The Passion of the Christ

[Hisbygrace]

The movie was wonderfully done I believe, but I watched it through tears from the moment I sat down. I thought throughout how as humans we can't truly comprehend reality until we see it. Reading the Biblical record of the trials and crucifixion of Christ paints a picture in your mind, but to see the actual brutality should make all of us reconsider just what Christ went through for each of us. And the most awesome thing is He would have done it for just one!

[draconus71]

I really liked it it showed us in more detail of what it was like. i cried my eyes out and felt so unworthy of Jesus' sacrifice for us I was repenting every sin I ever commited.

[Saint2be27]

I loved it, and bought it once it was available in stores.

[GodFlute2]

"The Passion" is the most moving movie I'v seen.

[Fonzy]

i loved it.

[dudeoffaith1]

I love that movie, and my friend got saved because of it.

[Colabomb]

People need to know what He went through.

[Fonzy]

i loved it

[delvaughn]

I bought this movie, sight unseen, on the day it was released to DVD.


I watched it that evening, even though there were a few interruptions when my oldest daughter woke up, and I had to try to control my tears. (I want to watch it again when the girls are gone so that I can fully experience it.)

This movie came during a very big turning point in my life. I had walked away from God for many years and blamed Him for all the bad things in my life. Last spring, though, I surrendered to Him, became spirit-filled in June, and was rebaptized in August. After watching this movie, I cried for a long time. The one thought that sticks out when I think about it is: If Jesus went through that for me, the least I could do is do my best to live for Him, as imperfect as I might be.

I thank God that Mel Gibson risked his reputation to bring this movie to life. And, in reference to some of the posts I read about Jesus not being portrayed accurately because He was more than likely not white....all I can say is, according to the Bible, we are all descended from Adam and Eve, whether we're black, white, Asian, Hispanic, etc.
:groupray:

[challe]

:thumbsup: I Love It !

Its Hard to watch ,, But a Great Movie !

Challe / :groupray:

[Evie]

The Passion of the Christ topped the box-office last week. What are your thoughts on the movie?
it's a powerful movie

[BubblesRelena]

loved it!!

~BubblesRelena

[allsweetncool]

i would like to see it but i hear the violence is a little overdone so i don't think i will.

[PACKY]

john 3:16 " for god so LOVED the world that he gave his one and only son"

thats alone speaks volumes!

god bless you and I Hope that youre new year is filed with the fruits of the spirit!
(galatians 5:22)

[Gods_MyHope]

I liked it a lot.

[Gods_MyHope]

i would like to see it but i hear the violence is a little overdone so i don't think i will.
It's not that the violence is a little "overdone". The way that it's portrayed in the movie is how it was. It was the worst way to die back then, and that's how it was. I actually thought that it could have been a little more violent, and that Mel Gibson could have gotten more grafical with it, but he probably didn't just for the reason that most people wouldn't have watched it then.:preach:

[PioMagnus]

I picked "I loved it"--but that's not accurate. It was not the kind of movie you love or like. It's a movie that changes your life.

But, "I loved it" was pretty close.

God Bless,
Pio Magnus

[Athanasian Creed]

It's not that the violence is a little "overdone". The way that it's portrayed in the movie is how it was. (snip)
As a born-again Christian who claims Christ his Lord, Saviour and God and would NEVER desire to diminish one whit the sufferings and salvific sacrifice of Christ in atoning for mankinds' sins i, however, disagree with the above statement. There is no way any one man, even the God-Man could endure the sufferings portraited in the film. The flagellating scene for instance was way overdone - the Roman's were very careful not to kill the condemned while punishing them by scourging - the number of lashes was dependant on the victim's condition. I'm quite sure Jesus' condition was horrific even before the whipping and to endure such punishment as in the movie would have required Him to use His Divine power in order to keep Himself alive so He could endure the Crucifixion !!!:eek:

One of my co-workers who went to see the movie also made a comment about the amount of violence one man could handle and, because of such, with her, the movie lost credibility. :sigh:



Ray :wave:

[Poorfornow]

Well, I saw the movie the second week it was out.
The violence was believable to me.
I am a First Responder with EMS, and a rescue team member.
I have seen some humans survive horrible injuries while others succumbed quickly.
The scenes as portrayed in the movie seemed to be close to what I had imagined my Lord and Savior had endured for me.
The roman soldiers knew from experience how much a man in good health could stand; there was a sense of urgency, for the Sabbath was approaching and the "show" would be curtailed quickly. The audience would leave shortly, so all of the suffering had to be speeded up.
I think Christ's real agony was when he cried out not because of the physical pain, but when he became our sacrificial lamb, with all of our sins attached to his sinless self.
Thank God and Christ for the magnificent plan of salvation that They carried through with.
Thank Mel Gibson for attempting to show us some of that sacrifice.

Did I think the movie was perfect?
No.
It was a close second, though, and I can still remember the audience's reaction.
I don't have the best hearing in the world anymore, and it was the first time for me in that theater. I was in Nashville on business at the Opryland Hotel complex and used a free evening to go alone to the show. I thought that they had SoundSurround equipment for the show, with peripheral moans, groans and loud cries and sounds of weeping. The show ended abruptly with no credits or sound, when I discovered that all of those peripheral sounds were from the people sitting around me, some I guess were my own. I was floored. What an awesome experience.

