Lay Off Mel Gibson (Jesus as God – and they believe in that )

newsmax ^ | 1/16/2003 | James Hirsen

[TLBSHOW]

Lay Off Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson stands out in Hollywood like an oak tree in a field of ragweed. You see he doesn't share the values, beliefs or lifestyles of the left in Tinseltown. He actually makes meaningful films with messages that celebrate family, faith and freedom. And worst of all for the entertainment libs, he's super successful at it.

Gibson has really gone and done it this time. Some folks in the liberal establishment are extremely uncomfortable with the actor/director/producer's latest project. It turns out that his company has underwritten a film that Gibson himself is directing. The working title is "The Passion," and it's about the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

This is completely unacceptable to some. Not only is this film not going to demean Christianity, as other flicks like "The Last Temptation of Christ" and "Jesus of Montreal" have done, but Mel is actually using Scripture as his guide and telling the literal truth.

"Tolerant" liberals can't stand for this type of material being disseminated. The anti-Christian types may have already begun their opposition research. In fact, it appears as if the snoop troops are out in full force.

Gibson went on Fox News' "O'Reilly Factor" and indicated that a print reporter is nosing around his family, friends and even his 85-year-old father. There's apparently an attempt to dig up some dirt in hopes of harming Mel and his project.

In answer to O'Reilly's questions, the filmmaker responded with the directness of a faith-filled individual.

Gibson referred to Christ's death as a "sacrifice willingly taken."

When speaking of those who might appreciate the film, Gibson said, "I think anybody that is in the know about Jesus as God – and they believe in that – realize that he was brutalized and that I'm exploring it this way." That's the statement of an unabashed believer in the deity of Jesus.

Gibson spoke of the actual suffering that will be displayed in the film in this way: "When you look at the reasons behind why Christ came – why he was crucified – he died for all mankind and he suffered for all mankind, so that, really, anybody who transgresses has to look at their own part or look at their own culpability."

We all pretty much know this isn't the usual theology of Hollywood. The film will utilize languages of the New Testament period – Aramaic and Latin. Gibson believes that a filmmaker can "transcend language with the message through image."

It looks like the worldview of some folks is seriously threatened by the combination of Gibson's talent and Christ's story. Whatever the case, it's a sure bet that a lot more Americans are grateful to Mel Gibson and won't take kindly to some lefty-led filth-finding expedition. Maybe it's time for such so-called journalists to get a new hobby. Or maybe even find religion.

[teletech]

I WILL see this film! I don't go to the movies very often because I see enough sex and violence on TV but THIS film is one I will DEFINATELY see!

[jpl]

On last night's Factor, O'Reilly stated that he had discovered the identity of the journalist/character assassin, but was withholding the name for the time being until he got rock solid proof. He indicated that he writes for the New York Times (big shocker).

Gibson is a brave man; he'll probably never be hired again by a major studio after doing this work.

[ThinkingMan]

I rarely see any movies in the theater, but I will make a point of seeing this one to show my support.

[P8riot]

No offense, but I consider it blasphemous to refer to God as "the guy upstairs". I do not find it respectful in the least bit, kind of on the level of Whoopi Goldberg playing the Almighty in your post.

True faith in God acknowledges him as God, not as an upstairs neighbor.

[TLBSHOW]

Some folks in the liberal establishment are extremely uncomfortable

Tough for them rats! If they made good movies and not garbage maybe people would respect them instead of slamming the Hollywood rats all the time. They must feel so LEFT out without impeached to hang out with at the WH. And now they want to attack Mel because they know this movie will destroy all their smears of christians. Liberal Rats are going to be sent back to the stone age and they know it.

[Skooz]

...there must be a more delicate way of describing this particular sort of spiritual discomfort...

I would say that are experiencing twinges of conscience. :0)

[TritonPro20]

How about 'The Patriot'? I think it is one of the best movies ever made. Story, cinematogrophy, acting, etc. Everything was fabulous about the movie. Mel's conservative colors came flying through in that movie.

[Wondervixen]

To the leftwing media who mocks Gibson for the stand he takes and who run down Christianity, I'm not going to bother to tell them "where to go" because as sure as a baserunner standing on third goes "home" on a bases loaded walk, they're going where THEY'RE going!

[Former]

Of course! He who protests the loudest......
Go Mel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks be to God

[Charles Henrickson]

"I think anybody that is in the know about Jesus as God – and they believe in that – realize that he was brutalized and that I'm exploring it this way. . . . When you look at the reasons behind why Christ came – why he was crucified – he died for all mankind and he suffered for all mankind, so that, really, anybody who transgresses has to look at their own part or look at their own culpability."

Well said, Mel. If you can be faithful to the biblical narrative and its point of view--and make a good, compelling, high-quality movie--I will be happy.

The risk here, commercially, is not so much a Christian point of view but the use of Aramaic and Latin. (Although personally, as a grad student in theology, I have to know those languages, and so I am looking forward to the film for that reason also,)

As I recall, the last good, commercially "mainstream" production of the life of Christ I've seen was Franco Zefferelli's mini-series production of some 25 years ago.

[brazos.357]

Sounds like a great movie. There is another Christian movie coming out soon called "Time Changer" where a school teacher from the 1890's travels through time to current day. It shows how he reacts at a public school of today and at a movie theater, etc. It looks like it could be a wake up call.

[Procyon]

he'll do a great movie that ends at the Crucifixion

That would have Christ as merely a great martyr. The Resurrection is what distinguishes Our Saviour. When the Apostles were left alone, they could have had just a story but when He arose and reappeared to them, they had the Fulfillment and a religion that has swept the Earth. "I will be with you, even to the end of time."

When we gather in church it is not a memorial service, nor mere ritual or symbolism. At the Communion He is physically present.

Gnash your teeth, Hollywood!

[cactusSharp]

no , tell me about it in freeper mail
and thx

[justshe]

(Although personally, as a grad student in theology, I have to know those languages, and so I am looking forward to the film for that reason also)

I will probably see the film in the theaters, to show support, and HOPE that the DVD version has sub-titles or translation...like Das Boot, for example. I think my viewing experience would be enhanced with the dialogue as well as the visual impact.

[BaghdadBarney]

Chill out Tuaqcamada,,, the Inquisition's been over for 500 years...

[Ten Megaton Solution]

but Mel is actually using Scripture as his guide and telling the literal truth.

Well, no, not really. Mel is going to perhaps tell the story as written in the Bible. But who knows if that's "truth"?

[P8riot]

Your reference to Torquemada is unfortunate in that it is

a) out of context - we are not talking about the inquisition

b) mispelled - Chill out Tuaqcamada,,,

c) inaccurate - I am not forcing anyone to believe anything

d) totally uncalled for - I was simply stating that I felt that it was just as disrespectful to call God the "guy upstairs" as it is to have him portrayed so flippantly by the media. To have a true faith in God you must acknowledge him as he has declared himself and not as an "off the cuff" afterthought.

I will not Chill out. I was being civil, you could at least respond in like manner. This is an open forum afterall.

[BaghdadBarney]

it certainly is an open forum and there's nothing "out of context" to my reference to Torquemada. and who gives a you-know-what if it was mispelled. I didn't know I was handing in a term paper, professor! (btw genius, you might want to capitalize the H in "himself.")

Let's get something straight: God is the Man upstairs! He's upstairs in heaven, not some "neighbor" of mine. And I'll refer to Him as such. Like I said, chill out Tuaqcamada...

[Delbert]

http://www.seattlecatholic.com/misc_20021121.html <---Excellent pics from the movie here, trying to figure out how to post....

[Delbert]