Kids will see R-rated 'Passion'

[FlashHarry]

USA Today Story Here

<snip>
The R-rated movie portrays the final 12 hours of Jesus' life in graphic detail, including the crucifixion and a beating that lasts 45 minutes. But many parents and church leaders plan to have kids as young as 10 see the film, which opens Feb. 25, Ash Wednesday.


"The violence is necessary to understand the sacrifice Jesus made," says First Family pastor Jerry Johnston. His Baptist church has rented out a half-dozen theaters in Kansas City, Kan., and has reserved auditoriums the night of Feb. 27 for children 11 and older.
</snip>

Hypocrisy anyone? God forbid a child sees a naked person (the wonderful French film Amélie was rated R for a brief childbirth scene), but darned if they shouldn't see a violent, gory film about the life of Jesus. Ugh.

Mods, this was just posted on USA Today's Web site, but I'm not sure if it's really LBN. Feel free to move.

[aquart]

1. Oh, that's good for a lifetime of trauma.

Let's see, worship me because you saw me tortured to death....might make a few think....but god knows what.

[Pale Blue Dot]

3. Exactly. This has nothing to do with what Jesus stood for.

Seeing his grphic death is just as likely to breed a new kind of fanatic who wants revenge as it is to teach a lesson of goodness.

[smirkymonkey]

22. It almost seems as though that was Mel's intention

in making the film, doesn't it??

[Journeyman]

23. "I would rather my child see a stag flick than King of Kings. . .

said Lenny Bruce. "Why? Because I don't want my kid to kill Christ when he comes back, and that's what he'd see in King of Kings.

"Nobody ever got killed in a schtup flick."

[anarchy1999]

32. Amen n/t

kick

[ChiefHappyButt]

2. R rating is not a suggestion

No one under 17 is to be allowed to view it. Period. Otherwise, a law is being broken.

[eyesroll]

5. That's NC-17, and it's technically an industry standard, not a law

Kids can see "R" movies with a parent or guardian -- it does appear that these churches are getting parental permission. Not that it's a good idea, but it's legal.

(And welcome to DU! :toast:)

[ChiefHappyButt]

8. I should know

I don't know nothin'! I really thought it was a violation if theatre owners lets kids in to R movies.

Oh well. Thanks!

[Catch22Dem]

9. Here ya go.

I had to check too, so don't feel bad:
http://www.mpaa.org/movieratings/

[eyesroll]

10. The fear among theater owners is that it WILL become law

That's why there's been a (supposed) crackdown on letting kids in to see R-rated movies. I'm 28, and I remember getting into them -- buying tickets, not sneaking in -- at 14 without a problem. Now, there's big signs everywhere, and I have seen people carded.

[FlashHarry]

7. Aw, c'mon. Laws don't apply to *everyone!*

Besides, if God wants 'em to see a film, his edicts supersede any mere mortal law! Get with the program!
</sarcasm>

[blueraven95]

13. R rating is a suggestion

which is why it says with parental supervision.

The rating system is not objective. To say that no one under 17 should see an R rated film cuts out many wonderful films which encourage thought and discussion about the world. Also it assumes that all people mature at the same rate, which then limits those people who would get more out of a film.

If you as a parent do not want your child to see something rated R then that is fine. But, I feel, that the rating system is, in some ways, tantamount to book banning.

I have not seen Passion yet, but you had better believe that I would not let my child see it until I had approved it first.

[boxster]

4. Yep, one boob is the end of the world, but a 45-minute beating is fine.

Amazing.

[villager]

14. exactly right

just as long as there are no black tits involved! but torture, hey -- it's what God wants!

[Robb]

53. Ooh! Cool Watchmen avatar!

I'm such a geek. :)

[villager]

63. well what does that make me?

Thanks!

Hurm.

[LeftyChristian]

43. What rating did the SuperBowl halftime have?

If I'm not mistaken it had a "no rating" and certainly didn't have warnings for nudity. Plus it was on National Television not in a theater. It's not like the Passion has a G rating and people would be shocked after leaving the theater because of the violence.

Apples and oranges and a weak comparison at that.

[boxster]

6. Ah, Kansas. Why does that not surprise me?

[JoFerret]

11. Blood cultists.

.