[LondonsBurning]

It's not that the violence is a little "overdone". The way that it's portrayed in the movie is how it was. It was the worst way to die back then, and that's how it was. I actually thought that it could have been a little more violent, and that Mel Gibson could have gotten more grafical with it, but he probably didn't just for the reason that most people wouldn't have watched it then.:preach:
Jesus was beaten beyond the recognition where you couldn't even tell what was up there was human! The passion was too nice.

[ChristyP4Christ]

Loved it

[progressivegal]

I felt pretty (personally) offended by this movie. For me, the main thing I'm interested in is how Jesus lived, not how he died. I didn't want to see some guy portraying Jesus beat up for hours, but that's just me. If Mel Gibson had stuck directly to scripture I wouln't have minded, but he seemed to add in stuff from other sources, it felt like I was watching "Mels belifs about Christ" not "The Passion of the Chrsit". But if this movie brought people closer to God than that's awesome, it just didn't do anything spiritually for me, but we all are different and if this movie made someone want to learn more about the teachings of Jesus (though personally I couldn't understand why it would, if I were not a Christian I think this would just make me want to be one less not more, but like I said, we're all different), than I think that's great. I guess what I'm saying is that I personally did not feel anything spiritually enlightening about this movie, and that I personally was troubled by it, but I think everyone goes about their spirituality differently and I am glad that this appeared to have been fufilling for so many people, it just wasn't for me.

[anna9559]

i thought it was OK, i didn't like it much, but then i did! It's rated R, but i got to watch it on tape!

[anna9559]

I felt pretty (personally) offended by this movie. For me, the main thing I'm interested in is how Jesus lived, not how he died. I didn't want to see some guy portraying Jesus beat up for hours, but that's just me. If Mel Gibson had stuck directly to scripture I wouln't have minded, but he seemed to add in stuff from other sources, it felt like I was watching "Mels belifs about Christ" not "The Passion of the Chrsit". But if this movie brought people closer to God than that's awesome, it just didn't do anything spiritually for me, but we all are different and if this movie made someone want to learn more about the teachings of Jesus (though personally I couldn't understand why it would, if I were not a Christian I think this would just make me want to be one less not more, but like I said, we're all different), than I think that's great. I guess what I'm saying is that I personally did not feel anything spiritually enlightening about this movie, and that I personally was troubled by it, but I think everyone goes about their spirituality differently and I am glad that this appeared to have been fufilling for so many people, it just wasn't for me.
yea, i totally agree!:amen:

[faller_g]

apart from the obvious fact that it was hard to watch, i heard it was bascially quoted from a catcholic person who had a vision about what happened and wrote it down - i dont liked that!

[ClaireZ]

i would like to see it but i hear the violence is a little overdone so i don't think i will.

Agreed. If they had shown more of the life and teachings of Jesus, I would have gone to see it. However, my daughter went first, and she told me not to go, she said it was just too disturbing.

[eaglex]

For the last 15 minutes noone in the theater could eat or drink their eyes were glued to the screen.

[LondonsBurning]

I felt pretty (personally) offended by this movie. For me, the main thing I'm interested in is how Jesus lived, not how he died.

The fact that Jesus died is the very reason you can even CALL yourself a Christian.

[LondonsBurning]

apart from the obvious fact that it was hard to watch, i heard it was bascially quoted from a catcholic person who had a vision about what happened and wrote it down - i dont liked that!

and i don't liked that you butcher english grammar.;)

[progressivegal]

The fact that Jesus died is the very reason you can even CALL yourself a Christian.

I think whether or not he died, he still had amazing teachings that I chose to follow. Being a "follower of Chrsit" is in my opinion being a Christian. Of course I also believe that he died for humanity's sins and that that was the ultimate gift, but if he wasn't so amazing he could not have done that in the first place.

[Maize]

I watched, but just to hear the language spoken, it was fascinating.

[die2live]

I found it hard to see it as a movie. At times, I felt like I was there, watching my best friend be beaten to death and jeered at and murdered. I couldn't feel angry, because I knew I was part of it. I was too horrified to feel sorry at the time, though I certainly did later when I calmed down a bit. So many times I wanted to close my eyes and avoid having to look upon my stricken Savior. I was constantly begging God to let me avert my gaze for just a little while. But He didn't, so I looked on the whole time. It was horrifying, yet everytime I caught a glimpse of Jesus' eyes, I saw His heart, overwhelmed with love, for me and all His people. It was so beautiful.

[Raheelah]

won't watch it - i am no good with stuff with alot of blood etc, but am still grateful for what Jesus did for me upon the Cross :) ;) :D :cool: :P :wave: :thumbsup: :amen: :clap: :hug: :preach: :prayer: :groupray: :bow: :angel:

[Loopi]

watching it put a lot of perspective on Christs death for me. I always thought of the cross as so clean and holy, i knew Jesus suffered but the film really hit home how much. I was backsliding the first time i watched it, text one of my leaders after and was just cryin my eyes out. Every time the whip went down everyone in my friends living room linched, regardless the mix of beliefs that were there.
IS a very powerful film, portrayed in a way that is very hard hitting

[rachewil15]

I loved it. They did a really good job with the movie, I thought.

