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.

[Delbert]

[Delbert]

There are a lot of Christians on F/R I hope everyone here supports this movie full force when it comes out...to not only support Mel Gibson for having the cajones to make this movie, but also to send a message to Hollyweird showing their is a market for Good Movies.

[TLBSHOW]

ping

[MHGinTN]

He's upstairs in heaven, not some "neighbor" of mine. Well, it is said the Angels dwell in the presence of God. When an Angel/messenger visited Belshazzar in his Babylonian palace and delivered a message, the presence of God was no further away than the length of an arm. something to think about, don'tcha know! [The story is found in Daniel, in the Old Testament.] Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

To speak of the Almighty in too familiar terms is to overly anthropomorphize the Creator of the Universe. As Jesus told his disciples and Phillip in particular, all a human can know of God is what one sees in the Savior ... sort of like 'all a flatlander living in a two-dimension world could know of a pencil is where it intersects the flatland and by adding up the collected data, a sembalance of pencil would result, but the whole pencil would be unknowable.'

He's upstairs in heaven, not some "neighbor" of mine. Jesus is alive and as close as a man's arm away from you at every moment of your life ... space and time are no hindrance to our Lord, as witnessed by those in a locked upper room, by disicples walking along a road and fishing from a boat, and arising into the air, and ... well, you get the gist, hopefully.

[MHGinTN]

There's apparently an attempt to dig up some dirt in hopes of harming Mel and his project. I don't think that if something is spewed forth in an attempt to smear him that Mel Gibson would suffer ... he's forgiven, as are all Christians, and anything these ghouls try to use will be one more opportunity for us, his brothers and sisters in Christ, to explain it to the somnambulent world!

[MHGinTN]

Mel is going to perhaps tell the story as written in the Bible. But who knows if that's "truth"? posted by Ten Megaton Solution I start by assuming that God is, that He is a lover of those that diligently seek Him, and that He is the author of the Bible. He is the author in a way you apparently haven't discovered : God works on the inward parts His Spirit plucks the strings of your soul when the Bible is read and studied, so He accomplishes that which He purposes. I don't think the Bible could be wrenched from the intentions of God since He created the entire universe at His will. The correctness of the Bible comes not so much from the way the books and verses have been handled throughout history as it comes from the omnipotence of the author. Accept that premise and read the Book, starting with the Book of Luke the physician writing to a Greek questioner, then the Acts of the Apostles, also written to the Greek. It will change your life and destination, friend, for He is there with you to translate any heartfelt question you may have.

[TLBSHOW]

Jesus is alive and as close as a man's arm away from you at every moment of your life ... space and time are no hindrance to our Lord, as witnessed by those in a locked upper room, by disicples walking along a road and fishing from a boat, and arising into the air, and ... well, you get the gist, hopefully.


Fantastic posts!

[semaj]

BUMP to the faithful.

[Richard Kimball]

More seriously, this film could lead to many being saved who would otherwise never be reached by any other form of outreach

This is true. Unfortunately, about 90% of media that's done as Christian outreach is so poorly done that it probably has the opposite effect. The Mormans have a wonderful series of commercials, but I have serious problems with some of their beliefs.

His movie Signs, was a beautiful statement of how the adversities and tragedies we face in life are part of the ultimate plan. I hope this movie is as successful as Braveheart. Also, I would be very surprised if it did not include Christ rising from the grave.

[Richard Kimball]

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

I do.

[MHGinTN]

well thank you, TLB. It's the little things in life that regale the soul, don'tcha know!

[condi2008]

'all a flatlander living in a two-dimension world could know of a pencil is where it intersects the flatland and by adding up the collected data, a sembalance of pencil would result, but the whole pencil would be unknowable.'

~C.S. Lewis?

[katana]

Fully agree with you about the relative sophistication of the "marketing" efforts of the Mormons vs. (ahem) "mainstream" Christian sects. I have a few Mormon friends whom I dearly love, but having tried a few times to actually read The Book of Mormon I'm afraid they'll never get me to convert. That being said, dispersing copies of the Bible through ads and "800" numbers is an altogether good thing and they deserve credit for it.

I'm really not sure whether The Passion will or will not include the Resurrection. The film is supposed to describe the last twelve hours of Jesus' life. Whether there will be anything concerning what happened the third day is not clear but, like you, I will be disappointed if there isn't.

[MHGinTN]

~C.S. Lewis? Came up with that analogy on my own when explaining the exchange between Jesus and Phillip concerning the Disciples being shown the Father for a proof of Jesus' Messiah reality. Thanks for the compliment though ... I'm a huge fan of Lewis; bought the final anthology of his writings for my little granddaughter before the hollyweird folks mutate even his clear teachings.

[CyberAnt]

"first positive exposure to the life, death and resurection of Christ"

Yes it will, and I'm excited about seeing this film. What most people don't understand is that scourging was a common practice in Jesus time. Scourging is litterally beating someone to death. Nailing Jesus to the cross didn't kill him - puncturing him with a spear didn't kill him - the beating he got killed him.

Scourge: (skûrj) n.

A source of widespread dreadful affliction and devastation.
A means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or punishment.
A whip used to inflict punishment.

tr.v., scourged, scourg·ing, scourg·es.

To afflict with severe or widespread suffering and
devastation; ravage.
To chastise severely; excoriate.
To flog.

Excoriate means: To tear or wear off the skin.

This had to be the most painful death you could imagine. I think people need to realize this was no ordinary death - this was a terrible sacrifice FOR OUR BENEFIT!!

[Dataman]

[MHGinTN]

Interesting painting. From the Russian Orthodox? ... It doesn't portray the Lord as noticeably Jewish, does it. I tend to believe He will have a much more rugged, outdoorsy appearance, with strong, rough hands from carpentry work, and the lithe shape of a man not given to over indulgence. Also, His wounds in hands, feet, scalp, and side will still be perhaps identifiable ... they were evident to the disciples following His ressurection, but that may have been due to a lot of factors.

[VOA]

Seems Mel, who built a resort home there, was in the shop one day with his whole family.
That's right, all seven kids and wife.

(Forgive me if you've read this post before)
I got to see Mel at the Malibu Courthouse a few years back.
He was unassuming, dressed in blue jeans and a casual shirt. According to a
courthouse guard, Gibson was there in a matter concerning a papparazzi or other
harrassing type.

I got to see him get in his very humble small SUV and drive himself away...all alone.
No entourage, no big deal...just an average citizen going about his bidness.

I didn't really believe I'd actually seen Gibson in the flesh until I saw
the evening news where he was doing a promo for "Chicken Run"...he still was
in the same blue jeans and casual shirt.

Sure he's just another human being, but I suspect Gibson is what we call "a mensch".

Other hot tip from the Malibu Courthouse guard..."Pamila Anderson is not a very nice person..."

[codder too]

But who knows if that's "Truth"?

If you don't you REALLY need to see this movie.

[Dataman]

I like it because it shows the reiging resurrected Christ who now wears a cross around his neck. What was once a Roman symbol for death now is a symbol of life.