Never before in the history of film-making, as far as I know, has any one film aroused as much interest, criticism, praise, condemnation &qu...
Never before in the history of film-making, as far as I know, has any one film aroused as much interest, criticism, praise, condemnation " you name it, it's all there. For the Christians we felt it was going to be a marvellous experience. For non-believers there was considerable criticism from people who not only had not seen the movie but had not read the book.
Since the movie opened to the public on February 25, 2004 I never had the opportunity to watch it until Easter Sunday. I went to the cinema with my wife and mother-in-law, guess what! As the two hour plus movie progressed, I could hear sobs coming from the two of them unrestrained.
There is no question that it is a violent movie. In the days of the Roman Empire literally tens of thousands of Jews were crucified. The Romans brought that process with them and it is horrible beyond description.
The book of Isaiah graphically demonstrates and explains the procedure, and describes Christ as a result as "having no beauty" at all. He was so brutalised that his features were unrecognisable.
As horrible as the movie version is, it is far short of the reality of the pain imposed on Christ from the beatings leading to the cross. Many times the victims of crucifixion suffered prior injuries to the extent that, if left unattended, would have led to death before they even got to the cross.
Comments after the movie were quite significant. Conversations centered on the beating and crucifixion of our Lord. I believe the name of Christ has been mentioned more times in the general public the last several weeks than it has been in the last five years.
I believe Christians will be infinitely stronger in their commitment as a result of seeing this movie, I believe non-believers will be so curious about all of our excitement that they will want additional information. The doors have been opened for us to take the step which was the last thing Christ asked us to do " fulfil the great commission of teaching and preaching and baptising in the name of Christ.
As a Christian to say I am excited about and grateful for this movie would be a classic understatement. Regardless of your own personal beliefs, whether you are Jewish, Islamic or any other faith "or no faith at all " I encourage you to do yourself a huge favour and see the movie.
It will reveal the horrific price Christ paid as He, who was without sin, took all of our sins on Himself so that we could stand before God forgiven and redeemed.
Up to a point I was prepared for what I saw. Yet nothing really prepares one to watch a crucifixion, much less when it is your Lord and Saviour on the cross. The most devastating single scene, from my perspective, was when the Roman soldier drove his spear into the vicinity of Christ's heart and we witnessed His lifeblood and water pour from His side.
PS: Just finished watching Passion of the Christ which I first watched four years ago. I wrote this article in 2004 and was published in The Guardian Monday, April 26, 2004
Since the movie opened to the public on February 25, 2004 I never had the opportunity to watch it until Easter Sunday. I went to the cinema with my wife and mother-in-law, guess what! As the two hour plus movie progressed, I could hear sobs coming from the two of them unrestrained.
There is no question that it is a violent movie. In the days of the Roman Empire literally tens of thousands of Jews were crucified. The Romans brought that process with them and it is horrible beyond description.
The book of Isaiah graphically demonstrates and explains the procedure, and describes Christ as a result as "having no beauty" at all. He was so brutalised that his features were unrecognisable.
As horrible as the movie version is, it is far short of the reality of the pain imposed on Christ from the beatings leading to the cross. Many times the victims of crucifixion suffered prior injuries to the extent that, if left unattended, would have led to death before they even got to the cross.
Comments after the movie were quite significant. Conversations centered on the beating and crucifixion of our Lord. I believe the name of Christ has been mentioned more times in the general public the last several weeks than it has been in the last five years.
I believe Christians will be infinitely stronger in their commitment as a result of seeing this movie, I believe non-believers will be so curious about all of our excitement that they will want additional information. The doors have been opened for us to take the step which was the last thing Christ asked us to do " fulfil the great commission of teaching and preaching and baptising in the name of Christ.
As a Christian to say I am excited about and grateful for this movie would be a classic understatement. Regardless of your own personal beliefs, whether you are Jewish, Islamic or any other faith "or no faith at all " I encourage you to do yourself a huge favour and see the movie.
It will reveal the horrific price Christ paid as He, who was without sin, took all of our sins on Himself so that we could stand before God forgiven and redeemed.
Up to a point I was prepared for what I saw. Yet nothing really prepares one to watch a crucifixion, much less when it is your Lord and Saviour on the cross. The most devastating single scene, from my perspective, was when the Roman soldier drove his spear into the vicinity of Christ's heart and we witnessed His lifeblood and water pour from His side.
PS: Just finished watching Passion of the Christ which I first watched four years ago. I wrote this article in 2004 and was published in The Guardian Monday, April 26, 2004
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