THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST.. (It's here!!).. Live thread!

Your Right Wing Chef ^ | Feb 23 2004 | Carlo3b

[RoseyT]

I hope people are still reading this thread because I have some questions. Some folks on a different message board are throwing a fit about 4 things in this movie and I'd really love some input about those particular parts. They are saying that the following scenes make the movie anti-Semitic. I copied this list directly from one of their posts.

1. After the arrest at the garden of gethsemane, a mob of jews (not roman soldiers) beat jesus
2. The jews (not roman soldiers) bound jesus in chains, and threw him over the side of a bridge
3. Satan whispered in the ears of jews (not roman soldiers)
4. Mary begged the Roman soldiers to stop the Jews from brutalizing Jesus

Did these scenes stand out to you from the rest of the movie? Do you think they were in context with the rest of the movie? Do you their their inclusion voids the claim that the film is true to the Gospels? And lastly, did any of you who saw this film feel any sort of anger towards Jewish people? The folks on that board are convinced that this film is going to send people over the edge with anger.

Thanks in advance for your input!

[GraniteStateConservative]

She said that it would be like Howard Stern's movie, but the advance ticket sales are in the same league as the Matrix and LOTR and Star Wars and Harry Potter movies. All made over $100M I think.

[hosepipe]

[ Of course, we can't let you live now -- YOU KNOW THE TRUTH ABOUT US! ]

Irish you have me confused with some other, idiot.....

[GraniteStateConservative]

They also say that Pilate is shown as being conflicted, but not Caiaphas.

[carton253]

LOL! You hall monitor all threads don't you? :) You're just a hall monitor at heart... LOL!

[netmilsmom]

This looks to be the live thread for the interview...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1084375/posts

Good thing too, I missed the special on Pax Sunday so our VCR will be going for that because we have Polish Dance until 8:30.

Thank God for the many good FReepers!!!!

[HairOfTheDog]

[carton253]

Well... he's a cute little guy...

[NYC GOP Chick]

Any true Christian would not bash any faith that sees Jesus Christ as the son of God. My daughter converted to the Greek Orthodox faith, It is based on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Just another denomination.

This film should bring all faiths together, not divide us. If we believe that Jesus Christ died for our sins, then we are all of one faith.

Well, not *all* faiths, unless you're just talking about Christianity. As a Jew, I don't believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah or the son of G-d, but I respect those who do believe that. And, in return, I expect the same respect for my beliefs. :)

[netmilsmom]

I would hope that anyone of a Christian faith like myself, would understand that you are one of God's chosen and treat you accordingly!

Peace my FRiend.

[carlo3b]

Your questions are serious and are obviously important to you and others, but the underling current is much more problematic, unanswerable, and argumentative in the main. What seems to have been lost in the emotions in this discussion of this movie, is what is true in all creative endeavors, especially those based on historic events, many people really, really, care about the facts and the ending. It is true, none of the original authors are still around any longer to explain, or expand their writings or answer for their interpretations. However, the writings (the Gospels) are real, and the main events that are documented really happened, and most of the details are accepted as fact.

Unfortunately, the authors of the Gospels were not actually witnesses either, and that has created, perhaps rightfully, the loose thread that it's detractors have attempted to use to unravel the entire event.  That aside, nobody should argue, without conceding, that this profound event did happen .. it's the details and nuances that have plagued us. All that is left is Faith.. some have it, and many do not.

This motion picture is the product of someone's interpretation of a multi-sourced and heavily influenced and emotionally charged occurrence. However, this particular incident happened over 2000 years ago, in an traumatic age, in a subject matter that has literally shaped the course of history and divided people places and events since it's happening.

Almost everything that occurred on this tragic day in history has continued to be marginalized, manipulated, dissected, and unfortunately been used as an agenda item for both good and evil, and alas, to further some goal.

Well, this newest attempt hasn't escaped the fray, and this is unfortunate.

Everyone, EVERYONE, has an ox to gore in this arena, and the feeding frenzy is well underway. Christians have seen their beliefs under almost constant bombardment from nefarious forces for longer than their memory, and they see this picture, produced and directed by a true believer, as a reaffirmation of their faith. Non Christians, especially some Jews, have elected to see it as a potential weapon, a bit sharper that most, and have given it a higher priority than I believe was expected, or deserved, but it is true, I haven't walked in their shoes.

