[jonboy]

I hope that this helps for those who have been concerned about the movie based upon what they have been seeing and hearing. GO SEE THIS MOVIE. By the way, I stand by every comment I made in a previous post about the larger political and cultural implications and ramifications of this film. Now just as the world is polarized pre and post 9/11 it will be polarized pre and post Passion. You may read that post HERE.

[JennysCool]

Thank you for the review. Well done!

[steplock]

"Those of us who believe that Mary was a mere woman..."

No critisism here on your wonderful review. I still can't comprehend the above statement.

Yes, I was raised Catholic, but more importantly, I was not raised Anti-Catholic but if you believe that Jesus Christ was truly the Son of GOD, how could NOT Mary be more than a "mere woman" ???

Please let's not debate this (this time around) - Let us discuss this movie without the prejudiced remarks.

[Libloather]

I've chatted with three VERY Christian women who don't know if they can make it through the whole film - and, more than likely, won't go to see it.

I'm sure the DVD release will make it into even more homes - maybe just in time for Christmas...

[WayneM]

How dare they laugh in the face of such agony! How dare they spit on Him!

They had no choice. It was all foretold hundreds of years earlier, and there was no other way it could have happened.

[BlueAngel]

Thanks. I can hardly wait to see it. Tomorrow on PAX at 8:00 pm central, will be a special on the making of this movie.

[Miss Marple]

Thank you for the review. Although I am not inclined to watch violence, I am going to see this movie. I feel the need for something to make my faith more solid, and I believe this film has been sent by God for just such a pupose.

[Pharmboy]

Thank you. As a Freeper, I trust other Freepers. As a Jew, I trust other Freepers.

[pbear8]

Those who see the relationship between Jesus and Mary who are Catholic will likely see Mary as divine

Catholics see Mary as the first Christian, the first follower of Jesus, the one who said 'yes' to God and cooperated with the Holy Spirit - not divine, that is a Protestant misunderstanding of Catholicism.

[RoseyT]

Could you go into a little more depth about this? Specifically, I'm wondering about a scene where Jesus is chained and thrown or dangled from a bridge. Did that scene stand out to you, assuming it's really in the movie?

[votelife]

great review of the movie and the political implications...I have been waiting for this movie for a year and like you I'm not prepared.

[commish]

Thank you for this heartfelt review. I cannot wait to see this movie, and yet I fear seeing this movie more than anything in my life.

I know that the Lord gave himself for my salvation, but I cannot help but feel unworthy of seeing his sacrifice. I do not want to see Jesus suffer, because I know he does it for me. My heart will feel the sting of each blow, and my soul will cry out for them to stop.

[sruleoflaw]

Thank you for a great review. My wife and I are going with 17 others to see this movie on Friday night. We're looking forward to it -- for ourselves and for this movie's impact on America.

[Castro]

Well written review. Thank you for your comments and opinions.

[choirboy]

. . . who are Catholic will likely see Mary as divine . . .

Catholics do NOT see Mary as divine! I'm sick and tired of this canard by Protestants who should know better.

[LowOiL]

Super BTTT...

[VOA]

As to this movie being appropriate for children? That's a hard call. I think it would
be best if conscientous parents screened it for themselves first. It is hard enough
for mature adults to stomach. However, there is something to be said for
exposing young tender hearts to the truth of what He did. Maybe knowing what He did
at a younger age would lead to more mature Christians later. Again, it's an individual call.

RE: viewing of The Passion by minors
I heard a good suggestion on a Christian talk-radio show on this topic.
One family had decided that they'd would go to the same screening...
but be "split up" with separate transportation. Thus, if an older child(ren) wanted to
see the film (and could endure it), one parent could stay...and if sibling(s)
couldn't endure it, they could bail out and have the other parent drive them home
(and help them process the experience).

I suspect there will be at least a few adults who will probably won't make it through
a first screening of this film...and they shouldn't be embarassed.
A cursory reading of the clinical aspect of a crucifixion (and all the
attendant punishment proceeding) is brutal enough; seeing a realistic portrayal
MUST have be at least an "R" experience.

[Flora McDonald]

"Those who see the relationship between Jesus and Mary who are Catholic will likely see Mary as divine."

As a Roman Catholic, I have never been taught that Mary was "divine" nor do we worship her. As the Mother of God, we love and venerate her for her obedience and humility and for her role in bringing the Saviour to us. We love her also because He gave her to us from the Cross.

That said, I want to thank you for posting this review. I felt as if I was sitting next to you! Our country needs something like this so badly and isn't it ironic that this great gift comes from the movie industry. God bless Mel Gibson and all the people who helped in producing "The Passion".

[padfoot_lover]

Thanks for the review, except for the misrepresentation about the Catholic view of Mary -- she is NOT divine and the Catholic Church has never taught that.

[WritableSpace]

Well this is interesting.

[Cboldt]

But the cross wasn't about retribution, that will come later at Judgment, it was about mercy.

*bump* to grace, and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.