Why Every True Christian Must Stand Up in Defence of Mel Gibson and his Christian Movie.

Comte De Maistre

[ComtedeMaistre]

I am sure many of you have been following the controversy involving Mel Gibson and his movie on the crucifixion of Jesus the Christ, titled, "The Passion". On the O'reilly Factor yesterday, they re-ran an interview that Gibson did with O'reilly some weeks back.

Mel Gibson has been voted several years in a row, as one of the most beloved and admired actors in Hollywood, popular with people from all walks of life. He is popular among liberals and conservatives, the young and the old, blacks and whites, men and women, religious and non-religious, Americans and non-Americans, etc. It is difficult to imagine a celebrity with as great a popular appeal, among as diverse a group of people, as Mel Gibson. Gibson has also distinguished himself as a defender of strong family values, and has one of the longest and most enduring marriages of any major movie star, as well as a ton of kids, in the Hollywood industry that is known for its anti-family and immoral leanings.

Now, Gibson is using his immense popularity among Americans of all sorts, not to sell Coke and Pepsi, but to sell the drink of everlasting life (read the story of Christ and the woman at the well, in your New Testament). He has made a movie that is a testimony of his deep Christian faith, showing the immense suffering that our Lord endured before he was crucified, almost 2000 years ago. I have read reports that suggest that the imagery of the movie was so powerful and moving, that "Muslims and Agnostics" at the movie set were moved to accept Christ.

Perhaps because of the powerful impact of the movie, as well as the immense popularity of Gibson which could help sell the film, Mel Gibson has been targetted by the forces of political correctness. These forces include some of the most powerful special interest groups on the face of the earth, forces that make politicians and journalists tremble and shiver with fear - forces that have the power to make and break careers, and build and ruin reputations. If those anti-Christian forces succeed in their mission to censor and/or destroy a man as popular and as loved by Americans as Mel Gibson, what chance does the average everyday Christian have to defend his freedom of worship?

Interestingly, Hollywood has, in recent years, released movies that promoted anti-Christian (especially anti-Catholic) hatred and bigotry. Do you all remember "Dogma", "Priest", and "Last Temptation of Christ"? Where was the outrage from the godfathers of political correctness when these movies were being shown in theatres all over America? Why is it okay to make anti-Christian movies, but not movies that portray the Christian faith in a positive light?

Christians must speak out in a loud voice, as never before. You need to speak in defence of Gibson on every conservative radio talk show. Make every public effort to show that you support Gibson in his work in defence of the faith, and boycott his enemies. Gibson must be made to feel the outpouring of support that Christians have for him.

Is Christianity a religion for men or mice? Depending on how successful the efforts to support Gibson are, and how successful his movie is, we will soon know. But all I can say is that the ancient Christians whom Nero tossed to the lions, were certainly not mice. You can either choose to worship the gods of political correctness, or Jesus Christ. Man cannot serve two masters.

[ComtedeMaistre]

I did not become a conservative simply because I wanted low taxes and small government. If low taxes and small government was all I was interested in, I would have become a libertarian.

I became a conservative because I believe in what Russell Kirk described as the "permanent things". I can think of no greater conservative cause, than to defend Christian civilization, especially now that the courts are endorsing moral relativism.

[Grand Old Partisan]

I agree with your sentiments, but Mel Gibson can handle himself, especially about a movie that won't be out until next year.

[B-Chan]

Obviously I agree. The degree to which this film has already been attacked is proof that Mr. Gibson is making a mighty work; the Enemy does not waste ammunition. The more this film is criticized by the world (which hates our Lord), the more we may be certain that the Lord's work will be done through this film.

Love the screenname, by the way!

[princess leah]

I saw O'Reilly last night and moved to hear Mel speak of his movie in terms of spreading the simple message of "faith, hope, love, and forgiveness" as he put it...GO MEL!

[borkrules]

It has been somewhat interesting to me to see some of the backlash that Gibson's film has drawn already even though it hasn't even been released. Somebody doesn't even like the IDEA of a respectful, mainstream film about Christianity's Founder.