[GreyV]

12. nothing better...

Nothing better than watching our god getting his ass kicked, eh? Seriously though, I will watch it, when it arrives to cable that is. I ain't paying no $8 for that movie. No way! Now, Jesus versus Mothra! There is movie worth watching. Seriously, whats the deal? He made the movie, let him show it. It's only a movie people.

[Zhade]

19. JvM!

Now THAT'S a movie I want to see!

A forty-five minute beating.

What the FUCK is wrong with Mel Gibson?

[smirkymonkey]

24. Personally, I would like to see

Jesus giving Mel a 45 minute beating.

Really though, isn't 45 minutes a tad gratuitous??

[LittleDannySlowhorse]

15. Thank god Janet Jackson's tit isn't in the movie!

Just 45 minutes of nonstop bloodletting. But no tit! Aren't family values awesome?

[GreyV]

16. ...

A scene from the movie in question.

[proud patriot]

17. Not my Kid

at least not until he's much older

[DianeG5385]

18. The Jesus sacrifice

Is an allegory for the truth tellers. Jesus was the ultimate liberal. He cared about the people before himself. I was raised Catholic and have seriously lapsed. My favorite part of Mass were the Gospels. I don't buy the popified political aspect of the church of today (I miss the Latin mass). This man, an historical figure sacrificed himself so that man would be better, we would like to believe. Maybe it has taken more than 2000 years and maybe it will be never that man is better. He is the foundation of true liberal christianity. Care for others before thyself. He lived, he died, he made a difference that has lasted this long. I hope this does not become a bashing exercise, it should be an exercise in understanding.

[mountainvue]

29. Unfortunately

from what I saw and heard of the film during his interview tonight with Diane Sawyer, Gibson does nothing to illuminate Jesus's life, only his death.

[MrSoundAndVision]

20. Amelie was rated R?!?!?!?!?

That's BULLSHIT as we say here in the South, that was a good (and good-hearted) movie.

[FlashHarry]

26. Yep. Call Jack Valenti and ask why.

Ebert had a pretty good rant on it. Apparently, another movie that came out that week was extremely violent, yet it received only a PG-13 rating--but it had no nudity. Gotta protect the kiddies! NOT!

[Atlant]

38. "Amelie" contains 15 orgasms. That's 15 more than are allowed for PG(-13)

The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulin contains 15 genuine
orgasms*. That's probably 15 more than are allowed for PG(-13).
There's also a scene (which lasts about 30 seconds) which is a time-
lapse sequence of a very naked mother of Amalie as she's pregnant
with Amelie and her belly distends and her breasts grow larger,
followed by Amelie's birth.

These two things deal with the creation of life, its gestation inside
the woman, and its birth. You can't have that sort of stuff in a
movie where the kids might see it.

You can, though, have an unlimited number of wargasms, with violence
of almost unimaginable fury and duration.

And friends, that's what makes America the great country that it
is today.

To which, I say "Oooh!"

Atlant

* When Harry Met Sally faked orgasms are probably okay, though.

[MrSoundAndVision]

21. And whatever happened to ole' oil-crazy Mad Max

There was a story with a MESSAGE!

[kskiska]

25. I remember being encouraged by nuns to read of lives of the saints

as a young Catholic. Those stories would give any kid nightmares. Just having to see that crucifix in church every Sunday was horrifying enough. I wouldn't take any child to see that movie. I wouldn't go to see it myself. The clips are bad enough.

[Dr Fate]

27. They will probably be bored as hell...

...I support free speech and Mel Gibson's rights- the movie just looks a bit over dramatic to me...

[Catt03]

28. Gibson was on Primetime tonight

and stated that he "wanted to push the audience over the edge" so they will understand the true suffering of Christ.

He admits to being a fundamentalist Catholic, meaning a true believer of Catholic doctrine, prior to Vatican II of course. He sounded a little like Pat Robertson, etc and GOD leading Bush to the White House. Gibson states the Holy Ghost led him to make this picture.

It is very violent, admitted.....almost the entire two hours from what was discussed.

Gibson was very sincere, a little radical in belief that the gospels are literal...period...no discussion.

It is predicted by some that this movie will lead to the rebirth of Christianity.

