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Is this really how some Christians are reacting to this movie?

Pretty much. I saw it Monday, wrote a review here on Tuesday more favorable than this one, but saying that I basically numbed out about 1//3 of the way through, detached, had no emotional response whatsoever. I liked Gibson's depiction of Satan, found it thought-provoking--revelatory, really. I enjoyed the art direction very much. But the brutality of the action was a turnoff. It did churn up some deeply held doubts about whether God loves me. I've never been able to link blood and gore with love, though I was educated from nursery school through college in traditional Catholic schools that espoused beliefs as conservative as Gibson's.

I'm very familiar with the passion of Christ--those stations of the cross, you know, that once were displayed on the walls of every Catholic church. As children we went from station to station, pondered Christ's suffering, prayed on our knees.

Now three days after digesting this movie, I'm a little depressed about Christianity and my relationship to it. It always seemed more a religion for men than for women. I probably would have been better off staying home from the movie, perhaps from church, quite frankly. I knew in advance that I coould not stand violence. And I've been known to faint at the sight of blood (Florence Nightingale, I'm not.) I would advise others to keep their children home along with others who may recoil from blood and gore.

I understand your position. But, for me, it is different.

When I first heard of this movie, I was not interested. Then I saw Mel Gibson interviewed by Diane Sawyer and heard him speak. I saw portions from the movie. I read through threads on FR.

I know that I DO NOT want to see the movie. BUT I MUST. For the content of the movie is about something real. Something that I know in my heart is true. Something I feel every time I receive God's blessings and Grace.

I know that I do not deserve any of it. Only because of Jesus are my sins forgiven each day. Each day I am reborn and have a chance to follow God's plan. His word.

I always fail. In one way or another. Small or large failure, it doesn't matter. I am imperfect. God knows this.

But I never forget to Thank him for his Grace, his Blessings, his forgiveness. Even when I don't recognize I have received those things. For God gives us what we need, not what we want.

And he gave his only son so that we might understand. This movie is a tool in beginning to understand. Mel Gibson was attacked because he made a statement that he thought that God inspired him to make this movie. And Why not? God is in everything, and we are in him. So is Mel.

God set forth his plan and the citizens of Judea, the Sanhedrin Council, the Romans, the disciples of Jesus the Christ, all stood by or ran while the Saviour of Man was crucified. His body died so that our souls would live.

I know. That is why I must see it. Even if it kills me.

I'm a little depressed about Christianity and my relationship to it. It always seemed more a religion for men than for women.

Then why are the majority of devout Christians who attend church regularly (and especially Catholics) women?

"I'm very familiar with the passion of Christ--those stations of the cross, you know, that once were displayed on the walls of every Catholic church. As children we went from station to station, pondered Christ's suffering, prayed on our knees."

That ONCE were displayed? Are you here in the U.S. or another country? 'Cause the stations are still here... in all the Churches..... In fact, Friday Stations of the cross is part of the Worship Liturgy during Lenten Season. If there are some new modern churches w/o stations, I'd be interested in knowing about them. Thanks

I'm a little depressed about Christianity and my relationship to it. It always seemed more a religion for men than for women.

Clearly, Jesus's mother didn't think so. She was with the Apostles on Pentecost when they received the Holy Spirit and became emboldened to share His message.

Most women throughtout the history of Christianity would also disagree. Who do you think has been the backbone of the Faith, continually encouraging their families to attend Mass or get to Church on Sunday, or Wednesday night? Please don't let yourself fall into the feminist trap of the attitude of 'poor pitiful woman being downtrodden by her Church'.

The ancient world was a brutal place, and it is hard for us to accept that being 2000 years removed from the situation. One reason the world has become more civilized was because of the influence of Christians on governments and societies since the time of Jesus. We intend to bring our 14 and 16 yr. olds with us to the movie, and will discuss it in detail afterwards. I think we OWE it to Jesus to have some idea how he suffered and died for our sins.

Oh my God, you have displayed exactly what I was talking about!
I'm not trying to be rude. I actually would like to help you somehow, if I can.

"did churn up some deeply held doubts about whether God loves me."

He does. So much so that He gave His Son for us.
You sound so sad. ;-(

We can all thank Christ for dying for our sins. Notice I included myself there. OYR sins......

Check #121 for the number of wounds Christ actually suffered as revealed to St. Bridget in a vision.

What we saw in Gibson's movie was just a snapshot of what really happened. After all, he only had two hours........

Praying for you.

Salvation