2/21/04 | John Fields

[Libloather]

...saying that their faith has become much deeper because of having seen a reenactment of the crucifixion.

Is that bad?

[what's up]

"no Catholic ever saw Mary as divine"

This may be, but what is the Immaculate Conception Doctrine all about (this centers around Mary as being sinless.)

Also, I sure would love a Catholic explaining where they get the Anunciation thing (where Mary is swept up into Heaven miraculously).

I may be wrong but I believe these 2 doctrines were just introduced by the Catholic Church in the last century. Can a Catholic corroborate this?

[Libloather]

Mel said it...

KEWL BEANS! I'll look for it during my many trips to the theatre.

[Miss Marple]

I consider the movie a vehicle for reminding me of the sacrifice Jesus made, much as the morality plays of medeival times.

Unfortunately (and I include myself in this group), many Christians don't have the imagination nor the historical knowledge to understand the depth of Jesus sacrifice. We grow up hearing "Jesus died for our sins" but we don't really internalize this message. Intellectually, I know this, but I feel a need for a visceral knowledge which will make me more active in my faith.

If you don't wish to see the movie, that is fine. Your faith is farther along on the path than mine. Please don't disparage believers who want to see this. Most are trying, like I am, to come to a deeper belief.

[Campion]

Those who see the relationship between Jesus and Mary who are Catholic will likely see Mary as divine.

No Catholic can possibly see Mary as divine. That's a heresy. It even has a name; it's called "Collyridianism," after an obscure sect in modern-day Saudi Arabia which actually did see Mary as divine.

Those of us who believe that Mary was a mere woman who was blessed enough to have been chosen to be the mother of the Christ

That would include every Catholic on earth.

[GOP_Proud]

Wow, what a thread.

I have no problem with how anyone feels about Mary, but I don't pray to anyone but God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I don't need an intersessor. I go straight to them.

As to the person who asked what it means that Jesus died for our sins: when God turned his back on Jesus as he died it was because at that moment he was bearing the sins of all mankind. God would not look upon those sins. Because Jesus did this, I don't have to die for my sins but can, if I believe in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, live forever with God. It's all about forgiveness. Because of Jesus I am forgiven.

At least these are my beliefs.

[LowOiL]

If those were Mexicans then it was probably Our Lady of Guadalupe. An Indian, not Mary.

I don't know, I'll ask Monday and see what I find out. Thanks for the thought provoking statement.

[SunnyUsa]

She wants to see the movie, but just is not sure if she will be able to handle it emotionally.

I want to see the film too, in time for Lent - there could be no perfect way to prepare for the Holy Week and Easter.

I'm afraid I will sob the whole movie too, but after reading this review and the comments - I won't be alone.

[Southflanknorthpawsis]

LOL, no flames. I'm a Catholic but not the best of Catholics for sure

LOL....I'm not Catholic and agree with your explanation.

Sinless Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world so that believers may be reconciled to God the Father.

Now try to explain the triune God. ; *)

[ocean]

So I guess you wont be seeing the movie then.

[hunter112]

But, then again, it may. That would be good news - eh?

I think its a bit naive to think that even a powerful movie will motivate today's people in the same way that the "fire and brimstone" sermons did in the days before television. I even shudder to think that someone on trial for the brutal beating of an innocent will claim that he was motivated by this movie.

Mel's taking a sizable gamble here, but usually we honor the people who take the risks in our society, unless they flop spectacularly.

[knak]

thanks! great review. I can't wait to see it!

[Ohioan from Florida]

If those were Mexicans then it was probably Our Lady of Guadalupe. An Indian, not Mary.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is one of the names Mary is called by, because of her appearance as an Indian princess to a Mexican named Juan Diego, back in the 1500's. Her image was mysteriously transferred to his tilma (a poncho type garment) as proof to the Bishop that Juan Diego had actually had an encounter with the Blessed Mother.

[Libloather]

...usually we honor the people who take the risks in our society...

And, I'm sure, you'll be first in line to announce the success of this film - no? How would you define success? Box office? DVD sales? The converted?

[votelife]

Gibson said so in the Diane Sawyer TV interview. He also says he's first in line as to "Who killed Christ?"

[TheGeezer]

It is a good thread, isn't it?

I don't need an intersessor

Do you ever ask anyone for prayer? It's the same thing. God bless.

[CyberAnt]

But .. if I may comment just for clarification .. Mary had to be HUMAN because if she was divine like God, then Jesus could not have been OUR human representative. God (the divine) was His father, but Mary (the human) was His mother.

God sent Jesus to the earth to represent MAN. Man had sinned (Adam and Eve disobeyed God). Jesus was to be the sacrifice for MAN's sin .. unless Jesus was a true representative of MAN, He would not be able to sacrifice FOR US.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Now try to explain the triune God. ; *)

St. Patrick is credited with the explanation using a shamrock (3-leaved clover type of plant) as a tool. In basic terms, the shamrock has three small leaves all attached that makes up one whole. It can be used as a model to describe one God, but three persons (or personalities, if you would like). Each of them are all God, are all divine, yet distinct in the way we know or understand Him; hence, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

[savedbygrace]

I first sent this to you as a FReepmail, and you took me to task for not posting it for all to see. So here:

Do you pray, "Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."?

If so, and you don't consider Mary to be divine, then you are practicing necromancy, forbidden by God. So, is she divine or not? There is no middle ground, though some may try to slide around this by playing with words.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Good explanation!