[ysl_75]

The Passion of the Christ topped the box-office last week. What are your thoughts on the movie?
The movie is too good and real... and very painful to see Jesus Christ being tortured because of each and everyone of us ... I am really a sinner after watching this movie..:sorry:

[republican]

I loved it even tho I am not saved I just felt a peace every time I watched it.

[Waylon]

I found it hard to see it as a movie. At times, I felt like I was there, watching my best friend be beaten to death and jeered at and murdered. I couldn't feel angry, because I knew I was part of it. I was too horrified to feel sorry at the time, though I certainly did later when I calmed down a bit. So many times I wanted to close my eyes and avoid having to look upon my stricken Savior. I was constantly begging God to let me avert my gaze for just a little while. But He didn't, so I looked on the whole time. It was horrifying, yet everytime I caught a glimpse of Jesus' eyes, I saw His heart, overwhelmed with love, for me and all His people. It was so beautiful.

That's exactly why I am weary of watching it. I own it and haven't watched it yet. Just reading the account in the bible gets me emotional and I know if I see it on screen I will be a mess for like a week. I don't really like to cry.

[staugustine68]

Even though the movie isn't for "everyone", but I do recommand the movie to "everyone". :thumbsup:

I never saw the movie on the big screen but waited to buy on DVD.:clap:

I, personaly, loved the movie and shed a few tears.:cry:

Next time I feel like i'm losing faith, I will see it again.:)

[bill16652]

the most awesome movie i have ever seen

[kellyp1967]

It only loved it because I love Christ and what He has done for us. As far as the movie went, I appreciate the accurate view of these times. However, it is quite difficult to say I loved the movie because it was so horrid, if you know what I mean... It makes me happy though that this movie was seen by so many unsaved people and it brought them the Christ.:thumbsup:

[Jesusfan4ever]

I loved it :clap:

[shari54]

I loved it!

It took me a long time to see it but I am glad I did.

[~ Gig ~]

I haven't seen it yet, and I'm not sure if I'm going to....the descriptions in the Gospels are graphic enough for me...I don't know if I could handle a visual image as well.

I agree 100%:hug:

[WalksWithChrist]

I agree 100%:hug:Yeah, it was pretty gut-wrenching. But I really appreciated it. Don't know if I could actually sit through it again tho! I just want to see the scenes again where they flash back to Jesus' early life. Those were great!

[BillR]

It was really hard to watch but i loved it, it made people think what Jesus did for us!!!:clap:

[pinkberry]

I haven't seen it yet. I've heard it was reeeealy powerful! I hate to admit it, but I'm a little scared to watch it. :(

[masrhy]

dont be scared pinkberry it made me cry:cry: but it was a great film !

[brinny]

It's difficult to watch. But I had to. I am not sorry I saw it.

[Jesus_Freak728]

im glad i saw it...it was hard to watch Him get crucified though. I couldnt watch that part. i got it on dvd and now im afraid to watch it again.:( it was sooo powerful...I cried so much...:cry:

[MommylovesRJ]

I have never cried so hard in my life. Gut-wrenching, yes. But, the message is too beautiful to described in mere words.

[HolyPlace]

I cried, and i too belive it can't be described.

[old06]

I went to see the movie and bought the DVD and loved it touched my heart. PS we even gave the DVD as a gift to friends and family. :prayer: .

[The Bad Templar]

Great film.

I can see what Mel Gibson meant when he said that the cross had become his meditation...through the artwork that he created, it has become the same for me.

[WalksWithChrist]

I have never cried so hard in my life. Gut-wrenching, yes. But, the message is too beautiful to described in mere words. I cried several times myself! I can't think of another time where I have cried at a movie. And with a bunch of strangers! My finacee didn't want to see it yet so I was in a packed theater with strangers. The lady next to me handed me a tissue before the movie started and she said "you're gonna need this!" I took it politely thinking I wouldn't need it, but I ended up soaking it! = )

[Tanyalita]

I loved it. It's so hard to watch though. Expecially the part where Mary runs to Jesus when he falls and it shows a flashback of when she ran to him when he fell as a child. That made me cry so bad. ;.;

[WalksWithChrist]

I loved it. It's so hard to watch though. Expecially the part where Mary runs to Jesus when he falls and it shows a flashback of when she ran to him when he fell as a child. That made me cry so bad. ;.;Yeah, that one got me too!

[L.A.W.]

I like the film. I think the title and the focus of the film really hit on the 'passion of Christ.' For God did send his only begotten Son, Yahushua to die for our ransom. His passion was to show us His endless mercy and love for us (john 3:16). To tell you the truth, I like the one at the theaters better than the dvd versions. I do admitt, I teared and nearly cried for I knew who Yahushua was God in the flesh and He was falsely being accused of sinning and that was hurtful to see our God being persecuted for something He didn't do. I never cried that much for anyone else including my family as close as I cried for Yahushua.

[akasmom]

Everyone I know who has seen it has had a different reaction to it, as individual as our reactions/relationships to Him. I've seen it twice and got something different both times. I think it's a well made movie but certainly not easy to watch, on any level!

[WalksWithChrist]

Everyone I know who has seen it has had a different reaction to it, as individual as our reactions/relationships to Him. I've seen it twice and got something different both times. I think it's a well made movie but certainly not easy to watch, on any level!I think I would react a little differently now too. Especially if I watched it on DVD instead of the big screen. = )

[pinkberry]

I don't know if I've already replied to this thread, but if I haven't...

I haven's seen it yet!

