Brutal, bloody and thin-skinned

The Autonomist ^ | 3/02/04 | Reginald Firehammer

[Hank Kerchief]

 

Brutal, bloody and thin-skinned

"The Passion of the Christ" I said, "is a Roman Catholic movie, made by Catholics for Catholics, presenting the distinctly Catholic view of Biblical record of the crucifixion. From its title, which is distinctly Roman Catholic, (no one else calls Jesus, "the Christ" except in the expression, "the Christ child,") to its content, emphasizing Mary's role, it is Roman Catholic.

"It is not possible to criticize this movie without it directly or indirectly criticizing Catholic doctrine or sentiment. Therefore, according to Roman Catholics, you are not suppose to criticize this movie, because that is, ipso facto, Catholic Bashing. If you do not like the movie, have disagreements with any aspect of it, from how it was made to its intent, its content, its cinematography, or anything else, just shut-up or be known to the world as a bigoted Catholic hater."

I said that yesterday. Today, Barbara Simpson, in her WorldNetDaily exclusive, "Brutal, bloody and sublime" has gone to trouble of proving what I said.

"The critics are full of ... cynicism, anti-Christian bias, liberal politics, hatred of Catholics and their Church, and in many cases, atheism. They hate any religion," she wrote.

If you do not love this film, if you criticize it, you are. "anti-Christian," you hate Catholics, you hate their Church, you "hate any religion;" in fact, horror of horrors, you might even be an evil detestable atheist. I know you might be tempted to think these are not exactly the words of love, but you deserve them.

"Critics, reviewers and self-appointed spokesmen for groups have an agenda and they put it before integrity," she explains. It does not matter if your "agenda" happens to be nothing more than a sense of decency and propriety that includes an aversion to emotional self-flagellation, you lack integrity.

"You have to search for an honest review of Gibson's film ...," because anything other than unreserved praise for the film is, apparently and without question, not "honest."

Barbara accuses critics of "hating all religion," because they criticize The Passion of the Christ, which is not a film dedicated to "all religion," but strictly to the Roman Catholic religion and it's views. So you are not only full-of-hate and anti-religious if you criticize the movie, you are full-of-hate and anti-religious if you do not agree with the Catholic view of things.

According to Barbara, the reason the critics hate Gibson is because, "they knew of Gibson's loyalty to traditional Catholicism and his patriotism. A triple whammy – a religious, patriotic, conservative," because, if you are not Catholic, you are not religious, and probably not patriotic or conservative either.

If you do not think the movie is historically or Biblically accurate, you are not a believer, because, as Barbara says, "If you're a believer, that's what happened," so if you do not think that is "what happened," you are not a believer.

If you think there are aspects of the movie that arouse anti-Jewish or other hateful sentiments of any kind, an accusation we personally think is silly, you hate the Bible. It is not possible for you to disagree on this point, "there's nothing to arouse hate unless, of course, you hate the Bible – and many do." But then, Barbara must travel in a crowd very different from mine. I do not know a single person who "hates" the Bible. I know some who think it is silly, but they no more "hate" it than they do the Bhagavad Gita, which they think is equally silly.

She says, "It's not for young children but for those who understand and know the story – yes." Of course, if you know and understand the story and think Mel Gibson and the Catholics got it wrong, well, then, you must hate them. Of course their thinking you got it wrong is not hate.

"For people of faith, 'The Passion' strengthens beliefs," she said. If you happen to think the consequence of having your sensibilities assaulted for the better part of two hours is more akin to a pathology than "faith," then, you are a "hater." Or, if unlike Barbara, who thanks Mel Gibson, "for a brilliant and realistic piece of filmmaking and for taking us closer to God," you think the film is fantastic and unrealistic, then you just do not know God.

If I thought the way Barbara Simpson does I would think being accused of, "cynicism, anti-Christian bias, ... hatred of Catholics and their Church, ..., atheism, lack of integrity, and hating the Bible, was hateful. I do not think like that. The idea that everyone who disagrees with you or says things you do not like, even strong things, hates you is a disease.

Barbara, critics of The Passion of the Christ, which includes me, do not hate you, do not hate Catholics, and do not even hate your movie. Most of us like you. How could anyone dislike someone known as "the Babe in the Bunker?" We are just not fond of your movie.

