QUESTIONING 'PASSION' AND THE GOSPEL TRUTH (crossing over into Christian-hating)

NY POST ^ | February 21, 2004 | LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

[Liz]

A movie about the Gospel sparks outrage, but movies that depict graphic sexual activity, romanticize criminals and constantly bombard us with violence are not criticized. If those movies are released without outrage, let he who is without sin cast the first stone against Gibson. Mary Maresco Sarasota, Fla.

[R. Scott]

crossing over into Christian-hating

I know that language changes over time, but lately “hatred” seems to have become synonymous with “disagreement”.
If I disagree with some tenets of a religion I must hate that religion.
If I disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, I must hate homosexuals.
If I disagree with some aspects of a racial norm, I must hate that race.
If I disagree with a political party’s stance, I must hate that party.
If I disagree with a politician on any aspect of policy, I must hate that politician.

Sorry, I refuse to “hate” unless there is a real driving deep seated reason. “Hate” is a very strong emotion - possibly the strongest one we have. I will “disagree” or “dislike”, but not hate - no matter how politically correct it may be today.

[FlatLandBeer]

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!

[kcvl]

The highly acclaimed American book--"ETERNAL TREBLINKA: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust" by Dr. Charles Patterson--is fast becoming a big hit in Europe and beyond. Two years after its publication by Lantern Books in New York City the controversial animal rights book has been translated into Italian, Polish, Czech, and German.

[joesbucks]

I believe my problem lies in many of the recent movies (Last Temptation of Christ) were based on elements that could not be supported by scripture. If we're going to do a Christ movie, then let it be scriptural.

I read on some threads last Mel's movie is also guilty of straying from scripture in some key aspects, especially as it relates to the role of Jews in the events leading upt and including to his crucifixtion. So why the wide support from evangelicals for Mel and the pummelling of Last Temptation?

[kcvl]

In Eternal Treblinka, not only are we shown the common roots of Nazi genocide and modern society's enslavement and slaughter of non-human animals in unprecedented detail, but for the first time we are presented with extensive evidence of the profoundly troubling connections between animal exploitation in the United States and Hitler's Final Solution. Dr. Patterson does not let us forget, moreover, that the practices of the quintessentially American institution of the slaughterhouse that served as a model for the slaughter of human beings during the Nazi Holocaust flourish to this day.

[johnb838]

The connection is that the nazis, like the leftists, support the rights of animals over people.

[Liz]

Another significant concern I have heard some voice is the possibility of an pseudo-anti-semitic "Reichstag fire" event of some sort (since those opposed to the film have already asserted to the public that such consequences from this "hate film" are inevitable). The people opposed to this film should not be underestimated; many are literally evil incarnate.

I'll have to admit that what you say is disturbing ...."that those opposed to the film have already asserted....that such (violent) consequences from this 'hate film' are inevitable."

This is so hurtful to Christians. You're saying that in order to discredit Christians, incidences of violence have been predicted and that actual acts of violence will be surreptitiously performed and the blame placed on Christians.

In this scenario, the intention is to make Christians look like hate-filled people, while the real haters, the people who hate the film, come out looking like "victims."

Victimization, Yeah, that makes sense. It's the liberals favorite position. Whenever they get into trouble, they usually stoop down and assume the position of "victim." It's the way they manipulate public opinion.....to either A) cause victims, B) concoct victims, C) play victim, D) commiserate over victims, or E) create new classes of victims to bleed over.

As far as someone predicting acts of violence, I would conclude that Christians have no other recourse but to notify authorities in areas where they will be gathering to see the film.

Thank you for giving us your important insights on this turn of events.

[Liz]

Yes, Temptation was Scorcese's exploitation of a false theme. But that was then. This is now.

Christians of all tempers are rushing to see Mel's Passion b/c for the first time we will actually see a film that is authentic particularly after years of being marginalized by a secular culture.

I don't belive Mel strayed signigicantly from Scripture except that he omitted from subtitles words spoken on-screen ---Biblical quotes about Jesus given up to be killed and how that came about.

[veronica]

Have you seen the film?

[Liz]

I tend to use the word hate, as I would use the word love, as a visceral psychological condition --- as in a mindset---rather than mere shallow emotion.

Using the word hate --as well as love--in such a context describes a whole range of potentialities. For example, love suggests sex, desire, gratification.

Hate suggests depersonalization, subugation, marginalization.

[alnick]

In the early 1960s, the Catholic Church's Vatican II Council stated that Jews of the past, as well as the Jews of today, bear no responsibility for the death of Jesus.

If this is true, Vatican II was wrong. Every human who ever lived, except for Jesus Christ, bears the responsibility for the death of Jesus. That's the point that these people are missing.

[veronica]

Have you actually seen the movie yet?

