Impact

Tonight was the last night for my "Lent in the Living Room". We spent the time in good fellowship and sharing the impact the movie "The Passion of Christ" made on each of us.

I saw it last night and could not blog about it then because I so moved I didn't know what to write.

There has been a lot of talk about the movie, both good and bad. Some have said it was anti-semantic because of it's portrayal of Jews as the reason for Christ's crucifixion. Some have said it was too much from a Catholic point of view. Some are complaining it is too violent. Some have even said it was wrong for Mel Gibson to be profiting from the Scriptures.

These are the points I will address.

The Jewish leaders were what God used to accomplish His will. God was offering His Son as a sacrifice for our sins. The Sanhedrin were just the tools He used. He also used Herod, Pilate and Judas. For anyone to feel that Jews are entirely responsible for the crucifixion they have missed the point. We are all responsible for it. My sin is what nailed Him to the cross.

The words of Christ, the events of the night and day, and the crucifixion itself are taken from the Gospels and the prophecies of the Old Testament.

The violence is not excessive for what it is. The whole persecution was extreme. In Isaiah we are told Christ would be beaten until He would be no longer recognizable as human. He was beaten for twelve hours. It was violent and more than we usually think of Him bearing for us. Mostly we just gloss over the gory details when contemplating the Passion. If you see this film, you will never be able to do that again. For that alone, I am glad this film was made.

Lastly, Mr. Gibson used his own money to make this film with no guarantee he would ever see it's return. If you own a Bible ask yourself where you got it. Did you buy it? Did someone buy it for you? The store and the publisher both made a profit on it. Why is that o.k.? This laborer is worthy of his hire and deserves to be paid.

I'll need some more time before I comment further. Plus, I am going to see it again on Good Friday.