[Liz]

Whatever one's opinion of the artistic merit of (The Passion) film, it's greatest achievement....is to bring within the orbit of popular culture an annunciation of the central doctrine of orthodox Christianity: Jesus is the divine redeemer whose suffering and death was the point of his life and the Gospels. It does that in no uncertain terms - and the young of today want certainty.

[shineon]

The name of the Lord is a mighty strong tower. The righteous run therein and are safe.

Jesus died for our sins so that we might have life.

[Theo]

I saw "orthodox" in the title, and scanned the article to find out how "Orthodox Christian" doctrine is any different from "mere Christian" doctrine. Hm. Then I saw that "orthodox" was lowercase, not meant to refer to the branch of Christianity, but to "orthodox" Christianity (as opposed to "heretical" Christianity).

Nice article. It is good seeing the key doctrine of our faith vividly portrayed.

[foolscap]

I am a Christian however I will not be seeing Mel's film. I dislike any film with violence. They make me physically ill. I am very glad the film is doing so well at the box office and that many people find meaning in it. Having made the decision not to view it it is interesting the reaction I have received from my Christan friends, the majority of whom have seen the film multiple times. There is this very strong pressure on me to go with them. When I say no and give my reason in their minds my salvation suddenly become suspect. One person really got into it with me. Finally I said "We are talking about a movie. When did viewing a certain movie become the test to determine if someone is saved or not?" That brought them up a little short.

I very much dislike trend in religion. It sort of like if you are not wearing a WWJD bracelet or know the secret handshake of the week you're not "saved enough" I feel no desire to see this film because I have read the book and that's all I need.Reading the book and doing what it says is the whole point of the faith. I don't need to see someone whipped and nailed to a cross to get the idea. There are no doubt many that do. It is good that the film is out because is it helpful for them.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP - RELIGION

[Rose in RoseBear]

Pingpingping!

[mtntop3]

A very informative and encouraging article. Thank you, Liz.

[hosepipe]

[ This will come to be seen as the century in which religion replaced ideology, writes Angela Shanahan. ]

Pity if true. Since Christ came to make religion, all religion, obsolete, and did.

[Aquinasfan]

But contrary to expectations, the film has been hugely popular among the young. This is partly because it vividly dramatises the Passion.

Anyone who survived junior high can understand Christ's Passion.

[NYer]

Jesus is the divine redeemer whose suffering and death was the point of his life and the Gospels.

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list

[Between the Lines]

Great article! Thanks for posting.

[Thorin]

Thanks for the great post. The dividing line between supporters of Gibson's "Passion" and its enemies is the same line that defines those who favor orthodox Christianity and those who do not.

[reflecting]

But Jenkins compares the new Christianity with that of the early church - mystical, puritanical and prophetic and with its own martyrs, most recently in Africa

As the western church declines the eastern church rises. The church planting movement in Africa and East Asia is nothing short of amazing, some estimates are that with a few decades China will be 30% Christian. China! While there will be some RCC, Anglican, Presbyterian, predominately it is going to be fundamental, signs and wonders, Baptist and Pentecostal. How amazing.

There are people now in china who are helping Chinese Baptist establish a board for missions outside of China. The goal? Evangelize the middle east. B2J - Back to Jeruasalem! Lift up your heads!

[redgolum]

The center of Christianity is shifting back to the east. China is slowly being converted, Northern Africa is also, and both are sending missionaries into the ME and Europe.

I hope that we are heading back into a Spiritual Awakening!