cynicalgrrlll

The film release of “The Passion” directed by Mel Gibson seems to have inspired audiences across the world. Unfortunately the viewers are following this trend like lambs to the slaughter.

The only publicity this movie needed was encouraging anti-Semitic perceptions. The movie doesn’t seem too anti-Semitic except for that Jesus is a white guy. Why doesn’t he look more Jewish? Gibson tried to make a more accurate portrayal of The Passion by casting Italians as co-stars but they’re still technically too light. Jesus wasn’t white no matter what you see on the screen.

For the ignorant who blame Jews for Jesus’ death, Roman soldiers beat him and put him on that cross and Pontius Pilate wasn't that sympathetic in The Bible. If Jesus had been born in another part of the world those folks would be getting blame for crucifying him too. Jesus knew he was going to die, it was part of the plan, otherwise we wouldn’t have that whole forgiveness for our sins part. So no blame should be placed. Remember it was our sins that put him on that cross.

Why do so many people want to see this movie anyway? They can’t read the Bible or go to Church? People are so dependent on the media, that they will believe everything in this movie and forget that it is only Mel Gibson’s perspective on the matter. Try to educate yourself first. It seems like no one knew Jesus died in such a bloody way until the movie was released, even if this event has been a staple of the Christian faith for awhile now. Gibson was smart to make a movie of The Passion instead of one that focused on Jesus’ teachings. Who would pay to see that? That would be way too boring for people to watch. People only want to watch when someone is getting flogged and crucified. Kind of like that crowd following Jesus as he carried his cross to the hill.

Also why all these churches buying huge amounts of tickets to give to their congregation? That money could have been better spent on charity than Hollywood. I guess no one is bothered by the fact that Gibson is out to make a dollar off of Christ’s suffering as entertainment for the masses, that’s what movies are entertainment not a substitute for religious beliefs.
As for you people that went to see the movie, why didn’t you just go to church instead for two hours or volunteer for a good cause? You already know how the movie ends.

If you have to see Christ brutally murdered in order for you to become sympathetic and religious again, I think you have bigger issues. If everyday life doesn't remind of the horrible atrocities people are able of committing against each other and the suffering that goes on daily, maybe you need to quit being so self involved. Just remember that when you’re caught up in your religious frenzy while seeing this movie, mob mentality killed Christ in the first place.

cynicalgrrlll

umm please feel free to write any response, good or bad you have on this article, I'd be interested to hear your thoughts.

saut

I agree with you a lot on this one - I've been saying things similiar to what you are.

Another thought on The Passion: I find it highly ironic that the same lunatics that condemn entertainment today for "too much violence, sex, etc" are the same people who champion this movie - a movie about a man being brutally tortured and killed. Just because it was depicted in the bible, does that make it a less vile act than any other violent movie? I think not.

Angel

Just out of curiosity, did you go see this movie?

__________________


In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was within me an invincible summer.
~Albert Camus

cynicalgrrlll

Nope I refused too, based on the fact that after being raised Catholic I've seen Jesus depicted this way all my life. Plus I've seen ennough of it on TV. I don't like watching alot of violence no matter what's it's supposed representing. I can use my imagination. Thanks for the reply

Luki

I don't think it has as much to do with not knowing, more in the form of reminding us.
I agree with this, in today's society people are too lazy to sit down and read the Bible. People don't have the attention spans to sit through services at church. Many people in todays society would rather sit down for an hour and a half to two hours and have someone else tell them what to think, do or say.

I personally do not attend church, since I began reading the Bible and disgussing it with my grandfather I question the need for the church, personally. I can praise God and be a religious person without a church affiliation, and I can do all the good charity things that the churches do, by myself. I can give to others and help those that I can if I put my mind and heart into it.

I find that more often then not everyone wants to hear about the horrors of something or someone rather then the rest of their life. Drama sells, and how much more drama can come from the bloody, gory mutilation of one of the most holy figures in religion? Would the churches pay to have their members see a movie in the same manor about some guy no one had heard about? No, in fact they would do their best to discourage everyone.

If at some point I'd lost you, I'm sorry, I have this bad problem with not being able to focus when talking about a broad or open topic.