[mountainvue]

30. He shrugged

that off with the "It's not my job" statement. I thought he looked very uncomfortable.

[rman]

35. So does Mel also believe the end-times are near?

maybe he also believes the end-times need to be hurried along a bit?

does he think "Armageddon would be kinda cool"?

[yankeeinlouisiana]

31. Isn't the point of Jesus'

death was that he rose from the dead 3 days later?

Anyone can take a beating and die, but it's the resurrection part that's the miracle.

[Nebraska_Liberal]

33. Mel...

So Mel believes the the world is six thousand years old huh? Shows how intelligent he is. It is amazing what kind of morons we tolerate in the main stream due to tradition. Oh, and I most likely wont be seeing this movie that only furthers hatred of others, namely, the Jews. I believe in freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and all that good stuff, but if you ask me, this could be dangerous. More fuel for religious radicals. Don't we have enough hate in this world that comes from people thinking their religion is superior to anothers'?

Ned

[FlashHarry]

37. Well... I don't know about that.

He said he takes the Gospels literally, not the whole Bible. The whole the-Earth-is-6,000-years-old thing is usually propagated by those who take the Old Testament literally, too. (Funny, though... people who claim to do that never seem to have long hair, even though Leviticus says that you should never 'let a razor come to the four corners of your head.' Which, of course, is why the Hasidim (and the Rastafarians, incidentally) have long hair or side-locks). Compared with the OT, the Gospels are a pretty hippy-esqe liberal tract. Love your neighbor. Turn the other cheek. Personally, I'd like to see more of these southern Bible-beaters following the Gospels.

[tedzbear]

89. Being a movie star doesn't require smarts...

...only a good profile which Mel was lucky enough to be born with. Gibson's an egotistical pretentious bore and now I'm really glad I didn't bother to see Braveheart, Oscar or no Oscar.

Oh oh...I'm turning into Rosanna Rosannadanna: What's with these movie stars thinking they can direct anyway? And those movie critics who are bribed my the studios to say that they're talented? Gibson shoots a 45 minute beating and calls that a movie? Sounds like he's trying to be Andy Warhol. And what about Clint Eastwood? Except for Sean Penn chewing up the scenery, Mystic River sucked! The story ends with the wife stooping Penn and then they go watch a parade. Whaaaaaaaaaa??? Give me Julia Roberts and Mystic Pizza any day... Now there's an ending.

:kick:

[FlashHarry]

36. Ding! Ding! Ding!

You, sir, win the prize! As an Anglican, I always wondered why Catholics displayed the Crucifix so prominently. We display the cross--to be sure--but the whole point is to glorify the risen Christ, not the dead one.

By the way, before anyone freaks out, I'm not a Bible thumper--far from it. I'm a waaaay lapsed Anglican (which is saying a lot). And I'm not bashing Catholics. I just find this stuff fascinating, that's all...

[bleedingheart]

40. A Hindu friend of mine was being taunted by a freeper type about

her religion in college. She replied back..."well at Easter you freaks eat chocolate crosses of your diety"...I fell down laughing..

[FlashHarry]

75. Not to mention pagan fertility symbols...

Rabbits? Eggs? How, er, Christian!

[Voltaire99]

34. "The violence is necessary to understand the sacrifice Jesus made"

Violence, violence, violence.

I find it hard to imagine holding a faith that requires such constant and endless trips to the well of symbolic violence.

Gibson seems to have made a film that is quintessentially American: bloody, loud, and utterly sentimental.

[bleedingheart]

41. hey we catholics partake of the body and blood of christ each sunday

;-)

[gimme a break]

54. I can see how this can affect people

Someone could talk you to death all day long about the suffering and death of Jesus and you wouldn't be able to picture how brutal it really was. The Roman's were experts at torture. And apparently Mel cut some of it because it was too gruesome for people to watch.

[bleedingheart]

39. Oh for crying out loud there are people who take 5 and 6 year old

children to the Lord of the Rings and it is pretty gruesome.

To be honest, my mom was a widow and she used to take my brother and me to R rated movies because we were her "dates" as she was a single mom.

That's said I don't know if I will go see this movie or not but I am curious...just like the time I went to see that bomb known as the "Last Temptation of Christ"...god I wanted my money back it was so bad.