[WalksWithChrist]

I don't know if I've already replied to this thread, but if I haven't...

I haven's seen it yet!Really? Well, don't see it if you have a weak stomach. And if you have the fortitude to buy a ticket, make sure you have a ready supply of tissue! = )

[Quantos]

Didn't vote (No Option for my choice of Havent seen the new one only)

[RadicallyTransformedMom]

I havent seen it and i dont know if i will. I dont know if i can watch the violence

[Melly Monster]

I know I like the first one, it was a powerful movie and it has nothing but truth in it, I havent seen the new one though I did watch Mel Gibson talk about it on Jay Leno. I can't wait to see it, My husband is wanting to take me on a date Tuesday evening so maybe we will watch it:)

[Melly Monster]

I think I would react a little differently now too. Especially if I watched it on DVD instead of the big screen. = )

There talking about the new one, this new one is suppose to be not as violent, people where upset because the first one wasn't sutiable for people with weak stomachs and people under 15. Though christs death was probley as bad as it was partrade in the film, Mel Gibson probley resived a majour pat on the back for that movie, He through something in Hollywood none other has ever done. He told the truth.

[88Devin07]

I loved it! Just read my journal entry on the movie:
http://www.christianforums.com/t1312102-my-journal-and-thoughts.html

[Starrbyrd]

My favorite scenes in the movie were the ones depicting Mary. The actress displayed the true feelings of a mother for her beloved son. The sorrow, of seeing her child fufill his destiny. The feelings she portrayed were those of all mothers watching their children and only trusting ...that God and the greater good ... will be manifested in our children.

[88Devin07]

if any of you didn't know this, the actor who played Mary was actually Jewish. God still works through them, even after they rejected him. After all, they will redeem themselves in the end and will join us in paradise, as God has promised :)

I love that scene where Jesus is making the table...
another part, was when Jesus kissed Mary after teasing her. I don't look at that as a son to mother kiss...

Some ppl forget that Jesus didn't think of Mary as his mother, other than his biological mother.
He is God, thus, his love for Mary, was God's love. Even as the incarnate son, he still knew everything about Mary and knew her better than she knew herself... When I see him kiss her, I think about how wonderful it must have been, to receive a kiss from God :)

[Donyc]

I didn't realize how big gods love was until i watched the movie. He did it for us.

Amen

[Lithium Hobo]

Don't see what all the greatness of this movie is. Just another Jesus flick. If you're gonna make a movie, might as well make it about Jesus. Got a pretty attentive audience already, and chances are, if you follow the bible, they're gonna like it.

[MrJim]

The movie was great-I personally didn't think the violence was overdone-probably less than what really happened.

[WalksWithChrist]

The movie was great-I personally didn't think the violence was overdone-probably less than what really happened. I've read that they actually toned down the violence from what they believe it would have been back then.

[Rod B]

I thought 'The Passion' was pretty good, and was certainly a very moving movie. My biggest disappointment was that the movie virtually missed the opportunity to present the good news of the resurrection. I mean you've got all these people in the theaters already, why not add a few more minutes showing the power and glory of the resurrection?

[WalksWithChrist]

I thought 'The Passion' was pretty good, and was certainly a very moving movie. My biggest disappointment was that the movie virtually missed the opportunity to present the good news of the resurrection. I mean you've got all these people in the theaters already, why not add a few more minutes showing the power and glory of the resurrection?You're right. That was a missed opportunity. But now there's plenty of room for a sequel...

[Lithium Hobo]

You're right. That was a missed opportunity. But now there's plenty of room for a sequel...

The Passion II: Ressurection "This time, it's personal". xD

[Rod B]

The Passion II: Ressurection "This time, it's personal". xD

Good one, Lithium :D

[Nevada77]

I enjoyed it very much and would watch it every year around this time.

Nevada :angel:

[Bledsoe2]

I loved it!

Bledsoe2

[California Dreamin']

I saw it twice at the cinema, went with a different friend each time and then pre-ordered it from blockbuster when it was coming out on DVD. I usually just buy used DVDs.

[IlliniJon]

I've not yet even seen the movie - was kind of hoping it would be back in the theaters for Easter, but didn't see that happen.

Jon

[Illuminite]

it left me so on fire i've yet to recover,changing all my future plans and thoughts-it was like an open invitation to a new life,and nothing but good has come into my soul since

[Illuminite]

I thought 'The Passion' was pretty good, and was certainly a very moving movie. My biggest disappointment was that the movie virtually missed the opportunity to present the good news of the resurrection. I mean you've got all these people in the theaters already, why not add a few more minutes showing the power and glory of the resurrection?this question was put to M Gibson and he stated it was simply about His passion,His sufferage and i agree with you Rod,i wondered why not tie in some of the beauty of the meeting with his apostles again and mary magdelene.it was a slight disappointment...

[-Lily-]

You forgot an alternative, I haven't seen it yet, but I want to. ;)

[88Devin07]

BTW, this movie began my return to Christ after ignoring him for 6-7 years. I was a Christian from birth unto about 9-10 years of age. Then I started becoming a typical teenager and ignored God and Jesus and did what I wanted, basing only some of my beliefs on religion. Now I'm trying to dedicate my whole life to him, as I was like when I was a little kid. And it was all inspired by this powerful movie.