[kcvl]

You are not helping your cause by bashing Christians and insinuating that everyone, who doesn't believe as you do, is antisemitic...


The International Christian Zionist Center


Based in Israel's capital, the International Christian Zionist Center (ICZC) exists to summon all true believers - as Zechariah foretells, "ten out of each nation" - to the aid of the people of Israel.

In pursuit of its task, the ICZC traces a strategic political and economic path whereby to generate committed and pro-active support for Israel in the Christian world.

We achieve this in the following ways:

By directing attention to the Lord God of Israel and to His purposes for His ancient people and land, and for the world.

By communicating to political leaders in Israel and in the Judeo-Christian nations the biblical truths concerning the Jews' incontestable right to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem.

By opposing all efforts to dispossess the Jewish people of any part of their God-ordained national homeland, with a concerted effort directed against the establishment of a Palestinian state.

By educating Christians worldwide concerning Israel's ancient and modern history, tracing the unbroken line from God's covenant with Abraham to the Israel of our day.

By explaining the tactics and goals of Israel's enemies, exposing what they say among themselves and bringing the plots and plans they lay in darkness out into the light.

By exposing and challenging the anti-Semitic/anti-Israel bias that pervades and dominates the press in the Judeo-Christian world, and by demanding media accountability.

By strategizing with Christian policy makers and business people to determine the most effective political and economic ways to support Israel and oppose Israel's foes.

[veronica]

I asked a simple question, whether Liz had seen the movie yet.

I am very grateful for the support of Christian Zionists, and I am very aware of all the organizations that support Israel and Jews.

One thing has nothing to do with the other.

The fact is that some reviewers, NOT JEWISH, have found fault with Mel Gibson, and the manner in which he has promoted his film. Will they too be branded as anti-Christian for commenting on this angle of the movie, or on the movie itself? Is Mel Gibson now innoculated against any criticism?

And is it possible that people could be naive enough to believe that Gibson has not set out the strategy himself, to create controversy in order to generate interest and box office?

[veronica]

Liz wrote in her editorializing Surely the talented Mel Gibson ---recipient of several Oscars for acting and directing---was prepared for the ragtag cadre of naysayers bent on marginalizing his awesome film.

I would have to assume that anyone who calls this film "awesome" has seen it. It may indeed be an awesome film. I hope it is cause I love great movies. But I need to actually see it before deciding if it is "awesome" or not. And certainly before I start attacking others who have a different opinion about it.

Is the Miami flim reviewer Christopher Kelly part of the "rag-tag" cadre of naysayers bent on marginalizing Mel's film?? Is any critic who does not like it a member of this "rag-tag" cadre of naysayers (hint-hint anti-Christians"))???

[kcvl]

Mel Gibson didn't ask Abe Foxman & his hate-filled gangsters to bad mouth his film (and his father). I guess that was Gibson's strategy. /sarcasm

Have you seen the movie?

I can tell how much you appreciate the support by taking every chance you get to make allegations and innuendo about this movie. Why are you so against this movie? Do you really think that Christian people are going to walk out of this movie hating Jews? If you do, I think you are a bit nieve.

[Aquinasfan]

It is very much Good vs Evil.

Mel's movie represents a watershed event in the broader culture war. Our side is finally offering something positively, instead of fighting a constant rear-guard battle. It's much easier to put the other side on the defensive. Mel's opponents look pathetic, and their actions are counter-productive.

In a repeat of Mel's interview with Raymond Arroyo on EWTN last night, Mel strongly suggested that he plans on doing more Bible-based movies. A string of successes will spawn imitators, and could represent the beginnings of a traditionalist cultural movement in Hollywood.

[Aquinasfan]

Another significant concern I have heard some voice is the possibility of an pseudo-anti-semitic "Reichstag fire" event of some sort

Or painting swastikas on synagogues. I wouldn't put anything past them.

[veronica]

Others besides Abe Foxman have objected to both aspects of the movie and the manner in which Gibson has promoted it. From the get-go there were CHRISTIANS who found fault with it, yet, only the small number of Jews who sniped with Gibson have gotten press play.

The fact is that Gibson's father is out there saying things David Duke and Streicher might say, and there is no reason to ignore his rantings, just because he is Mel Gibson's father. The old man is in fact injecting himself into the debate.

I have not seen the movie and I have not opined about it, neither calling it awesome or not. I have reacted to various articles on, and what I KNOW, from my years working in Hollywood is, a very well-orchestrated and in fact brilliant PR campaign to generate interest in the film.

[veronica]

Another significant concern I have heard some voice is the possibility of an pseudo-anti-semitic "Reichstag fire" event of some sort Or painting swastikas on synagogues. I wouldn't put anything past them.

I can feel the LOVE just oozing from some of the "fans" of this movie....;)