There is one fact about the movie I like very much. I am delighted that Mr. Gibson is going to make a bundle on this movie. There are few things a free-market lover enjoys more than to see someone's investment and efforts make a profit. I am delighted Mel's efforts and money have produced something that so many people find of value. Just because it is of no value to me, like many other products I have no use for, I will still gain from the fact that it increases the available products in the market, which I heartily applaud. Good job, Mr. Gibson!

I was criticized for saying, "The Passion of the Christ is sustained brutality and graphic, bloody, vicious, cruelty. Catholics will really enjoy it." But Barbara says I was right, Catholics will not only enjoy this "brutal, bloody," movie, they will call it "sublime."

—Reginald Firehammer (3/02/04)

[Hank Kerchief]

A criticism is not hate. It may even be love, if the thin-skinned would just put a little salve of reason on their hurts and think.

[johniegrad]

You are correct. This thin skinned individual writing this criticism is not guilty of hate, simply irrelevance.

[Campion]

From its title, which is distinctly Roman Catholic, (no one else calls Jesus, "the Christ" except in the expression, "the Christ child,")

Then again, if it is couched in amazingly inaccurate comments like this, a "criticism" may just be an example of drooling stupidity trying to pass as intelligence.

[Enough_Deceit]

What cracks me up is that the same people who are griping because the movie is so bloody seem to be the ones who have no qualms in letting their kids play some horrifically violent video games. Although I am not Catholic, I commend Mr. Gibson for his courage in making this movie. Whatever means of bringing someone to Christ is good in my book. I am hoping that many movie goers will have their hearts touched and turn to Christ and perhaps turn their lives around. BTW, our church refers to Jesus as "The Christ", so the author is incorrect in stating that the Catholics are the only ones.

[Pete]

I am an American Evangelical and I enjoyed the movie. I do not believe one needs to be Catholic to enjoy it.

[jtminton]

I agree. While I took many aspects of the movie as being clearly Catholic, a non-believer or fence sitter isn't really going to notice, nor is it going to affect it. It's a relatively Catholic movie, but it's not a Pro-Catholic movie, if that makes sense.

[jtminton]

I go to an evangelical church, too and I loved it. I saw it twice, which everyone should do. The second time you see it, it's not quite as shocking, so the movie can really minister to you more.

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

I must agree with the author. Our family has a deep moral conviction about the viewing of religious films. This is based on a traditional Reformed view of the Ten Commandments. I have stated these convictions on these "Passion" threads. However, I never accused anyone of anyting amiss if they decided to see "the film." Because we do not intend to see "the movie" for religious reasons, I have been labeled ignorant, hateful, intolerant and a Catholic-basher.

[mountaineer]

I agree. As an evangelical, I don't see what is particularly "Catholic" (in the Roman Catholic sense, not the "universal" sense) about the movie.

[Lemondropkid31]

I just got back from seeing it today and it was incredible. I am not a catholic, but a christian, and it was awsome. Everyone should see this.

[Naspino]

I just look on sermonaudio.com, which is fairly anti-catholic, and was surprised to find them encouraging people to not view this movie because of its origins. I cannot imagine what in this movie contradicts my protestant beliefs. I left the movie 1) understanding what it meant to suffer, 2) feeling overwhelmed with love for what Jesus did for me, 3) understanding everytime I sin I am adding to that suffering, 4) wanting to resist evil more than I ever have.

I guess the devil pulled one over me.

[Snuffington]

Have you ever walked into the middle of a conversation and not been able to tell exactly what's being discussed? If not, read this article and discover what it's like.

This whole thing seems to be written from the perspective of someone who has no knowledge of the hugely positive Protestant response to the film. But that doesn't seem to factor in, because somehow we're further along in the conversation than that. No idea how it was resolved, but apparently we're happy with the resolution.

Now we're at some point where a writer I've never heard of is somehow speaking for every Catholic, thereby proving some point this guy made yesterday. How did she get elevated to such a role? Why are other Catholic reviewers' comments less relevant? Did we resolve this yesterday too? Or is it something worth bringing up? No idea.

Yes indeed, I have walked into the middle of conversations like this. And I generally find it's better to back away than try to join in.

[HEY4QDEMS]

so if you do not think that is "what happened," you are not a believer.

