So, anyone else going to see it opening night? Got my tix for 9:15pm! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

Let us know how it is. I have heard so much about it. Time for all believers to support it. We complain too much about the quality of films and then don't support good ones.

Don't worry, I will!

And support can come not only in the form of going to see the movie, but praying for all of those involved with the movie, all of the theatres that are showing the movie, for all of the people going to see the movie, for the movie industry's eyes to be opened and by positive remarks via word of mouth.

Hmmm.I have been thinking of seeing this movie but I am not sure yet.I also have read a great deal about it but I usually do not care 2 cents what movie critics have to say anyway.

Well Eduard,let us know what you think.I really enjoyed Mel Gibson's Braveheart so I am inclined to think that this next project of his may be good too.

O

I had taken personal time to go see it at 1:30 and still have time to pick the kids up from day care and get to church in time for the Ash Wednesday service.

Guess what? 2 people on my team called in sick. 1 says her back hurts (she was moving yesterday) and the other says her sinuses are bothering her.

I'm kinda pissed because they knew I have been looking forward to this and now I cannot leave. I was given the okay to leave in time to pick the kids up for the service, though.

MAN! I've been talking about this movie for a year now!! So disappointed....

Octobergirl-
Different people will have different views on this movie in particular, that's for sure. It's probably one of those "have to see for yourself to formulate your own opinion" kind of movies.

Just hearing the stories from the making of the movie was really interesting to me.

Sodisappointed-
Sorry to hear about you might not being able to see the movie tonight <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="images/icons/frown.gif" />

Don't let that get you down or keep you from seeing it before too long!

Check this out! One of the girls just showed up! The Ofc Mgr is at lunch but maybe she'll let me go early now!!!!

How cool is that? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />

God works in mysterious ways.

All I have to say is WOO HOO! And a WOW! And a KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF!

Man, that was powerful and amazing.

I still get the good feeling chills thinking about it and can't wait till my family sees it to see what they think!

I saw this last night. I am speechless. Utterly speechless, and no film has ever done that to me.

As a Believer, we are always taught about Jesus' sacrifice. But, we see movies and drawings that show almost a placid Jesus on the Cross. Maybe a few beatings, but nothing even approaching what it must have been like.

This film made me think I was right there...nothing was held back. For those that feared too much violence...well, it is violent. But this is history, and all accounts of Jesus final hours before the Cross pretty much agree on what he went thru. And Gibson doesnt hold any of it back.

When I went, there was nervous talking before it started. Not many people bought candy or popcorn (movie houses will not like this film because who wants to eat popcorn and watch this?). Once the movie started, within short order, I could hear crying and sobbing. By the end of the movie, no one was holding back and there wasnt a dry eye in the house. When it ended, I have never heard such silence. Nothing, zilch. No one even moved for like 20 seconds. And then just a file to the door.

For me, as a soldier, and knowing this wasnt just some movie script...this was history...and the sacrifice that Jesus made for me, floored me! All I could think thru the movie, and I am still thinking is, as He went thru the beatings, and the crucifiction, was "I did this." Those that say this is an anti-Jewish film dont know what thhey are talking about, or have an agenda. All I thought was "I am responsible. I had Him beaten. I put Him up on that Cross." If there had only been me to save, Jesus would have still gone thru that. He was blameless. I should be the one going thru that. But He took it all for me.

I have served over 20 years in the military...but I have never been so awestruck. I really am still speechless. I came home and my wife asked how the movie was. All I could say was "It's my fault," and I went downstairs to cry somemore. And thru all of the movie and most of the night last night, the only words I could say were "I'm sorry."

Gibson and his crew, and the actors did a great job. He panned the actors face many times, allowing us to see into Jesus' eyes at very key moments. Moments where Jesus showed fear. Moments after He talked to God, and showed resolution. For the first time in my life, this movie helped me realize what it must have been like to look directly into Jesus' eyes as he went thru this.

There is so much more. The violence is extreme at times, but authentic. Gibson does a great job of taking you right to where you have to turn away, need to walk away if you were there...and he gives you a reprieve by taking you into a flashback of Jesus' youth or ministry. And then you come back a minute later, back into the horror that Jesus went thru.

I guess there is a lot to say about the movie. It isnt meant to teach about Jesus's teachings, although some are in there. This movie is best viewed by Believers, to let us know who we serve and what price actually was paid for us.