[WalksWithChrist]

BTW, this movie began my return to Christ after ignoring him for 6-7 years. I was a Christian from birth unto about 9-10 years of age. Then I started becoming a typical teenager and ignored God and Jesus and did what I wanted, basing only some of my beliefs on religion. Now I'm trying to dedicate my whole life to him, as I was like when I was a little kid. And it was all inspired by this powerful movie.*fireworks*

[baller_4_jc]

I loved it!



baller_4_jc

[YC Bearzie]

I didn't like the movie. I have been a christian pretty much all my life, and I found that this movie wasn't very well portrayed as to why Jesus died. I found the only thing that they really focused on was how badly he was tortured. Earlier last year we had a discussion in a group @ my church and many felt this way about it, but that maybe this was the way they wanted to portray this movie to get people to ask questions about why he was tortured so badly.

I personally can't watch this movie again, it tore my heart apart.

[88Devin07]

It should tear your heart apart. That is the purpose behind the movie, to show how badly he was tortured!

There are too many "Christians" that know the significance of his sacrifice and what it means, but they don't appreciate it at all... They need to be shown a fraction of what he went through, then they will begin to appreciate his sacrifice.

Of course, I know many Christians know the significance and appreciate it, but there are too many who know the significance but don't appreciate it. (and they wrongly call themselves people of Christ when they don't even care about his sacrifice!)

[WalksWithChrist]

It should tear your heart apart. That is the purpose behind the movie, to show how badly he was tortured!

There are too many "Christians" that know the significance of his sacrifice and what it means, but they don't appreciate it at all... They need to be shown a fraction of what he went through, then they will begin to appreciate his sacrifice.

Of course, I know many Christians know the significance and appreciate it, but there are too many who know the significance but don't appreciate it. (and they wrongly call themselves people of Christ when they don't even care about his sacrifice!)Now, now. Careful about questioning others "Christianity."

[88Devin07]

I know it is against forum rules, but it is true. Someone must not only believe in Jesus Christ, our one and only savior and God, but also they must try their best to live by God's word.

[U R my Sonshine]

I didn't like the movie. I have been a christian pretty much all my life, and I found that this movie wasn't very well portrayed as to why Jesus died. I found the only thing that they really focused on was how badly he was tortured. Earlier last year we had a discussion in a group @ my church and many felt this way about it, but that maybe this was the way they wanted to portray this movie to get people to ask questions about why he was tortured so badly.



I felt this way too. I liked the movie very much and Mel is to be commended for making it.

I feel, however, you had to have already known the story of Christ to know WHY he was dying for us, and to appreciate the Film. If you haven't been a Christian and studied the Bible it would be difficult to understand his Sacrifice. There was no "character building" for the people ignorant to Christ. I think a little more background would have been great. If you already love him it was great, but if a person didn't...they didn't show his character enough to help them "fall in love with him" (Odd because they do that in other movies....make you love the character, etc) Due to these facts, I think the average non-Christian who doesn't know these facts may have just seen it as a "Movie about that guy Jesus"

Now...if you already know and love Him....it was spectacular!!:thumbsup:

[Telrunya]

I felt this way too. I liked the movie very much and Mel is to be commended for making it.

I feel, however, you had to have already known the story of Christ to know WHY he was dying for us, and to appreciate the Film. If you haven't been a Christian and studied the Bible it would be difficult to understand his Sacrifice. There was no "character building" for the people ignorant to Christ. I think a little more background would have been great. If you already love him it was great, but if a person didn't...they didn't show his character enough to help them "fall in love with him" (Odd because they do that in other movies....make you love the character, etc) Due to these facts, I think the average non-Christian who doesn't know these facts may have just seen it as a "Movie about that guy Jesus"

Now...if you already know and love Him....it was spectacular!!:thumbsup:

This isn't entirely true. I have spoken to many people who ask why did he go through all of that. I know many of them got saved. This movie is a great conversation starter.

[alabaster jar]

I liked the movie; thought it was very powerful.

[purpleunicorn_Andi]

there were a couple of odd parts...but I thought it was a very moving portrayal.

[BuRnInG4GoD]

I didn't watch it

[WalksWithChrist]

I didn't watch itWait until you're older! :thumbsup: It was pretty scary. :eek:

[Athanasian Creed]

Mariology in the Film Itself :

The following are from reviews given by people who have seen the film -

The first from Bacchiocchi's Endtime News letter #112

"The most glaring heresy of The Passion is the prominent role that Mary plays throughout the film as a partner with Christ in the redemption of mankind. She lends vital support to her Son throughout the whole ordeal. In accordance with Catholic belief, had she been absent, Christ would not have been able to offer Himself as the sacrifice for mankind. This heresy is taught especially by Ann Catherine Emmerich who presents Mary as co-redemptrix, that is, co-redeemer. At the time of the crucifixion Mary actually utters the words: "Let me die with you."

While in the Bible Mary appears only once in the Gospel of John when Jesus on the Cross pointing to John says to His
mother: "Woman, behold your Son!" (John 19:26),

Yet, in the movie Mary is present in all the major episodes.

She is dressed like a Medieval nun, rather than a first century Jewish woman.

She is present in the Garden to comfort her Son.

She meets Peter on the streets after his denial of Christ. Peter in distress looks Mary on her face and falls on his knees, confessing his sin and asking for her forgiveness. Mary is ready to absolve Peter for his sin, but he jumps up and says, "No, I am not worthy." The Catholic intercessory role of Mary is loud and clear.