We have been lectured ad nauseum, that our actions or that of our children are not adversely effected by the barrage of obscene messages portrayed in pop culture, or that we shouldn't get lathered by anything that we disagree, such as movies that portray our deeply held faith as fraudulent and stupid.. just turn it off.. or simply tune it out.. No such measured response is being proffered by any or many of the same messengers in this episode. This is wrong, and is being treated as a line in the sand for many, and I may fall into this category.

Therefore, this film has something for everyone. Some folks will see it as a gory action flic. Others will see it as an opportunity to reinvigorate religious beliefs and faith, a wonderful chance to remind us of our history, an awakening, a lesson plan. However, there are some that see this movie as an opportunity to cause trouble.. or a fundraiser, or even a reason to prove the necessity for their existence, a tool that they can twist into a gargoyle.. We must be cautious with our words, we should not to allow the tormentors to turn this film into a self fulfilling prophecy.

 I can't stop any of this, nor do I care to place any label on anyone in this discussion, but I have the GOD given right to an opinion, and I am watching this play out and am making mental notes.. something to remember in the next skirmish, the ones that are sure to come.. In the meantime I intend to enjoy the irony, and of course this wonderful movie.. Thank You Mel Gibson..

[sfRummygirl]

Well, geez, you don't have to be that way about it!
I think it means more to me if I really try to think of something that will have a big effect on me. Something I will really miss. For instance, I have a version of hypoglycemia, and I can't fast with food much. I will get very sick. I fasted for a day here and there, on and off for Terri Schiavo, and while it was a wonderful prayer experience, I suffered heavily for it for weeks afterwards with screwed up sugar levels.

Ok?

[mercy]

Silly person. Your praying to her is the abomination not Mary herself. Of course you know this but it doesn't bother you to tell lies about me. Good Christian that you are.

[mercy]

Shhhh ..... keep it down. We don't want the Joooooooooos to figure this out. Christianity overturns the entire jewish religion and practice. Christ personally told them they had blown it and now everything would pass to the Gentiles. He openly accused them of murdering most of the prophets God sent to them. Then they murdered him.

Now I'm not saying we are to be anti-semitic. Paul makes it clear they are still the true children of God and we are just adopted.... but the central message of The Messiah contravenes everything Jews believe. ie that one must work one's way into God's good graces.

Christianity is not anti-semitic. It is anti-judaic.

[70times7]

...and they [exited] with a profound feeling of moral inadequacy".

Is that good?

One of the profound issues that God has included in scripture repeatedly -and it is easy to miss if one is not careful- is that contact with the Lord very often leaves one with an overpowering sense of moral bankruptcy.

Draw your own conclusions.

[IrishRainy]

you have me confused with some other, idiot.....

Sorry, that was meant for "MasterCommie_Hunter.

Still, I hope you're not calling me an idiot -- funny how a misplaced comma can change everything.

[IrishRainy]

Look, I have no hatred for Roman Catholics. I do despise your practice of Maryolatry however. If you pray to a being you consider that being god-like. This is sacreligious. Blasphemous. I don't know how you can obey Christ, take communion, study the scriptures and still practice such an abomination. I shall never understand it.

Your post towards the Catholic faith OOZES hatred for something you even admit you don't understand. -- THAT is unchristian.

You call our veneration of Mary "an abomination," as well as "sacriligious" and "blasphemous." -- THAT is an attack upon my faith and I will defend it.

And since your post was full of inaccuracies about what Catholics truly believe, it would appear that YOU are the liar.

[wordsofearnest]

Catholics ask Mary to pray for them. "Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners"

[hosepipe]

[ Still, I hope you're not calling me an idiot -- funny how a misplaced comma can change everything. ]

NOPE..I use commas and periods as spacers in the my patoi..
However, "stupid is as stupid does", as I quote yet another faux idiot.

[mercy]

I'm not lying. I'm saying what my biblical studies have led me to believe.

I'm a Protestant. I protest what my Roman Catholic forebears have done to Christianity. Sorry, that's just the way it is. You have made church tradition equal to scripture which is exactly what the religious leaders did to Judaism and what Christ fought with them about.

It is plain. The sins and errors of the Popes down through history is undeniable and clearly recorded. Yet you all believe in papal infalibility. I hope that if you all cling to your belief in the sacrifice of The Christ and hold that preemminant above all else ... your religious foibles will not be held against you for eternity. However someone is going to be held accountable for so much of the RC church (Mexico and S. America) holding Mary equal with Christ. Perhaps even superiour.