And for unbelievers. For if they can look at this film, and understand that this is as close to living history as it gets...and then turn from what Jesus did for all of us...well, then I dont understand. And who wants to show up to Heaven and be face-to-face with the Man that went thru all of that for us...only to have Him say "I never knew you."

In His arms.

Amen, my sentiments exactly!

This is an email I sent out to a bunch of people from Church. Right as I was finishing it up, my STBXW called and the attacks ensued. Man, I felt right after that someone didn't want me sending that email and it wasn't my STBXW.


</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I just had to let you all know the Good News of how awesome this movie was. And for those who have seen it I'm sure they can attest to it.

Woo Hoo! Wow! and Knock your socks off! Is what comes to mind when I think about the movie. Personally I think Mel Gibson did an awesome job.

The theatre was quiet throughout the whole movie with the exception of people crying softly and sniffling. The same was true when the movie was over, I could see people still sitting there just fathoming what they just saw.

I have found this movie to be a great link to those around us who aren't believers. To those people we so dearly want to talk to them about God but for one reason or another have not. It's a great tool to encourage someone to see the movie. And having to actually read the subtitles is just like reading scripture from the Bible itself. People can shut out what they hear, but when they are forced to take in the scriptures through their eyes and comprehend them with their mind, I believe it will impact people even more. Just think of people who have never been to Church actually reading scriptures for the first time. I pray the truth will ignite a hunger for even more truth.

So I would challenge you all to bring up the subject of the movie with at least one person you know who may not be saved, currently attending Church or you have not talked about God with. Even if you haven't seen it, maybe just start a conversation about how good you've heard the movie was, or how you can't wait to see it, or that you plan on seeing it as soon as you can. If we can't even talk to others about a movie, we will never be able to talk to them about God.

Let the Good News spread!</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">

Mortarman -

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> I am speechless. Utterly speechless </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">That may be, but your post spoke volumes. Thanks.

Well, for those that Like Rush limbaugh, I guess he had the same view of this in a lot of ways. I have posted a quote from his website I just found.

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">e website tonight, when we update the site to reflect the contents of today's program regardless of whether it comes up today or not -- and I don't know that it will; I assume it will, but regardless everything that I have said since last July when I first saw the Passion of Christ, of "the Christ," the Mel Gibson movie, will be reposted tonight. Everything that I've said about this movie on this program since last July will be posted.

This is the day it opens, and those of you who are going to go today or soon and haven't yet seen it. It's already running this morning in various places, and it's just fascinating. It's just fascinating to watch these clowns, the mainstream media, go get their reviewers and critics who have yet to see the movie talk about it. The most famous one, I guess the most common one I'm seeing is, "Well, you shouldn't put a whole lot of stock in this. After all, it's just Mr. Gibson's interpretation."

Well, what the hell movie isn't the interpretation of some stupid director or producer? For crying out loud! Go read any book and then watch the movie some clown makes of it and tell me that Gibson's the first guy to add his interpretation of it. This is probably closer to the "book," quote, unquote, than most movies we get about any subject happening to be. No, that's not what bugs these people. These people are just bugged that it's so popular, just bugged that so many people want to go see it.

I just want to warn you, folks. You've heard a lot about this violence that's in this movie, and it is profound, but I -- you know, you're not going to -- when this is over, you're not going to feel angry at anybody. You're not going to feel enraged at anybody. In fact, you're probably not going to be able to speak for a while. You're going to sit there, and...you just wait. That's all. You're going to sit there and you're going to compare what you've heard to all these reviews about it.

It is a deeply moving and personal experience for everyone who sees this, and who goes in with as little bias about it as possible. I guess it's tough to do now with what all has been said about it. But even with that, nobody's words can prepare you to what you're going to see and what you're going to feel. And I guarantee you, most of you are going to sit there and feel like you've had the breath knocked out of you for quite a while.

We saw it. We saw it in our house, and we had probably 12, 13 people there. Nobody said a word for like five minutes. And the first words people said were not really profound. It just...it took a while. It took a while for everybody to gather themselves and get a handle on how they were feeling to be able to voice those feelings -- and then the questions for Mel Gibson started. And we had some pretty fascinating questions in our little screening group.