But, frankly, unless I'm missing something, the attempts to tarnish the movie have been pretty weak and lame and said far more about the attacker than it has about the film or its maker.

It will be interesting to read the Time Magazine review though, won't it?

[ComtedeMaistre]

And it does not matter if you are Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran, Presbyterian, believer in armenianism or pre-destination, regular church-goer or irregular church attendee, we are all in this together. As Benjamin Franklin said, "we all hang together, or we will hang separately".

[ComtedeMaistre]

>>>but Mel Gibson can handle himself<<<

Don't make that assumption. Are you forgetting how the sharks went after Trent Lott for making a good humoured joke at a birthday celebration?

[AmericanInTokyo]

"I did not become a conservative simply because I wanted low taxes and small government. If low taxes and small government was all I was interested in, I would have become a libertarian."

VERY very well said. That is an excellent quote. Hope you don't mind we make it 'community property'. It says it all for a lot of us. I think even some libertarians would agree as it does make an important distinction.

[ComtedeMaistre]

>>>>Love the screenname, by the way!<<<<

Oh, thank you. And I am pleased to note from your profile page, that you are a Monarchist, just like me. And just like my name sake: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09554a.htm

[AmericanInTokyo]

Gee, I'd even through the Mormons into that batch. But I wouldn't the moonies or christian identity churches, who are in the dark, i.m.h.o.

[RightWhale]

it does not matter if you are Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, Evangelical, Pentecostal, Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran, Presbyterian,

Everyone is Christian whether they call themselves Christian or not. Everyone on earth. All 6 billion of us.

[Blzbba]

Can someone point me to a source detailing the negativity and criticism this movie is receiving? I've only heard the positives so far. I can't imagine what's offensive about a movie based on the Bible. Well, actually I can...but it's just a movie. I mean, did arachnaphobes complain and protest the spider movie "8-Legged Freaks"?

I would tell any PC-critic of this movie the same thing that I would tell the virulent fundamentalist Christian who preaches against strip clubs:

"If you don't like it, don't go.".

I'll probably wait to see this flick when it hits cable TV. I don't go to the $15/person theaters anymore.

[AmericanInTokyo]

oh, i dont know i'd put it that way. there is no shortage of outright satanists and atheists out there floating around in the 6 billion!

[Blzbba]

"I think even some libertarians would agree as it does make an important distinction."


Total agreement and why I choose to be a libertarian. I'm of the opinion that religion and politics shouldn't mix.

[Blzbba]

"Everyone is Christian whether they call themselves Christian or not"


LOL when I think of a born-again Southern Baptist reading that!

Curious what you base that on....

[kegler4]

"These forces include some of the most powerful special interest groups on the face of the earth, forces that make politicians and journalists tremble and shiver with fear - forces that have the power to make and break careers, and build and ruin reputations. If those anti-Christian forces succeed in their mission to censor and/or destroy a man as popular and as loved by Americans as Mel Gibson, what chance does the average everyday Christian have to defend his freedom of worship?"


Could you be more specific? Exactly which groups are the journalists trembling before?

[gdani]

Can someone point me to a source detailing the negativity and criticism this movie is receiving?

Having only seen clips & pix from the Fox News interview, my complaint is that they portray Jesus (and probably everyone else) as looking European with light complexions & long, flowing light-colored hair.

That's not the way people look in that region & I doubt it was any different then.

[Slyfox]

Christians must speak out in a loud voice, as never before.

The best voice we could have would be that when the movie comes out on Ash Wednesday we see it then and also see it every Friday during Lent.

[kegler4]

"These forces include some of the most powerful special interest groups on the face of the earth, forces that make politicians and journalists tremble and shiver with fear - forces that have the power to make and break careers, and build and ruin reputations. If those anti-Christian forces succeed in their mission to censor and/or destroy a man as popular and as loved by Americans as Mel Gibson, what chance does the average everyday Christian have to defend his freedom of worship?"


Could you be more specific? Exactly which groups are the journalists trembling before?

[TheAngryClam]

Pagans too!

We were here first, by the way, and the gods willing, we're slowly taking back our civilization from the Christians that stole it from us.