Churches Make 'Stunning' Show of Support for Gibson's 'Passion'

Newsmax.com ^ | Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004

[NYC GOP Chick]

I can't wait to see the revival that takes place because of this, and I also can't wait to watch those converted vote this coming fall.

Well, I'm planning to see the movie when it comes out -- mostly out of curiosity -- but please don't expect me to convert from Judaism! :)

[Senator Pardek]

LOL - I sure do!

[Victoria Delsoul]

So get ready. :-)

[Senator Pardek]

I'm waiting ;)

[Victoria Delsoul]

Bump!

[eccl1212]

The apostles knew and taught that the "preaching of the cross" would ever be an offense or a stumbling block. Everybody loves to hear about resurrection... but shuns crucifixion, which is very understandable. Crucifixion is gruesome.

Paul spoke in continuous PRESENT tense when he said "I AM crucified with Christ, nevertheless (at the same time) I live, yet not I but Christ..." or similar translations.

Speaking of communion:"by this {act of communion} show ye the Lord's death TILL HE COME..."

Until HE comes, we are stuck with the present tense celebration of Christ's DEATH... not just the joyful celebration of his being risen.

I think it is good for individual Christians to remember, Jesus WAS CRUCIFIED for ME. It helps us concentrate on killing the sinful nature we all still struggle with. It reminds us the natural results of sin.

I think this is one area where the Catholics, are hitting the nail on the head... and where those of us from Protestant backgrounds, might be missing it a little.

Kudos MEL, on the film.

I hope it rocks the world!

[eccl1212]

"but please don't expect me to convert from Judaism"

---

why would you expect to convert?
none of the apostles did.
Jesus certainly didn't.


However, a lot of the Greeks were required to convert to Judaism, as part of their Christian experience.

For about 30 years of the early church history, there remained a divide in the body of believers in Christ, as to whether or not this should be so. After the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of animal sacrifice (as in true judaism), it became more and more of a moot point.

Many Christian sects practice male circumcision... to this day. Go figure

[NYC GOP Chick]

I was responding to someone who had posted about "the converted" and I just wanted to make it clear that while I'm interested in seeing the movie, I have no interest in converting.

[AAABEST]

Gee just start in on Catholics why don't ya?

I guess Christ using a Catholic to make this film means we have it all wrong?

Of course the resurrection is joyous and immense, but his crucifixion shows us all how he drastically he suffered, was humiliated, tortured and executed for our sins.

It all has great meaning. No need to scowl.

[Jordan Vandenberg]

I think it was an excellent idea to do it in the ancient languages. Those who don't understand will be tempted to pick up the Gospels and read what they missed ;)

Brilliant Mel!

[Jorge]

"It's the best evangelization opportunity we've had since the actual death of Jesus"

Stunningly bad taste, in my opinion.

What would you consider good taste?

Candy coating the death of Christ to save mankind as some pretty gold plated crucifix sold in the jewelry store?

Jesus said when He was raised up on the cross that He would draw men to him.
I wouldn't call this a bad taste in evangelism on the part of Jesus.

[Jorge]

This thread is the worst thing about FR. A discussion of the magnificent level of support for this movie turns into a Catholic / Protestant debate and an argument over the scriptures.

There will always be arguments over issues of Biblical doctrine when it comes to the Catholic vs Protestant debate.
Big deal.

In a greater sense I see this movie as bringing all demoninations together behind a common experience..that is meeting Christ and seeing what He has done for us.

Don't sweat the small stuff.

[Texas2step]

???! Think about what you just said.

I've been accused by others of being dense. :-) What to explain it to me?

I'm probably pretty hardcore fundamental evangelical, myself, but I still believe this to be a fairly true statement.

Let's look at what successful, hardcore "Christian" movies that protestants have been brought to the mainstream so far:




















OK, maybe The Ten Commandments. But that was a long, long time ago.

Basically, what I'm trying to say, is that "mainstream" protestants do not do a good job with teaching what Jesus really did for us on the cross. What did he really go through to pay the atonement for our sins?

This movie sounds like it will do that much better than anything that has been put forth to the general public so far. Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe the movie will get it all wrong. But, great Christian leaders, like Billy Graham, who have seen this movie have given it high praises.

The fact is that the person who God is using to bring this movie to us is Roman Catholic. Sure, God could have used someone from an evangelic/protestant faith, but he didn't.

How can we aspire, like Paul, to share in the fellowship of His sufferings if we do not truly understand what those sufferings entailed. I think I have a pretty good grasp on what He went through, but most of the Christians I know do not, or do not act like it anyway.

This is not a slam on protestants, just a sad testimony of Christianity today.

Now, if I'm missing something, or I completely misunderstood your comment/question, please let me know.

[rwfromkansas]

good point; I never said anything contradicting you anyway.

[Leroy S. Mort]

It's the best evangelization opportunity we've had since the actual death of Jesus"

Me: Stunningly bad taste, in my opinion.

You: What would you consider good taste?

Me again: Not considering the dramatization of the Passion of Christ as some collosal marketing opportunity.

[eccl1212]

"I never said anything contradicting you anyway."

---

And I never thought you did.
I was just chiming in to more or less agree with you.
It seems that everybody thinks every comment is an argument these days.

It's the worst I have seen than in ever before in the last 5-6 years.

your comments were good.

[missyme]

Just curious does 'converting' me beleiving that "Jesus is the Messiah,,I ask because I know many Messianic Jews that belong to no traditional christian organizations and they say they are not converts there Jews as in the early christians. My understanding of 'converts' is Muslims, Hindus Buddhists would be the only ones considered converts.

[Aquinasfan]

I'm an evangelical with Reformed leanings, not Roman Catholic, for what it's worth.

There should be plenty of common ground. I used to do some work with a CPC here in Massachusetts that was run mostly by Catholics and Evangelicals. I met a lot of wonderful Evangelicals.

[NYC GOP Chick]

I'm not sure just what you're trying to say or ask me, but I'll just say that as a Jew, I don't accept Jesus as the Messiah.

Of course, YMMV.

[missyme]

OK...