Why does he have a problem with this? Another way of saying "if you do not think that is what happened" is "if you do not believe that is what happened"

She obviously got to him big time.

[Dahoser]

I was raised a Catholic (recovering nicely, thank you) so I concede that I would not notice if it were, but I don't see how it's a Catholic movie versus a Christian movie other than that a Catholic made it. The prominence of Mary can hardly be construed as Catholic because there is no hint of the divinity that Catholics assign to her. Am I missing something obvious?

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

This is a movie people. If someone doesn't like the movie, it does not mean that they hate God, hate Jesus, hate the Bible, hate Catholics, hate Mel Gibson or hate conservatives. If somebody feels that this movie strengthens their faith, that's okay by me. However, do not judge the faith, devotion and integrity of others that do not care to watch a movie for cryin' out loud.

[responder]

I didn't notice anything that as overtly promoting Catholicism in the movie. I call Jesus 'the Christ' because the New Testament refers to Him with that title. Mary's role in the movie is how I understand it from scripture and does not promote Marian doctrine at all, in my opinion. I think the movie was more a presentation of the 4 gospels than of Catholicism doctrine, which is what Gibson wanted to accomplish.

[maestro]

FYI

How important is it to revive the Crusades?

[spatzie]

"If you do not love this film, if you criticize it, you are. 'anti-Christian' "
My son is a born-again, spirit-filled radical Christian who is fond of some of the (on the surface) most violent music I've ever listened to.
He didn't like the violence in this movie.
He's happy Mel Gibson made it, and feels it will no doubt lead some to Christ, but he says there's too much death and not enough resurrection.
I joked that maybe that was because, in Hollywood, they often make movies a little "open-ended", so sequels can be made.
who knows?,
I haven't seen it yet, but I will eventually after the hype dies down.
as far as it being Roman Catholic biased, well, it was produced by a Roman Catholic with Roman Catholic sensibilities. I find nothing wrong with that.
We each experience the reality of God, (or not),differently, and express it differently.

[Cicero]

When important people say something stupid, it deserves notice. When someone you never heard of says something stupid, it's not worth bothering about.

This doesn't deserve to be posted.

[Dahoser]

Actually, the title was supposed to be just The Passion, but there is another film by that title so Mel had to go with the present title. It may well be one of those Catholic things I would not notice, though I don't recall hearing Jesus the Christ at all, but it's not the reason why it was titled as such.

[marron]

Your are right. The theaters are packed with evangelicals. On the subject covered in the movie there is no separation between evangelicals and catholics. It amuses me to see writers scratching for a protestant/catholic angle on this and not finding it.

As for the content of the original article, no, of course criticism of the movie isn't automatically anti-Christian. We could do a pretty good job of pointing out quibbles here. But most of the criticism I have seen and read so far has been rooted in hostility to Christians and their faith. I have seen some that was serious and reasonable, but not much. Most of it has been shallow and knee-jerk.

[Enough_Deceit]

I agree with you, disliking the movie does not make one a hater of God, Jesus, Bible, Catholics, Mel Gibson, Conservatives, etc. It is a personal choice. Personally, my husband and I have chosen not to see it. I still applaud Mr. Gibson's courage. The point that I was trying to make was that some of the people that I have known to squawk the loudest about this due to the violence are the same ones who buy their children horrible video games. Not a judgment, just an observation.

[jscd3]

The prominence of Mary can hardly be construed as Catholic because there is no hint of the divinity that Catholics assign to her. Am I missing something obvious?

Well for one thing, Catholics don't consider Mary divine - that role is reserved for God, since that's what a divinity is. Other than that, no, your not missing anything as far as I can tell

[Don'tMessWithTexas]

I am sure this movie did all of that for you. However, I did not go to the movie. Sunday I and my family heard a marvelous sermon at church. Through that sermon, we learned to appreciate the sufferings of Christ more, we were overwhelmed by his love for sinners, we realized that we were responsible for that suffering and we wanted to shun sin and live a more holy life. We did not have to stand in line, drop a load of money or sit in a dirty theater. I do not think our christian life is somehow inferior because we decided not to see the film

[responder]

If I had a criticism from my Christian perspective and my view of Christ, it was that the empty cross was not emphasized (ie the resurrection). I guess that may be coming in the sequel as you suggest. However, the emphasize of the Mass is on the death and not the resurrection; hence, the doctrine of transsubstantion, so I guess in that sense this is the catholic vs non-catholic perspective. I was sensitive to any overt catholic, non-scriptural doctrine, and didn't find any and I loved the movie. If you can love a movie depicting the guilt we all share.

