Having watched The Passion of The Christ a few times in theaters now, I can only say that it has been a spectacular cinematic experience. I would have liked to have seen more done with the Resurrection, but the film was still very powerful. As I was done watching the film, I was emotionally drained, yet spiritually filled, as I knew what that brief moment on film (the Resurrection) meant to me personally as a Christian. The movie takes God's truth from Scripture and puts it right in your face. I commend Mel Gibson for having the courage to show on screen what Christians already know when Christ died on the cross for all of us
Satan had lost the battle; truth and love prevailed! This movie was a portrayal of exactly what it was: good versus evil.
I know no motion picture can truly capture what Christ went through for us as sinners, but as I watched the scourging scenes and His walk to Calvary, I was deeply moved to tears on numerous occasions. The imagery of what occurred onscreen had a profound and humbling effect on me. I have read many reactions to the film by other Christians and I feel the following from another person online describes best how I felt about the viewing experience:
`I can't tell you how the movie will affect you, any more than I can tell you what God's plan is for your life. If you have rejected Him, you may see yourself in the mob. If you have denied Him, you may see yourself in Peter. If you have made fun of Him, you may see yourself in the Roman soldiers. If you have allowed Him to save you from your sinful life, you may see yourself in Mary Magdalene.'
If you have studied Scripture (not just read it, but studied it) then you will understand that this movie is by no means anti-Semitic, as many reviewers of the film have felt after viewing it. All I can say is that you either get the message of the Scripture, or you don't. Sure, Jesus Christ could have prevented all the suffering he endured before it even started, but as mentioned in Scripture and in the movie at the Garden of Gethsemane, this was part of a bigger plan that was meant to happen because of God's will and love for ALL of us. Christ underwent great agony as he accepted God's will knowing that great betrayal and suffering were to come shortly thereafter.
As is the case with many other films, The Passion of The Christ will affect different people in different ways. Most Christians will watch the film and understand why, for the context of the film, there will be a lot of violence. The title of the film alone tells it all. The Passion, or suffering, of The Christ. As I watched the film all I could think about was what really went on 2000 years ago in Jerusalem. I understood that the person on screen was not the actual Christ, but the dialogue and visual imagery onscreen reminded me of what went on as Christ staggered and struggled to Golgotha to be crucified. Even in his most agonizing moments all he could think about was love and forgiveness towards his enemies; moments, which were further supported by the flashbacks to earlier times among his Apostles and followers. This is the message I got from the film, not hate the Jews or anything else. It amazes me how people can watch this film and not understand that this was what Mel Gibson was trying to get across to his audience. It was clear as day to me. Why not to so many others.
The main performers in the film, especially Jim Caviezel (Jesus) gave outstanding performances, as did Maia Morgenstern as Mary and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Another moving thing about the film was the musical score, which was timeless and beautiful. It definitely helped make the film that much more powerful. Also, viewing the film in Aramaic and Latin added to the mood and setting giving it an almost documentary like feeling as the film progressed.
As was the case in other testimonials I have read about the film, the audience I was with sat in stunned silence as the credits rolled, and then one by one began to quietly leave. I believe it was because many who watch this movie will see a little bit of themselves in each character. I know I did. Please watch the movie as soon as you can.
John 3:16
I know no motion picture can truly capture what Christ went through for us as sinners, but as I watched the scourging scenes and His walk to Calvary, I was deeply moved to tears on numerous occasions. The imagery of what occurred onscreen had a profound and humbling effect on me. I have read many reactions to the film by other Christians and I feel the following from another person online describes best how I felt about the viewing experience:
`I can't tell you how the movie will affect you, any more than I can tell you what God's plan is for your life. If you have rejected Him, you may see yourself in the mob. If you have denied Him, you may see yourself in Peter. If you have made fun of Him, you may see yourself in the Roman soldiers. If you have allowed Him to save you from your sinful life, you may see yourself in Mary Magdalene.'
If you have studied Scripture (not just read it, but studied it) then you will understand that this movie is by no means anti-Semitic, as many reviewers of the film have felt after viewing it. All I can say is that you either get the message of the Scripture, or you don't. Sure, Jesus Christ could have prevented all the suffering he endured before it even started, but as mentioned in Scripture and in the movie at the Garden of Gethsemane, this was part of a bigger plan that was meant to happen because of God's will and love for ALL of us. Christ underwent great agony as he accepted God's will knowing that great betrayal and suffering were to come shortly thereafter.
As is the case with many other films, The Passion of The Christ will affect different people in different ways. Most Christians will watch the film and understand why, for the context of the film, there will be a lot of violence. The title of the film alone tells it all. The Passion, or suffering, of The Christ. As I watched the film all I could think about was what really went on 2000 years ago in Jerusalem. I understood that the person on screen was not the actual Christ, but the dialogue and visual imagery onscreen reminded me of what went on as Christ staggered and struggled to Golgotha to be crucified. Even in his most agonizing moments all he could think about was love and forgiveness towards his enemies; moments, which were further supported by the flashbacks to earlier times among his Apostles and followers. This is the message I got from the film, not hate the Jews or anything else. It amazes me how people can watch this film and not understand that this was what Mel Gibson was trying to get across to his audience. It was clear as day to me. Why not to so many others.
The main performers in the film, especially Jim Caviezel (Jesus) gave outstanding performances, as did Maia Morgenstern as Mary and Monica Bellucci as Mary Magdalene. Another moving thing about the film was the musical score, which was timeless and beautiful. It definitely helped make the film that much more powerful. Also, viewing the film in Aramaic and Latin added to the mood and setting giving it an almost documentary like feeling as the film progressed.
As was the case in other testimonials I have read about the film, the audience I was with sat in stunned silence as the credits rolled, and then one by one began to quietly leave. I believe it was because many who watch this movie will see a little bit of themselves in each character. I know I did. Please watch the movie as soon as you can.
John 3:16
Tell Your Friends