Our Views On Mel Gibson's Film: The Passion Of The Christ

The hot topic this year no doubt is the release of Mel Gibson's film called, "The Passion of the Christ" ,which hit public theaters February 25, 2004. There definitely was a lot of hype on both sides of the coin in the media realm concerning this movie, which played a lot into this movie's success in it's first week. Mel Gibson before having this film aired in the theaters went from place to place giving Pastors and ministers the opportunity to see it and get their thoughts on it. For the most part what was said from those in ministry is that the film, "Passion of the Christ" , was an eye opener, compelling, shocking, Biblical, and the most accurate portrayal of what Christ went through in His sufferings. On the other end there were those who were saying that this film was anti-semitic against the Jews giving an inaccurate account of what took place 2000 years ago. Along with that there were those who were saying the story of Jesus' death was based more on hear-say rather than actual historical facts, this coming from the liberalism movement. So you have differing views being expressed in the media, so what do we believe? We would say in response, see the film yourself, give it a fair judgment with actually seeing it, if you can. We say this to those of you who are adults or of age to go and watch this film, but be careful if you don't have a strong stomach and of the children. This film is not for little ones or the timid, because it is a graphic, visual account of what took place with floggings and crucifixions centuries ago.

On the positive side the "Passion of the Christ"  has awoken many sleepy Christians with a new passion for our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. The movie gives an accurate account of what it would of been like to be flogged and crucified back then according to the Roman way. The death of Jesus upon the cross and His resurrection is the message of hope for all mankind, and this film gives that clear message.  The "Passion of the Christ" gives bits and pieces to stories and events that happened prior to Christ's crucifixion, which gives the movie an added element of inspiration concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Through these things the film leaves the audience with the basic message of why Christ came, what He taught, and how much He loved us. On the positive side this film will open up a lot of doors for evangelism and spiritual discussions with those who are non-believers in Christ, and many Churches are using this as a witnessing tool to speak to those who for the most part would not be interested in hearing about Jesus. Not only are churches using the "Passion of the Christ"  for evangelism but also to speak to the body of Christ and help them grow in the faith. These things are exciting to see and hear about, and may God bless all of that and may many come to Christ.

On the negative side of Mel Gibson's movie, "Passion of the Christ" , it has some extra events and issues that are not Scriptural. One of the reasons we believe this film has extra stuff is because Mel Gibson is a devout Roman Catholic, and he comes from more of the traditional beliefs. The movie was not in English but in Latin and Aramaic, having English subtitles, which was not all that bad, but three times in the film the apostles spoke to Mary calling her "Mother". There are two things here that are Biblically inaccurate. First, Mary was the mother of Jesus, along her having 4 other sons and at least two daughters. (Matthew 13:54-58) Secondly, in the film the apostles called Mary mother with a capital "M", thus being a Roman Catholic implication showing her as being divine. This is subtle but still significant. Mary is not divine as the Roman Catholic Church teaches. Mary is just like all of us, a sinner who needed to be saved from her sins. (Luke 1:46-48 &    Romans 3:23) There are other scenes in the "Passion of the Christ" which have no Biblical support, such as: "Satan having a debate with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane; Judas being tormented by demons disguised as little boys; a scene where a young woman comes to wipe the blood off of Jesus' bloody face and it leaving a imprint of what Jesus looked like; a scene where Mary comes to the place where Jesus was beaten, her wiping up Jesus' blood, then she slowly works her way down to the ground moving around mysteriously finding the exact area where Jesus is being held underground right under her, and Jesus looking up as to find some comfort; a scene where one of the thieves insults Jesus and say to Him to prove that He is the Messiah by getting them all down from the cross, then a raven (bird) comes a few moments after and plucks out one of his eyes." We see these "additional" pieces giving a wrong impression of what the Scriptures truly teach.  The Passion of the Christ at the end gives about 15 second account of Jesus' resurrection, but it is very short and the message is not completely clear.  Lord willing, maybe Mel Gibson will have a sequel to this film on the resurrection of Jesus Christ giving a more detailed account for the world to visualize.

Is Mel Gibson's movie, "Passion of the Christ", anti-semitic against the Jews? No, this film is not anti-semitic towards the Jews. Anyone who is open and watches the film without any biased view will see the movie giving an accurate portrayal of how the religious Jewish leaders responded to Jesus. The Roman soldiers were more brutal and insulting to Jesus than the religious Jews, and anyone who says Mel Gibson's movie is anti-semitic is spouting a bunch of hogwash. All those who say this film is anti-semitic are themselves anti-Jesus! The Scriptures teach that there was certain Jews, whether they were religious leaders or those who were swayed in some were against Christ, but no where do the Scriptures teach all Jews were against Jesus. The same is said of the Romans. Not all Romans were against Jesus, nothing would imply this in the Scriptures. The reason for Jesus' death is because of three important points. First, mankind is stained with sin and has separated us from being able to enter in God's presence in the spiritual realm. Second, Jesus came as the cure to remove the sin and to make a way for us to be able to enter into God's presence, and Jesus did this through His death upon the cross and His resurrection. Third, Jesus willfully chose His course and no one forced Him to do what He did, and no one took His life without Him allowing them to do what they did. Thus, Jesus is the One who came with the mission to give His life for mankind and no one took it from Him. (John 2:19-22, John 10:17-18) The "Passion of the Christ" is pro-Jesus and is for all people, no matter what race they are.