Mary appeals to Pilate's wife, Claudia, urging her to pressure the Roman soldiers to protect her Son against the angry Jewish crowd. Claudia aligns herself with Mary by influencing her husband on behalf of Christ. But Pilate's efforts are too little and too late. Again, the interaction between Mary and Claudia is foreign to the Bible, deriving instead from Gibson's fertile imagination.

Christ's journey along the Via Dolorosa on the way to Golgotha is inspired not by the Gospels, but by the medieval Catholic devotional ritual , known as the 14 'Stations of the Cross'. During this journey Christ stops several times because He has no strength left to go on. At those points, Mary is always near Christ and acts as His comforter and coach. Through their eyes contact, Mary infuses mystical power on her Son.

The notion of Mary participating with Christ in our redemption, is a long-standing Catholic heresy that Protestants have strongly rejected in times past.

Mary and Jesus at the Cross:

When Jesus hangs on the Cross with His lacerated body covered with blood, Mary embraces His bloody feet and her face is splattered with blood. What a powerful Catholic message in showing not only Jesus bleeding on the Cross, but also Mary standing besides Him, covered with blood! The message is clear. Both of them have paid the price of our redemption.

Even more telling is the picture of Mary cradling the bloody body of Jesus in the same position as Michelangelo's pietà, when the Roman centurion took the body down from the Cross. That picture has a powerful message. It shows not only the importance of Christ's death, but also the sacrifice of Mary in offering her Son for our salvation.

In an interview with Zenit, the Roman Catholic News Service, Thomas Rosica, the Catholic priest who oversaw World Youth Day 2002 and its Way of the Cross through the streets of Toronto, acknowledges how The Passion of the Christ
highlights the role of Mary: "One scene, in particular, was very moving. As Jesus falls on the Way of the Cross, there is a flashback to his falling on a Jerusalem street as a child, and his mother running out of the house to pick him up. The interplay of Mary and Jesus in this film is moving, and reaches its apex in the scene of the Pietà. The Mother of the Lord is inviting each of us to share her grief and behold her Son."
(Father Thomas Rosica on Mel Gibson's "The Passion," National Director of World Youth Day 2002 Weighs in on Film, 2004-02-06).

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Another who saw the movie reports:

In one scene a Roman gurad stops dead in his tracks and looks at Mary, seemingly transfixed, and can't look away for a period of time. The person who stares transfixed at Mary and asks another who she is.

The disciples also address Mary as "Mother", this even before Jesus speaks to John about taking care of her just before He dies.

Mary is also portrayed as having a supernatural connection to Jesus, such as in the scene where she is walking down the street, and suddenly senses Jesus is near, she kneels and puts her face to the ground. The camera then pans below street level and shows that Jesus is hanging below in a dungeon by chains. He senses her and it brings Him comfort.

Mary is also presented as strengthening Jesus during His walk to Golgotha under the burden of the cross.

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Here's another report by Charles Sabold :

"Considering the limited range of Caviezel’s Jesus, one could almost say that this is more about the Passion of Mary."

It seems that she suffers in some ways as much as He does; He sheds His blood at the scourging, and she cleans it up with white linens from Pilate’s wife (taken from Catholic legend), participating symbolically in what took place. She is the rock of strength around which the disciples revolve, and they even call her “Mother.”

When it seems that even Jesus Himself might not be able to make it to Golgotha with the cross, she is there; they speak briefly, their eyes meet, and somehow He has the strength to go the rest of the way.

She knows and understands what is taking place, even though the disciples do not. The story is not just passively oriented on Mary, as some evangelicals have said; in fact, she is shown to play a critical role, alongside that of Jesus Himself, in effecting this sacrifice. She is not only the second focus of the film but the most identifiable character in it; whereas the other characters are human (or the Devil himself), she has the Godlike aloofness to see the business through to its conclusion, even though she is emotional and in pain.

There was one very telling moment where the camera is focused on her crying, but in the unfocused background they
are scourging Jesus; Jesus is hidden behind Mary, though, and it looks like a little Roman is scourging her heart.

All of this fits into the Catholic picture that Mary suffered as well for us, and that she redeems us in partnership with Jesus’ Passion (making her co-redemptrix in theological terms).

----

Movie Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat -

...but the heart and soul of the film is the performance by Maia Morgenstern as Mary, the mother of Jesus."

---

As Jim Caviezel, the actor portraying Christ, said,

"This film is something that I believe was made by Mary for her Son."

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(website unknown)



Stick with the Word of God, not with a film that adds reams of extra-Biblical 'accounts' that corrupt what the Holy Spirit gave us in His Word as to the Saviour's suffering and death. It is more than sufficient to show the great love of God displayed in Christ.

And yes, i did see the movie (though not in the theatres) It seemed to me as well in watching it, to be a movie that dwelt more on Mary's sufferings rather than Christ's. Even non-believers i know made mention of this fact (as well as commenting that anyone tortured as much as the 'jesus' in the movie would not survive to the point of crucifixion - hence, it made it unbelievable to them) It elevated her way above what she deserves and, in doing so, takes away glory and honour due only Christ IMO.



Ray :wave:

[cubanito]

What I found most beautiful about the movie was watching those that were dragging themselves, or being dragged, into the theater. I have never seen so many cripples at a movie theater.