[Muddleoftheroad]

42. Thinly disguised religion bashing

That seems to be what this thread is about. If you don't like the film, don't go see it or don't take your kids.

Some parents will wish to take their children to see the story of Jesus, perhaps do to the realism. It puts in context many of the minor problems we all share each day. Teens, especially, tend to feel overwhelmed by their lives and think God or the world have it in for them. Perhaps this will wake them up to reality. Or, and I know many hate this, perhaps this will bring many closer to God and appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus.

[Sandpiper]

44. Or perhaps it will motivate a wave

Of Anti Semitic violence, just as passion plays have always done.

Thanks for putting in a plug for Jesus though, Muddle.

[Muddleoftheroad]

82. No, they have NOT always done so.

I have seen several passion plays and never seen anyone of the attendendees emboldened to go about an attack Jewish people. Personally, my momma, who saw many more than I, taught me to see the truth and to treat Jewish people as the friends they have been to us.

[progressivebydesign]

46. Oh, the hypocrisy!

I guess if there were a thread about a Christian group forcing children to watch any beatings or murders, other than Jesus, we'd all be religious bashing if we'd object.

THis is a fictionalized account.. the Bible itself is fiction.. I maintain these parents are nuts. Children do NOT have the facilities to process extreme violence. They should not be exposed to it, regardless of the context, and frankly I think in the religious context it is much more damaging.. because it is forced upon them this way.

[Muddleoftheroad]

83. You might think the bible fiction

Many others do not. To see a movie that represents those beliefs is a religious experience and one they wish to share with their children. It is a teachable moment, not just a Hollywood endeavor.

Thankfully, you are NOT the parents of these children and your views hold no sway.

[abracadabra]

47. bashing when you don't agree-it's sharing point of view when you do agree

Some parents will wish to take their children to see the story of Jesus
STORY OF JESUS??
Not even-
This is a graphic blood splatter violent visual SHOCK AND AWE according to some director's interpretation.
Mutilated skin squirting blood and guts is shit that Mel Gibson made because he’s missed the point.
It is not in the Bible.

--has little or nothing to do with any reality- all subjective interpretation- in fact there are count'm FOUR DIFFERENT accounts of what actually happened to Jesus of Nazareth and they are all 4 accepted by most Christian Religions(matthew mark ,luke, and john)

Obviously these people who wrote rave reviews about seeing this detailed blood fest are “getting off on it”- Claimed it changed their life?--ha I guess their faith was weak before? or is it just that they were ill informed about their own religion that they try to convert everyone to(they didn't know that was in the Bible either)--(because it wasn't)

By the way, the young children are being abused by being shown this gross film-
Those thoughts of violent beating will be retained in the unconsious long after the movie is over.
When a child remembers or re-lives these violent moments in his or her memory, the mind doesn't distinguish this from any other torture memory and doesn't just say "OH that's ok because it is JESUS".--it just knows blood guts and splatter and it can be DISTURBING and lead to problems in the future--****(that is unless your kid is a "real" stud like most of my especially special kids...my kids are so macho and tough and cool and so smart this will just make them have more faith<sarcasm off>****

The STORY of Jesus had little to do with the "suffering" he may have possibly endured in his last hours and more to do with a message.


I AiNT' RiDiN' NO BIBLE BUS with you or with Mel.

[thebigidea]

48. so Mel freakin' Gibson gets to call what he does religion?

Fuck, my movies are religious too. If you don't like them, you 're just religion-bashing!

"Or, and I know many hate this, perhaps this will bring many closer to God and appreciate the sacrifice of Jesus."

Uh huh. It'll bring Gibson closer to making a profit, and sell a lot of JuJuBes.

Don't fall for this nonsense, its all a PR campaign.

[LeftyChristian]

50. and...

what religion are your movies based on?

[thebigidea]

56. the only TRUE religion, Andre Perkowskism.

STONE THE HERETICS! CRUCIFY THE UNBELIEVERS!

[Muddleoftheroad]

84. Life is what you make of it

A story of Jesus, well portrayed is a story of Jesus. Whether Mel makes money or not, I couldn't care less.

[thinkingwoman]

51. maybe, or...

it may be an expose on hypcrisy.