__________________
Your part is silent you little toad - a line from the new phantom of the opera

cynicalgrrlll

No way you lost me, you where totally clear! I completely agree with you! After attending a catholic school we had a really imformative bible studies teacher, which helped to explain the bible and even the really weird stuff about it (some of it is kinda freaky) . but i also no longer attend church because like you I think being a good person and helping out others is what God would like to see. I'm catholic, but not very strict, I flat out don't agree with alot of stuff the Catholic church says, so like you, i've kinda formulated my own perceptions of God. which I think is great because you shouldn't take anything at face value, you should believe because of your own convictions, even if they don't follow along with any church. I think it's a very open minded approach and it's neat to hear of someone who has the same mind set!

World's King

When you see the movie then you can tell what I should think about it.

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heavy is the head that wears the crown

fhqwhgads

I find it ironic that you say that people are too dependant on the media, but yet everything you know about the movie was derived from that same media.

I make it a habit not to review movies I haven't seen.

mikeysj

i liked it a bit..hey different strokes for different folks..i think its all that you get out of it...why bash how other people like to worship or practice their religion?

Luki

I have seen it and I am not trying to tell you what to think of it, but more am telling what I think of it. That's why it called my opinion if one does not like it, one does not have to listen.

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Your part is silent you little toad - a line from the new phantom of the opera

SiN

@ Luki - I think your defensiveness is unnecessary, as I suspect the comments are directed towards people who try to 'review' something without seeing it.

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cynicalgrrlll

I'm not reviewing the movie at all, I'm making a point about people only remembering their religion after having to see a movie. does it say review anywhere is the thread?

I mention nothing of the movie or how it was made or what I thought about it contents.
expect for the casting of light skinned actors to portray middle eastern people. that I did see on TV

I already know the crucifiction story,

cynicalgrrlll

Also once again, I didn't bash at all how anyone worships their religion. Unless you have to go to a movie theater to do it.

Did you guys even read anything before posting?

cynicalgrrlll

Yes the herd mentality people have started I got from the media

zelda

You could question the reasoning behind why would anyone want to see Natural Born Killers or almost any movie.

This is boring.
I don't know why I replied.
sorry

Lasereth

People went to see this movie because they wanted to see a movie about Jesus' suffering. Not because they wanted to be informed on what the Bible teaches. It's selling well because people are interested. What's wrong with being interested? Would you rather people go see a violent movie about Jesus, or a violent movie about drug dealers?

Again, you're answering your own question. People do not go to see this movie to be informed about Jesus. They go to see Mel Gibson's portrayal of how Jesus' experience was. This isn't Bible School, this is a movie, and people want to see if because for the same reason they see other movies: they're interested.

It's the same thing over and over. The churches are buying tickets to go and see the movie because they want to see a portrayal of Jesus' experience. They want to see a portrayal of it. No one that sees this movie thinks it's a substitute of religious beliefs. The statement that Mel Gibson is only out to make a buck by making Jesus entertainment, that's simply wrong. Mel Gibson paid for this movie. Every dime it took to create it came out of his pocket. Did he know it would do well? No. He made this movie because he wanted to show his portrayal of Jesus, not because he wanted to teach religion and not because he wants money. I think Mel Gibson has enough money.

No one is seeing this movie to "become religious again." They want to go see a movie that's about Jesus. Is there something wrong with that? Would you rather the general public NOT want to see a movie about Jesus? I think it's damn good thing that the public is interested in the movie. A hell of a lot better than the world not being interested, anyway.

-Lasereth

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"A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

World's King

Do you want an award? I know the story of Christ too. I'm very Catholic. But to see it in person... see the pictures and scenes played out in front of you is far more emotional then reading it in a book. That was the point. It's wasn't so you could get pissed that Mel cast a "light-skinned" man as Christ or to make being religious trendy. Get over it.

You seem to play out your name well. Being cynical about something involves being slightly ignorant on the subject.

Watch the movie then pass judgment on it’s impact.

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heavy is the head that wears the crown

fhqwhgads

I was going to respond, because I thought I understood what you said, but I re-read this statement and I have no idea what it means.

Oh, and I think that Danny Glover's character in Lethal Weapon 2 should have been hispanic. Ruined the whole movie for me.

