Posted on 07/02/2003 10:50:12 AM PDT by 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.
Well, while no one is ignorant enough to maintain that Jews haven't been persecuted by certain "Christian" factions over time, ALL ethnicities, sects, cultures, and religions have warred against EACH OTHER. Man is tribal. He has ALWAYS battled and frowned upon those who are different than themselves -- Jews are NO exception. Your two-thousand old 24/7/365 claim of ongoing persecution of Jews by Christians? Inane hyperbole.
True Christians have never advocated "hate the jew." Just WHO is behind the strong and unfaltering American support for Israel?? Wouldn't be CHRISTIANS, would it??
"As for myself, I still recall in fourth grade, being told by a fellow classmate that I was personally responsible for Jesus death."
And since that day, EVERY such "Christian" is represented by that ten year old?
Deep resentment and hate festers in your heart my friend -- let go og it. Challenge yourself to gather up some courage to speak to a true Bible-believing Christian person or members of a church- they'll be happy to let you know where they stand.
Yes. He's acted in plenty of lousy movies.
The lack of subtitles will be the death of this movie.
Just go to the movie. These people can't destroy Mel Gibson. I'll go to any and all movies he makes and so will millions of others. He will be rich and loved all of his days, deservedly so, and I celebrate in that. Go, Brave Heart!
Some times if we handle these things without letting the Lord do what is needed in the situation then it just does not get done right. Seek the Lord for your troubles and stand firm in the faith that His mighty hand will deal with the situation without our own pride messing up what God wants to accomplish.
Proper reaction means everything.
Then you are not aquainted with reality are you?
Maybe the public schools have fooled you into believing that religion and politics have no point of meeting, but history and a simple survey of present day politics should allay those notions.
Perhaps you mispoke. Maybe you intended to say that you believe in an Utopian ideal where amoral people such as yourself are somehow, and yet unexplainably, capable of coexisting with your neighbor without any discernable moral standard.
I pitty those who call themselves "Libertarians" because those who do so believe in a system of social order where everyone else, by necessity, is more moral, noble and selfless than the self-described libertarian. Since you seem to feel that moral absolutes have absolutely no place in civilization, you won't feel so bad when someone can rationalize enslaving you for the better good. Your laws would truly be living in that each day the public takes a vote to see if you can keep yesterday's freedom.
Of course, Libertarianism also believes in cultural deconstruction in that history, language, culture and morals are inhibiting factors that need to be destroyed.
Just remember this: Sodom and Gommorah were libertarian outposts.
And for extra credit:
Eccl 11:9 Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.
A noble gesture on Gibson's part, but he's got to realize the "art" of this movie must be transcended by the message -- which by the accounts we've been privy to is what's most important to him.
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