So many of the christian right that scream against exposing children and young people to sex and violence in entertainment are now saying this violence in entertainment is ok.

That's hypocritical.

[Muddleoftheroad]

85. Not hypocritical at all

Everything needs context. To tell a story like Schindler's List, you need to paint the proper picture of the Nazi horror. To tell this story, you need to tell of the agony of what Jesus went through. Putting that in proper context means this is not some silly Ahnold film.

[DrWeird]

52. You know what antisemitism means right?

Because yesterday you compared people who support tough cigarette laws to nazis. And I'm not sure if you understand what we're talking about.

[Muddleoftheroad]

86. LOL

I think I know a thing or two about anti-Semitism since most of the time I spend on this site I spend in the I/P dungeon defending Israel and the Jewish people in general.

[progressivebydesign]

45. These people are sick..

There is something seriously wrong with these parents. Completely nutz. I thought Jesus advocated caring for and protecting children?

[AtTheEndOfTheDay]

49. I bet

this movie is the biggest snooze ever unleashed. The pre movie hype is pure genius though. Mel will be rolling in cash.

[SeattleDem]

55. it's about guilt

Taking kids to see this movie (and then telling them that they are responsible for Jesus's suffering because of their sins) will make them feel even more guilt and make them "better" Christians - or so I imagine this is what the parents and Church think.

I was raised Catholic and I truly believe that the Church used guilt to get people to adhere to its tenets. When I was a kid and didn't want to get up on Sunday for mass, I was told "Think of what Jesus went thru - the least you can do is give up one hour of your life each week for Him". The nuns at school were masters at using guilt on us too. I had a hard time leaving my religion behind after college because the brain-washing and fear of non-belief were very well ingrained.

These graphic images will be forged into children's minds and when they are told they are responsible for Jesus' suffering, it will do quite a number on them too.

[Danieljay]

72. you are exactly right

"These graphic images will be forged into children's minds and when they are told they are responsible for Jesus' suffering, it will do quite a number on them too."

I would go so far as to say that in some cases it could be seen as a form of child abuse. I've seen some serious trauma among people associated with religious experience as children.

[trogdor]

57. I'm eagerly awaiting the CAP review of this movie.

These are the "R-13" people. Their main meme is "sin is sin" and that it's still a sin to portray sin on film, even if making a virtuous point by doing so. If you've never been there before, check out their "reviews" on some of your favorite films.

http://www.capalert.com/

OTOH, they were gushing all over the Left Behind direct-to-DVD movies (buncha damned hypocrites). Let's see what they have to say about Mel Gibson's attempt to get fundies to part with their money.

[amazona]

58. sounds like an S/M flick

A 45 minute beating? Why wasn't this rated NC-17 or X? The crucifixion fetish is not an unknown one in BDSM circles, and this appears to be the first film to cater to that once-popular fetish in a long while...but I'm unclear why they should be allowed to drag 10 year olds along.

[JasonDeter]

59. Good for them. Only the brave will see this movie. Those who do

and still reject Christ will have no excuse on Judgement Day. Those who don't will have no excuse because 'they' rejected the truth. Its all in your point of view isn't it? People reject the movies truths because they say its not the truth, I accept the movies truths because I know its true.

[Sandpiper]

60. So you'll go to hell

If you don't accept the teachings of the one true film? :eyes:

[JasonDeter]

64. I didn't say that. Oh you were being funny. hehe.

Hey I have a sense of humor!

[Sandpiper]

67. No, you just implied it

[JasonDeter]

77. Not my intention.

According to the Bible the ONLY way a person goes to hell is they send themselves there by rejecting Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. In essence saying what Jesus did was not sufficent to save me.

[discordian]

62. "Know it's true"

Why, were you there to see it? How else could you "know" and not just think it's true?

[JasonDeter]

65. God

who made the eyes sees. God who made the ears hears. God who made the mouth speaks. God talks to His people and they believe what He said, The Bible says,

"Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
8:29
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
8:30
and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
8:31
What then shall we say to these things ? If God is for us, who is against us?
8:32
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things ?
8:33
Who will bring a charge against God's elect ? God is the one who justifies;
8:34
who is the one who condemns ? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.
8:35
Who will separate us from the love of Christ ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ?
8:36
Just as it is written, "FOR YOUR SAKE WE ARE BEING PUT TO DEATH ALL DAY WE WERE CONSIDERED AS SHEEP TO BE SLAUGHTERED."
8:37
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.
8:38
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels , nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
8:39
nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

[Sandpiper]

68. "Circular Reasoning"

People reject the movies truths because they say its not the truth, I accept the movies truths because I know its true.