But nevertheless, just beware. Everybody is talking about all the "hate" that's in this movie. There's no... it's so far from what this experience is. You're not going to come out of there hating anybody. You're not going to come out of there enraged. You're not going to come out of there with an attitude, "Alright, I got to do something about it." Nothing like that at all, other than whatever you think you might have to do internally. But in terms of any anger, whatever anger you have if there is any, will be overshadowed by the profound impact and effect the movie has on you. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">And a review by Roger Ebert. I had my own feelings about what I saw and felt, but to hear Rush and now this review below...well, this movie has hit everyone right to the core.

Roger Ebert's review of the Passion

In His arms (thankfully!!)

<small>[ February 26, 2004, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Mortarman ]</small>

Mortarman:

"And for unbelievers. For if they can look at this film, and understand that this is as close to living history as it gets..."

...I, for one, will probably go 2 see this movie 2 see how good a job Gibson has done with his interpretation of our interpretation of the historic events depicted in the Bible. I hope it measures up as much as many here seem 2 believe that it does. "Braveheart", on the other hand, though a very entertaining movie with a great message, was not historically accurate. Such is Hollywood. There are good movies, there are bad movies, and once in a while there are even great movies. I hope this is one of the greats.

"and then turn from what Jesus did for all of us...well, then I dont understand."

No, I'm sure you don't. Just as much as I'm sure you will presume that you do.

"And who wants to show up to Heaven and be face-to-face with the Man that went thru all of that for us...only to have Him say "I never knew you.""

I honestly don't know what 2 say in response 2 this. Except 2 point out that you have absolutely no clue what goes on in the minds of your so-called "unbelievers," in particular what they do or don't believe regarding Jesus' life and teachings.

best,
-2long

2Long,

My friend...and you are. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

We have had these discussions before. I know where you are coming from and what you believe. The beautiful thing about God is that he was the author of free will. So, far be it for me or any other man or woman to try to take that away from you.

But I want you to understand why I said "I dont understand." Let's say I tell you I have met a man named John Williams (he exists...he is a good friend of mine). Now, you dont believe for whatever reasons, that John Williams exists. Now, since you cannot see him personally because the only way to do so is to go see him, then you have to believe or not believe what others say about him. You hear different things. You see some of the results of his life. And you make your conclusions, all the while never knowing the man personally. And your conclusions are your conclusions.

My point is that Jesus is not a figure, not a historical figure, or religious figure, that allows you to sit on the sideline. He even said that if you are not for Him, then you are against Him. His teachings, His whole way of life left you taking sides. That is what this movie is about. You see the struggle by some as they have to take sides. One jew is told to help Jesus to carry the Cross because Jesus cant carry it anymore. This guy doesnt want to get involved. He wants to stay on the sidelines. But he is forced to help Jesus...and in doing so...and meeting the Man face-to-face, he has to take sides (and it appears that man went away a believer).

Jesus wasnt just a nice guy with some great teachings. We have all heard it before. He has to be lunatic (by saying and believing He was God and He wasnt), a liar (by telling people he was God and He knew he wasnt) OR He had to be who He said He was!!! This Man was put to death, which is portrayed so well in this movie, because He claimed to be one with God, the Son of God.

So, my not understanding is this for unbelievers (and I used to be one, you know?). When confronted with the historical fact that Jesus of Nazareth was crucified by the Romans because He had gotten the Jewish religious authorities upset because he claimed to be God...when confronted with the depiction of what Jesus went through...when confronted with what the Man said He was here for and why He died and who He was/is...we cannot stay on the sidelines. We cannot take the middle road. We are either for Him or against Him. We either believe what He said, what He did, or we do not. Hedoesnt leave any middle ground.

And because of that, the not understanding is this. When I finally was brought face-to-face with the reality of Jesus Christ, I was brought to my knees. I was 15 years old and I can tell you, when it all came before me, logically, I could make no other decision but to believe and to follow.

There will be those that argue upon their death that they didnt know, or they had their own interpretation of who Jesus was/is. They will look Jesus in the eyes and say "Lord." And Jesus has told us that He will look back at them, and say "I never knew you."

What Gibson portrays is what Jesus did...what He sacrificed. This is historical fact, not only from the Bible, but historians of the time. There is not a lot of Bible teachings in this. It mostly sticks to the story of what happened, which is why Gobson originally wasnt going to put in subtitles. They really arent needed.