Truly Christ prophesied correctly about his followers. With few exceptions, WE would be drawn from the lowest in society. It recalls a quote by a Roman senator sometime around 200AD comparing Christians to frogs. If you kill one frog it does little good, as 10 more rise to take it's place from among the slaves and destitute.

While I was not greatly enamored of the movie for various reasons, I am glad it did so well.

[Surak]

I saw it, and didn't like it. I also saw the South Park epesode. I like one thing I herd someone on the show say. "I don't need and exhibition of violance to affirm my faith." The movie was over the top. If it wasn't about Jesus, many christians would have been up in arms about al the blood. No thanks! Its just another bloody movie.

[Colabomb]

I saw it, and didn't like it. I also saw the South Park epesode. I like one thing I herd someone on the show say. "I don't need and exhibition of violance to affirm my faith." The movie was over the top. If it wasn't about Jesus, many christians would have been up in arms about al the blood. No thanks! Its just another bloody movie.
Christ's Sacrifice is Bloody. The Gospel is Bloody.

He suffered. He died. He faced torture that neither you nor I likely will ever stand.

Christians have been too complacent for too long. We need something to remind us what this is all about.

[Athanasian Creed]

Christ's Sacrifice is Bloody. The Gospel is Bloody.

He suffered. He died. He faced torture that neither you nor I likely will ever stand.

Christians have been too complacent for too long. We need something to remind us what this is all about.

Christ's sacrifice was indeed bloody but the Gospel writers did not emphasis nor go into detail as to the physical sufferings of Christ. All the Gospel writers simply said, "they crucified Him"
The physical sufferings did not save us, it was the spiritual sufferings that provided atonement - it was the fact that "He became sin for us - that we could be made the righteousness of God." Mel Gibson takes many directorial liberties in adding to what the Gospels really say - both about the sufferings of 'jesus' and the role of Mary in the life and sufferings of her Son. Not only does he add words and actions not recorded in Scripture of Mary and the Apostles but he dares do so with the God-Man - which is blasphemous. He dares add to the Word of God which is expressedly forbidden! :eek:

We have the account in the Word of God - that is more than sufficient to "remind us what this is all about." It is by the preaching of God's Word do men gain the faith necessary for salvation - NOT by the presentation of a play that adds to the Word, and, in turn, denegrades the Bible in the process by making it seem inadequate. :eek::sigh:


Ray :wave:

[Colabomb]

I don't believe that the Creative License taken in the Passion is not adding to the Word of God. I don't think he intends anyone to take such things literally.

Secondly, the Gnostics prefered a "happy" Jesus on the Cross. They prefered to gloss over the Blood involved.

Thirdly, Blood is referenced multiple times in the Scriptures. The Apostles did not seem to shy away from the visualization.

Fourthly they most likely (but will not say definitely as I am not the Holy Ghost) wrote "and they crucified him" because paper was expensive in those days.

[handmaiden97]

I thought it was a very powerful movie!!!!! I cried when I saw it in theater and I have no desire to see it again anytime soon. I would hate to grow accustemd to such graphic images....

one thing though, I was not impressed with the extra biblical things, like the demon kids or lucifer holding a hideous baby type thing or the vulture....I still dont know why they had to add stuff like that....the movie woud have been better with out those artistic liberties

[GolfingMom]

Christ's Sacrifice is Bloody. The Gospel is Bloody.

He suffered. He died. He faced torture that neither you nor I likely will ever stand.

Christians have been too complacent for too long. We need something to remind us what this is all about.

VERY TRUE! GOOD POINT!

I thought it was very well done. It brought the entire event to "life"...I LOVED how Jesus was portrayed as a human, with a sense of humour (the table scene w/ his mom etc) - brought it to a more personal level...:clap:

[lgintrnj]

I havent seen it and doubt that i will watch it.

[littlecoda]

Jim Caviezel was unreal,if not for him I don't know if Jesus would have seemed so real.

[Athanasian Creed]

Jim Caviezel was unreal,if not for him I don't know if Jesus would have seemed so real.

When you pray or meditate, do you see the face of Caviezel when you think of Jesus??

If you admit you don't, guaranteed there are countless others who do. This is idolatry, pure and simple! :eek:

The 2nd commandment (commandment, NOT suggestion) in Scripture says we are not to make images of things in heaven or on earth, how much less when it deals with Deity - men, women and children are saved at the preaching the unadulterated word of God, not by plays and movies that do more harm than good, especially since they add and subtract from what God's word says - all for the sake of poetic licence! :(:help:


Ray :wave:

[cygnusx1]

very barbaric ......... it left very little to the imagination and was far too roman catholic in my view....... so I doubt if I will see it again , I saw a part of it the other night and after ten mins I was glad this buchery was over!

[flaglady]

I saw it twice and now I have the dvd which I have watched a couple of times. It never fails to move me and bring me - broken - before the Father.

[Colabomb]

very barbaric ......... it left very little to the imagination and was far too roman catholic in my view....... so I doubt if I will see it again , I saw a part of it the other night and after ten mins I was glad this buchery was over!
This Butchery is how God Bought your Salvation. It is hard, it is ugly, but it is real, and we must not ignore it.

The Gospel becomes even more beautiful when I have a better understanding of what Christ suffered for me. The Gospel can be textbook for many people. This movie helped some people see it as real.