[responder]

If I had a criticism from my Christian perspective and my view of Christ, it was that the empty cross was not emphasized (ie the resurrection). I guess that may be coming in the sequel as you suggest. However, the emphasize of the Mass is on the death and not the resurrection; hence, the doctrine of transsubstantion, so I guess in that sense this is the catholic vs non-catholic perspective. I was sensitive to any overt catholic, non-scriptural doctrine, and didn't find any and I loved the movie. If you can love a movie depicting the guilt we all share.

[Campion]

Am I missing something obvious?

Evidently your experience as a Catholic didn't include the obvious factoid that Catholics don't "assign divinity" to Mary, or anyone else except God. That counts as pretty obvious in my book.

[rbmillerjr]

Attempts to divide Christains are at their full glory................hhmmmmmmmmmmm (images of the Church Lady) Sayyyyyyyyyyyyytan

[wordsofearnest]

Hello neighbor. I saw it last Saturday and thought it accurately portrayed events as I see them. It is just a movie and it is called the Passion not the Resurrection. Maybe the Resurrection is next.

[angkor]

Is this a movie review? A cultural critique? An editorial?

What is it?

[johniegrad]

Yep.

[wordsofearnest]

Mary has no divinity.

[jscd3]

Attempts to divide Christains are at their full glory

I certainly agree with this statement, though I think that attempts to divide based on The Passion will likely fail.

[armyboy]

What cracks me up is that the same people who are griping because the movie is so bloody seem to be the ones who have no qualms in letting their kids play some horrifically violent video games.
You are right.
Where was the out cry of violence over "Saving Private Ryan","The Patriot","We Were Soldiers",and any of the "Jason" movies?

[Naspino]

We did not have to stand in line..Neither did I!

drop a load of money..Didn't you??

or sit in a dirty theater....Neither did I!

I do not think our christian life is somehow inferior because we decided not to see the film....

...and I said that where exactly? But, my personal opinion is that people that attack the movie and try to encourage others to not view it without seeing the movie in the first place are preaching ignorantly.

[Revelation 5]

I am an Evangelical Christian who has been teaching the Bible for many years. I loved the movie. Yes, the Roman Catholics do stress the suffering of Christ while we stress the resurrection and victory over sin and death. I think it is very good for us to be reminded how Christ suffered for our salvation. Mel Gibson is a Catholic so why shouldn't he put a "Catholic" slant on his film. I believe this is a gift from God at a time when we are fighting the culture war. The Christ just means The Messiah. It is not only Catholics that use the term The Christ.

[Revelation 5]

I am an Evangelical Christian who has been teaching the Bible for many years. I loved the movie. Yes, the Roman Catholics do stress the suffering of Christ while we stress the resurrection and victory over sin and death. I think it is very good for us to be reminded how Christ suffered for our salvation. Mel Gibson is a Catholic so why shouldn't he put a "Catholic" slant on his film. I believe this is a gift from God at a time when we are fighting the culture war. The Christ just means The Messiah. It is not only Catholics that use the term The Christ.

[Hank Kerchief]

Is this a movie review? A cultural critique? An editorial?

Yes. Yes. Yes.

Hank

[jtminton]

Most of what I (again, this is my humble opinion) saw as far as this being a Catholic movie had to do with Mary. Keep in mind, I didn't say that it was a bad movie, but I can tell that Mel Gibson is Catholic.

1. I thought that Mary knowing where Jesus was being held (when she walked over and put her head on the ground right above where Jesus was) could be seen as giving her supernatural power, but that's just me. My wife thinks it's just a mother-child bond.

2. Everyone seemed to call her 'Mother'. Then again, that might just be how people referred to older women back then.

3. Peter telling Mary that he's unworthy of her touch after he denied Jesus seemed to make Mary out to be somebody special (she did give birth to Jesus, and talked to a real live angel, so I'm not saying she isn't). Then again, if I just denied somebody who was being beaten then I probably wouldn't feel too proud around his mother, either.