So, faced with what this Man did, faced with the fact that he was given chances to back down, to get out of it by the Jewish leaders and by the Romans, Jesus went thru all that is depicted in this film. Faced with the historical truths presented here (and most of the depictions are not argued by historians to be anything but the truth of what happened), then what would a rational person think? well, there are only three rational choices, as I stated above. Lunatic, liar or Lord.

Jesus is devisive. He calls on everyone to make a decision, to take sides. Jesus is NOT a moderate. He makes you take your free will and use it. You dont get to opt out of the vote. Everyone makes a decision on who He is.

And then, there is His judgement for that decision. You see, if He is a lunatic or liar, then everyone has nothing to worry about. Christians can go on believing untruthes and it hurts no one. But, if He is the Lord, and then He paid the sacrifices He did, and then people turn their backs on Him, they take sides and not with Him, then He has only one choice. And that is "I never knew you."

My not understanding is not because I dont intellectually understand the arguments by unbelievers. My not understanding is not because I havent been there before, for I was an unbeliever also. My not understanding is the fact that when faced with historical truth about what this Man claimed to be, and then what happened to this Man (and His followers...most were brutally murdered still proclaiming Him the Christ)...how a rational person does not make a decision for Him.

I again am not taking away anyone's choice. Jesus didnt do it, and He has the power to do so. My thoughts on this matter mostly go to the unbeliever and why they make the decision, why they chose the side they do...when faced with the overwhelming evidence of the unerroring historical facts in the Bible, and with who Jesus said He was.

Just me thinking outloud!!

In His arms.

I LOVED THE MOVIE!!!! Very well done. By far one of the best movies I have ever seen. The actors and acresses actually had you in the moment.

I did not come away thinking any group was responsible and the rumors have been -- I came away thinking how sad that we were "all" responsible but it was destiny and needed to be.

I prayed beforehand for an open heart and mind and for God to have me see what He wanted me to see.

I too, did not take any snacks or drinks... I didn't want to have my bladder interrupting me. The whole theatre was quiet throughout the movie and I, for one, was riveted at all times!

Incredible movie.

Yes, the images were hard to watch but I made myself not look away. I had to see, had to know. I take this from a reviewer but it is exactly how I feel, "The movie 'disturbed' back into a pragmatic seriousness about, borrow from St. John, "sin, and righteousness and condemnation.... Still, watching the Savior suffer may be too much for some disciples. Out the entire troupe of Our Lord's apostles, even after three years of front row seat miracles and sermons, only John was able to stand up and watch the actual events the Passion. The others fled the sight, and it was undoubtedly a mercy for them to be able to shield their eyes.... But the fact remains, if Jesus could live it in an act of love, then we can certainly watch it as an act of worship..."

Why Mortarman! You are a C.S. Lewis fan!

Hey, I'm a C.S. Lewis fan, myself!

Only my favorite was his philosophical/religious trilogy:

Out of the Silent Planet
Perelandra
That Hideous Strength

Good stuff.

-ol' 2long

Mortarman:

"Jesus wasnt just a nice guy with some great teachings."

He wasn't even always nice. But he did have some great teachings.

"He has to be lunatic (by saying and believing He was God and He wasnt),"

I don't believe he said or believed he was God.

"a liar (by telling people he was God and He knew he wasnt)"

Again, he didn't say this.

"OR He had to be who He said He was!!!"

Agreed!

"This Man was put to death, which is portrayed so well in this movie, because He claimed to be one with God, the Son of God."

I have no problem with this. This is NOT the same thing as saying he WAS/IS God, though. You and I can be "one with God" 2, you know. Even fundamentalist religions believe this 2 be true.

Again, I still would like 2 see this movie. I'm a little "alarmed", if that's the right word, that people are so fixated on IT, though. No matter how good, no matter how moving, no matter how historically or spiri2ally accurate, it's still only a movie. The "real thing" always has been and always will be between each one of us and our deity.

-ol' 2long

2long,

I love the science fiction trilogy too!

The portions of MM's post you are quarrelling with are straight from a C.S.Lewis essay -- can't remember which one.

<small>[ February 27, 2004, 01:18 AM: Message edited by: A.M.Martin ]</small>