They are the truth because they are true.

Well, I guess that settles it. :7

[JasonDeter]

76. After a person accepts Christ and is 'Born Again'

they are given the 'Mind of Christ' which is why they can say they believe the Bible is the absolute without error Word of God. Non believers can't understand it because they do not and can never have the Mind of Christ UNLESS they too become Born Again!

[Danieljay]

70. As a student of Seminary

working on a Masters of Divinity, I don't know if I will see this film, I probably will eventually. What I have come to understand is that those who take a 100% literal interpretation of the Bible have obviously not done their research. Seminary has resulted in an entire redefining of my relationship with the Divine "all that is" and a re-evaluation of what it means to be of the "Christian" faith.

I have never bought into the the fundamentalist viewpoint of the Christian faith and am even farther from that understanding now. I can even go so far as now saying I don't even know if I can call myself a "Christian" at this point and feel comfortable with it, knowing what I know now about the history of religion. What I can say first hand is that my experience isn't unique among students. Christianity in itself is not a "bad" thing, its those who practice it and abuse it for personal and political gain that I have the biggest issue with.

The biggest issue I have with this movie personally is that it will be used by many fundamentalists to reinforce an association between "fear" and G-d. (those who would say we are to "fear" G-d have fallen into the word translation trap). It seems to me that many Christians spend the majority of their time scaring the hell INTO others (especially children) by scaring the hell out of them. Any faith that uses fear to bring its followers into a closer relationship with the Divine is a religion that is not very sure of itself. Yes, Jesus's life ended violently, we all know that already. The question I ask is do we need to glorify the violence and the death of Jesus in order to glorify his Life and the meaning of the ressurection (literally, metaphorically, or metaphysically).

I'm not opposed to the depiction of violence to inform persons of an important part of history with the objective of preventing future suffering, so in this sense I dont object to the movie. One need only look at the violence that the Hindus experienced at the hands of the British, the Tibetans at the hands of the Chinese, non beleivers at the hands of Christians during the Crusades, and the Jews at the hands of the Germans, just to name a few. My objection is using violence and fear to bring someone into a way of believing in G-d (especially children) which I believe many fundamentalist Christians are doing by taking children to see this movie.

Whatever our faith or spiritual path, we can either be pushed by fear or pulled by love. Being pushed by fear amounts to pure self centeredness, for the only reason to seek G-d would be to save your own butt from eternal damnation (if that is what one believes). I would suggest that seeking a relationship with the Divine out of a love for the Divine, a connection with a power greater than oneself, and an appreciation of the gift of life is the best and most sincere path. Beating people over the head using the Bible as a club is not what I believe G-d intended. Jesus did not and would not condone violence as a means for spreading the truth of his message, I would think that we might actually begin to understand that after 2000 years.

I'll leave you with a couple quotes.

"The problem with many Christians is that they take the Bible and suck it like a thumb, rather than use it as a finger which points beyond itself to understanding."

"The finger pointing at the moon is NOT the moon itself."

peace out.

Daniel

edited for spelling and a respect for Judaism (G-d)

[SeattleDem]

71. thanks for your insight

I wish the religion I was raised with had seminarians as learned and thoughtful as you (see post #55).

[Maat]

80. I agree.

I was raised Presbyterian....abandoned the Church at 15. Six months ago...I found a church I could take my 7-year-old to...the Church of Religious Science (not Scientology, not Church of Christian Science). It incorporates the wisdom of many different religions and spiritual systems. And the important part is showing love and kindness to others (I'm asking for a special dispensation to be unkind towards Repugs...just kidding).

[Danieljay]

87. Congratulations

on finding a spiritual home where you feel comfortable!

[DiverDave]

81. Well said

I do agree that it seems sort of incongruous that the fundies try and scare the hell outta ya.
I am not a religious person, but to me, the way to get folks to accept Jesus as the savior, is exactly the way you say, through the love and kindness of a merciful being.