[Christian_Babe234]

This Butchery is how God Bought your Salvation. It is hard, it is ugly, but it is real, and we must not ignore it.

The Gospel becomes even more beautiful when I have a better understanding of what Christ suffered for me. The Gospel can be textbook for many people. This movie helped some people see it as real.
Dude! AMEN to that!

[diana_ch]

I think the movie was fantastic and I often take the time to watch it again just to VISUALLY remind myself of the pain and sacrafice He went through for me... I don't ever want to forget that, at times we become all to comfortable with the our lives and we often don't want to "expose" our little protected lives to the cruelty, harshness and reality of the world... I think everyone, especially those who believe themselves to be Christians should watch. It definately puts another layer onto your faith and strengthens your passion for Christ...

[Gukkor]

I loved it, though of course not in the same manner that I love Wayne's World.

[krys4ever]

I loved it, because it gives us a clear understanding of all that Jesus Christ suffered and sacrificed for the world. At the same time, it really hurt my heart to know and to see the pain He had to endure.

[BlessedMommy05]

I loved the movie.. It made me cry alot and realize that yea Jesus did die even though the Bible tells us so, its just the visual of what he went through.. What got me to was seeing Mary his mother and her love for him was just so profound. Now that I am a mom and in 30yrs seeing my son at that age, I would think I'd cry because of what Jesus was doing at that age and just would really be hard and often to put myself in Mary's shoes sort to speak.

[Scandia]

this poll is old but voted :)
Loved it

[Followers4christ]

It was a great film,that shows what are savior went through for us.My church will be watching the passion tonight.Have a Blessed Resurrection Day everyone.God Bless :)



Isaiah 53:3-6 He was despised and rejected by men a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows,yet we considered him stricken by God,smitten by him, and afflicted.But he was pierced for our transgressions,he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

[Krystina661]

I did not like the movie. I felt moved but not spiritually moved. You cannot ignore what our Lord and Savior went though, but in my heart, I can't help but feel Jesus would have wanted us to focus on him more while he was alive, and what he taught us, not his horrifying death. It was a very gruesome movie, and I don't think our Lord would have wanted us to see it that visual. If he did we would have been there. That is just my opinion and how I feel!

[CFfosterANGEL12]

It was okay.

[FearNot7]

I liked the movie. I'm sure the punishment he went through by the people was much worse than what we see in the movie though.

The thing my mom didn't like, was that in the movie when Jesus was carrying the cross, he fell too many times. Didn't the Bible say that he only fell 3 times? But everytime I watch the movie, I feel so guilty for sinning.

[sportadic22]

i loved it.. very moving i thought.. it was so great and made me get chills at the end when he stood up wit holes in his hands! i was like BOMMMMBBB

[TCat]

I loved it but wish it had gone farther at the end. I think that if non Christians went out of curiosity they might not have "gotten" it. Might not understand why He died and what His resurection means.
On the other hand it probably moved some to question and leave room for the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts.

[4EverBlessed]

I said okay. It's just not easy to watch a depiction of what Jesus endured for my sins.

[GrannieAnnie]

You mean Mel Gibson has brought ANOTHER (2nd) movie of the Passion of Christ? Mmmm, didn't know that. When my daughter saw the first one last year, she converted, which was really good. I saw the first one, it was ok....but I don't think I'd bother watching anything like it again....afterall, they're only all actors making money.....it isn't real. The Bible is real.....

[Melanie91]

I've seen parts of it during an Easter Shadows service. It is very graphic and it made me cry. I really like it though.

[SpeekerOfTruth]

I loved the Passion.

[SpeekerOfTruth]

You should see it.

[JeCrois]

It was very brutal, but it made you think. God had a plan and He didn't let anything alter that plan.

[PrincessBaker]

I loved Passion of the Christ. It made me cry. I actually felt like I was being beaten when he was. As if I felt what He felt.

[NostalgicGranny]

Awesome - for the first time I actually felt what it meant.

[pumanator]

Still have not watched it. I cant stand to watch mans inhumanity at .its worst

[DougLDS]

Very moved by it

[amybeth105]

I was disappointed with the movie. Heard it made a lot of people cry but I wasn't moved to tears.

[Followers4christ]

It's a must see for all Jesus freaks out there.It is a very accurate film of what Christ went through for us and it shows his undying love for us all.God Bless

[minister50]

An exceptional film. The world needs more like it. And Christians should view it simply as a vivid portrayal of what our Lord and Savior endured for each one of us. (John 15:13) Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (Galatians 6:14) But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. (1 Corinthians 2:2) For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

[ciaradawn]

I didn't really know how to react to it. I saw it in the theater. I won't see it again though; maybe one day when I have children and they are old enough to watch it I'll watch it with them. but I don't think I could do it again anytime soon.

[T3mpt3d]

It was a quality production, but I don't think I can watch it ever again or any other movie or dramatization of Jesus Christ being beaten and crucified. Something just doesn't sit right with me that knowing that our Saviour died for us is not enough, that it needs to be dramatized in hi-definition glory to be appreciated.

But, I may be wrong.

[faith guardian]

I was left speechless for hours after the movie.

[plutoaintaplanet]

I thought it was a just a decent film, didn't really "love it" in terms of a movie..

[Kirkhaven]

I still get choked up when watching it.