Mel Gibson is releasing a version of the Passion of the Christ with the most violent scenes edited out for those who don't want to see the brutality. We talked about it on the show and I took the view that it is Gibson's movie and he can do what he wants with it. Marty as usual disagreed. He felt you must have the violence to portray what Jesus really went through.
It's a bit ironic we are debating if Hollywood should remove violence from a movie. I go back to what I said when the movie came out. IT"S JUST A MOVIE. It's a powerful movie and I thought it was great but it is not the gospel, it's a movie. So many people called in and said how that film changed their life. It took two hours and a bucket of popcorn to get the message of salvation into your head? I don't think this film comes close to really showing us what Jesus suffered for all of us. Yet people act like God sent Mel Gibson to bring the Gospel to the world. Keep in mind folks, IT'S A MOVIE! I'll share some of the email I received on this in the comment section.
6 comments:
No doubt if Mel Gibson takes out the stripes Jesus took for us then he is wiping out the fact that Jesus was beat up more than the average execution in those days would allow. It is important to know that and see that so people can feel the pain he felt even though it is a movie. I am dissapointed Mel is doing that because I loved the original movie even though some of it isn't in the bible. But that shouldn't be the focus. The real issue is whether or not it can minister Jesus Christ to someone. I say it can.
I was excited when my son-in-law agreed to go see the movie with my daughter. He has no church background. When he heard how graphic it was, he decided not to go because he has a very weak stomach. I think it is a wonderful witness tool.
I went to see it but kept my eyes closed at least 3 minutes of the movie during the flogging. I have heard many other say the same thing. I think it would have been good to have all 39 stripes but at times just scan the people watching at some of the times and just hear it whip.
I agree with Powerball. It shouldn’t matter how much or how little graphical depiction of Christ’s flogging is in the film. It is up to the Holy Spirit to convict us, not Mel Gibson’s or anyone else’s works.
However, as the mother of an adolescent, I would much rather have the option to watch a less-violent version with my pre-teen.
While the original version was very compelling to both me and my husband, I believe that the visions we experienced in the movie will probably haunt with us for the rest of our lives – for which I am grateful. However, I am not sure that an adolescent is capable of dealing with this level of brutality, regardless of how much we talk about it afterward. Visions of brutality of this magnitude have as much potential to haunt and harm a child as do scenes of hard-core pornography.
I completely agree with Powerball (it's only a movie made by a man and by his perspective.)
( I felt like I was the only Christian on earth that did not like this movie.)
I realize Christ's passion is of utmost importance but there is so much more about our Lord that I would
have liked to have seen in that movie... his joy, his love, etc. I have been a Christian for about 20 years
and really did not want to watch this movie as it is Mel Gibson's rendition(but some of my non-christian friends
wanted to go and I didn't' think they would go if I didn't go w/them.)
Although I know in my heart and mind that Christ's passion and suffering is probably beyond what I
can comprehend, this movie was so violent, I shut my eyes through at least ½ of it.
Yes, it was reality but so dark, so depressing. I feel close to the Lord daily when I worship, read his word
and think about him all day long. I did not need this movie to inspire me more.
I know Mel Gibson was sincere in his efforts but he now needs to make a movie about Christ's
forgiveness, love and hope he offers. I was raised Catholic (grade school and high school)
and feel the Catholic 'bent' is suffering for sins plus just constant emphasis on sin in general.
My born again perspective about God is Love and Forgiveness and Joy and Hope.
Through my Catholic years, we were all made to feel constantly that we were big, fat sinners.
I think non-christians would be more drawn to the Lord through showing his
endless forgiveness, grace and joy. Just my thoughts. Thanks for letting me vent.
I really enjoy your show and your upbeat attitude and joy. Thanks!
I have to say I agree with powerball, this is the absolute first for that!!
I really don't think that the beating scene really makes a difference in the impact of the movie as a whole. Because either you realize what Christ suffered or you don't and if you don't I really don't think a movie will convince them because it is just that a movie.
The most compelling thing to me in the whole movie was when Christ rolled himself onto the cross. I thought that was eye opening in realizing that Christ did this willingly.
I just wanted to point something out to those who who are saying that the Bible doesn't go into detail about the crucifixion. The audience to whom the gospel writers were writing didn't need the brutality and suffering involved with crucifixion explained to them because they had probably all seen dozens or even hundreds of people crucified. So there was no need to explain it. But for 21st century Christians, most have no idea whatsoever what was involved in the crucifixion of Jesus. I have a few issues with Gibson's movie, but the violence that is depicted is not one of them. We all need reminded, every once in a while, about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual persecution that our Lord voluntarily endured so that we might spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
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