4. Mary was the only person who could see or acknowledge the Satan/evil person, but then again Judas saw the demon child.

Like I said, it's a great movie that everyone should see (twice), but I saw some Catholic influences. So I guess I'll revise my original statement to say that this is a movie that can be perceived as a Catholic movie.

[cannonball]

Hey there, Mr. Firehammer. Folks here in the bible belt are lining up to see this movie. In case you don't know, the bible belt isn't strongly RC. So what is your agenda?

[pblax8]

I just wanted to follow your line of thinking here.

"Therefore, according to Roman Catholics, you are not suppose to criticize this movie, because that is, ipso facto, Catholic Bashing."

The statement makes obvious his stereotyping or generalizing of Catholic people. AKA: Bigot.

"Or, if unlike Barbara, who thanks Mel Gibson, "for a brilliant and realistic piece of filmmaking and for taking us closer to God," you think the film is fantastic and unrealistic, then you just do not know God."
TRUE, from the perspective of a Christian.

I would like to possibly open the mind, and maybe the heart of this unbeliever. The Passion of Christ is central to ALL Christians, not just Catholics. Your words reveal your prejudices.

And Finally,
"There is one fact about the movie I like very much. I am delighted that Mr. Gibson is going to make a bundle on this movie."

Here the author allows us to recognize what it is that he really worships. With this line he has lost all consideration for his point of view.

I do not hate this man but rather pity him.

[Hidgy]

.....depicting the guilt we all share.

All we sinners (Jews & Gentiles) crucified Him. Now put that in your antisemetic pipe and smoke it !!!!

[mountaineer]

Through that sermon, we learned to appreciate the sufferings of Christ more, we were overwhelmed by his love for sinners, we realized that we were responsible for that suffering and we wanted to shun sin and live a more holy life.

I saw "The Passion of the Christ." Just like a good sermon, it helped me appreciate the sufferings of Jesus Christ more, it overwhelmed me with his love and the realization of my personal responsibility for His suffering. Since seeing it, I find myself thinking back to the scenes of His suffering whenever I am tempted, and I ask myself, "Do you glorify the Son who suffered and died for you?"

We did not have to stand in line, drop a load of money or sit in a dirty theater.

I didn't have to stand in line, I spent only $5 on my ticket and the theatre was quite clean.

I do not think our christian life is somehow inferior because we decided not to see the film

Good for you. I seriously doubt anyone thinks your "Christian life is somehow inferior." If it makes you feel better to believe you're being criticized for the decision not to see this movie, so be it. I was blessed, convicted, touched, humbled and challenged by "The Passion." To each his own.

[skeeter]

I said that yesterday. Today, Barbara Simpson, in her WorldNetDaily exclusive, "Brutal, bloody and sublime" has gone to trouble of proving what I said.

..after which you went on (establishing intellectual synchronicity) to prove her right with the last few lines of your essay.

This could go on forever.

[jscd3]

By the way, who in Hell is Reginald Firehammer?

The name sounds like something out of a British spoof:

Rginald Firehammer, Master Spy or something

[CFC__VRWC]

I have seen some that was serious and reasonable, but not much. Most of it has been shallow and knee-jerk.

I agree - 99 percent of the "criticism" I've seen of this movie is nothing but mindless Christian baiting and smearing of Mel Gibson and the audiences as ignorant, uneducated, anti-Semitic, and much much worse. These critics have basically accused all of us who go see the movie as mindless bigots who are now rampaging through the streets, spitting on every Jew we encounter, and torching synagogues. And if we haven't quite gotten around to starting those acts yet, just wait a bit.

Most of the criticisms I've seen look like ripoffs of each other, as each author tries to outdo the previous author in shrill hand-wringing and over the top rhetoric. It's like they're all working from the same ADL/DNC-supplied checklist of derogatory comments for conservatives and Christians ("Okay, worked in 'superstitious Neanderthal' but didn't get to 'Bible banging Nazi' yet!").

If someone wants me to read a serious, worthwhile criticsim of The Passion, then fine, I'll do it. But show me such a criticism first. I'm getting awfully tired of reading bigoted, buzzword-laden screeching slapped together by someone who makes it clear that he thinks the Bible should be burned and not read.

[1Old Pro]

Is this a movie review? A cultural critique? An editorial? What is it?

Worthless drivel.