Now THAT would get me to church, not this mindless screaming of hellfire.

[Mick Knox]

61. Wow U guys are rough...

Gibson also said last night he wanted to hide by the WMD's where no one could find him.


I CANT WAIT to see this movie. And I will be taking my kids.. but they are old enough any.. I dont know I would if they werent teenagers... but I probably would.


I'll be there Feb 25 .. thats for sure.

[CivilRightsNow]

66. There is alot of dislike for Christianity on these boards

I will tell you, if this is the common democratic consensus.. after we get the chimp in cheif out of office, I will never vote democrat again.. I have seen so much hate, bile, judgement and negativity here on du it will last me a lifetime.

[Danieljay]

73. I think that the dislike of Christianity

among many at DU is not Christianity itself..but how Christianity has been misrepresented at the hands of uninformed fundamentalists with personal and political agendas. Unfortunately...many have been so hurt or turned off by this that they disregard the message along with the uninformed messenger. I would hope for the sake of the planet that we would not allow radicals to define our view of faith at the expense of our own souls.

[Malva Zebrina]

78. well good

vote for Christianity with the born again murderers who love to kill the infidels, their babies, their pregnant women, their old men and their old women.

That means you must vote with the bloviating, bigoted Republicans.

I also have seen, to quote your own words" hate, bile, judgement and negativity" toward others here on DU. These others happen to be Christains and they are called "fundies"

How do you account for that?

It is time to take a good long look at Christianity as it has commonly been taught. It must change or die, according to the good, succinct thinker and theologian, Bishop Spong.

And I agree with many of his postulates, even though I am not a believer.

[gimme a break]

69. I can't wait either

I would take my 13 yr old nephew if he wanted to go. I'd take my 14 yr old step daughter to go if she wanted to. I wouldn't advocate to take any younger kids. Some kids are mature enough and some are not. I think my nephew would be more ready for it than my step daughter.

I still would see it first though. If a kid's old enough to learn how to use a condom then they should be able to see this. Whether you believe the Bible or not, Jesus' death is historical fact. Historically, this seems to be as accurate as possible without making you completely sick to your stomach. This is the type of death that Jesus suffered. People has sugar-coated history so it's not so offensive. They don't want to show To Kill a Mocking Bird because they don't want to offend someone with the "N" word. It happened, why not teach it in a way to show how wrong people were, then kids would learn why that word is offensive.

They don't teach how brutal slave owners were or still are in other countries. The brutality should be taught so that people don't say oh that was bad, without realizing how truly bad it was. What was that slave ship movie? It was rated R, but it was pretty accurate. I personally haven't seen that one. I don't watch a lot of movies. But it's one I would like to watch.

I will probably go to the movies to see this one. And I haven't been to the movies since Christmas 2002.

[lazarus]

88. Actually

"Jesus' death is historical fact. Historically, this seems to be as accurate as possible without making you completely sick to your stomach."

I'd be interested in the evidence you've uncovered that Jesus did indeed exist and was indeed crucified and tortured. And, so far, Mel seems to be going out of his way to be unhistorical, to the extent of even having the wrong kind of cross.

[Mick Knox]

74. Watch what you dig.. Worship who you dig...

General Comment.. not directed to thread starter

Be you Christian Agnostic Muslim or whatever.. worship whoever you want .. or dont worship at all! Thats your right.

Being in someones face about their religion, or degrading any religion, or their beliefs, is as repulsive as hate speech against minority groups or a christian attacking an athiest or forcing their view down others throats... and those that engage in that type of stuff is the same as the basher.. only with an alternate point of view. There is no difference in the TYPE of person.. only their different view separates them. Both sides of the same coin.


If you dont want to see the movie... dont...

when I figure out how to upload avatars I think a passion of christ avatar is in order.

***END RANT TRANSMISSION***

[Piperay]

79. I remember seeing some of those "bible" films

when I was young like the "Ten Commandments", "Story of Ruth", "Ben Hur" etc. and they gave me nightmares. My brother was so traumatized by "Ben Hur(l)" that when we came out he threw up :puke: right in front of the line of people going into the theater and those movies were nothing like the violent stuff they put out now days.