Demon Deacon

Main Entry: cyn·i·cal
Pronunciation: 'si-ni-k&l
Function: adjective
Date: 1584
1 : CAPTIOUS, PEEVISH
2 : having or showing the attitude or temper of a cynic; especially : contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives <those cynical men who say that democracy cannot be honest and efficient —F. D. Roosevelt>
- cyn·i·cal·ly /-k(&-)lE/ adverb
synonyms CYNICAL, MISANTHROPIC, PESSIMISTIC mean deeply distrustful. CYNICAL implies having a sneering disbelief in sincerity or integrity <cynical about politicians' motives>. MISANTHROPIC suggests a rooted distrust and dislike of human beings and their society <a solitary and misanthropic artist>. PESSIMISTIC implies having a gloomy, distrustful view of life <pessimistic about the future>.

I don't see anything that says it's ignorant.

I've seen a moderator call religious members here bigots (although he did edit himself after being confronted) and now one insinuates a member is ignorant.

I don't think that's appropriate behavior for a moderator.

Let's look at the definition of moderation shall we ?

Main Entry: [2]mod·er·ate
Pronunciation: 'mä-d&-"rAt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Date: 15th century
transitive senses
1 : to lessen the intensity or extremeness of <the sun moderated the chill>
2 : to preside over or act as chairman of
intransitive senses
1 : to act as a moderator
2 : to become less violent, severe, or intense
- mod·er·a·tion /"mä-d&-'rA-sh&n/ noun

Am I going to get banned for pointing out the blatant obvious truth ?

Demon Deacon

HYPOCRITE:

One who banishes or punishes others for the same behavior or style of speech he commits

cynicalgrrlll

cynicalgrrlll

Thanks for saying that moderators get away with saying stuff that we can't, i wasn't gonna point it out, out of fear of getting banned. You should moderate the moderators

cynicalgrrlll

Now you are just being ridiculous, please don't post unless you have something valid about the subject to say.

My point was missed again, it was that audiences would be more willing to see a movie where Christ was portrayed as white. The reception of the movie wouldn't go over so well if Jesus was more acturately depicted as middle eastern descent. Go ask a theologian. The Discovery channel is the only place where I have seen Jesus and his disciplies portrayed as middle eastern.

The movie has fundamental flaws which people are going to take seriously and as the truth

fhqwhgads

I believe that Jesus' death on the cross was more important than his teachings. Jesus did not have to die on the cross that day, He chose to die.

Yes, I read the Bible, and I "know how the story goes". I did not see the movie to take an easy way out, or to put money in Gibson's pockets. I saw the movie to remind me of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. It's one thing to read about the suffering that He went through, it's an entirely different thing to watch it portrayed.

treericetissue

i find it humorous you make the statement they have to go to the theater to worship, suggesting it was their only type of worship or that they went to the theater to worship at all - you make this statement after you acknowledge many people went with their church. which means they obviously have other means of worship. did you ever take into consideration the people went not as a method of worship, but because they felt it was a movie they would enjoy, since they believe highly in their religion? it was a movie that reflected their beliefs and they went out for an evening of entertainment. have you never went to a movie for entertainment because it interested you?

fhqwhgads

I agree, it is a ridiculous statement. I was trying to point out the fact that the skin color of an actor has nothing to do with the message of the movie.

cynicalgrrlll

I don't need a movie, to make an impact on me, the fact that it happened was enough for me. Try going to Rome and seeing the stairs Jesus walked up, before he was condemned to die. You can only go up thte stairs on your knees out of respect, seeing that is far more emotional than any movie.

Also apparently the movie hasn't had much impact yet, nothing seems to be getting any better around here.

cynicalgrrlll

For predujuice Chrisitians and groups like the KKK I thtink it would change thte message of the movie and encourage them to be more accepting of other races.

cynicalgrrlll

I don;t think watching someone die is entertaining.

do you think Jesus would considered spending time in a movie theater more acceptable than church or helping people in need like Christ did?

cynicalgrrlll

Why is it entirely different? What about before movies and TV? I wonder how those Christians survived.Jesus tried to teach us to be forgiving towards one another and take care of each other, hence the reason more gospel space is devoted to his teachings than his death


Jesus didn't choose to die, we killed him, our sins put him there. His human side shows when he asks God why he has to die and why does it have to be so horrible. He knew it was gonna to happen to him since he was 12 yrs. old. God choose him to die

Aletheia

Word. Go see themovie before you base judgement on it.

cynicalgrrlll

Okay let me break it down for all of you to lazy to read posts before getting your own to cents in.

I'm NOT repeat NOT reviewing the movie, I have not mentioned any technical aspects of the movie inlcuding acting, camera angles, lighting, clear depiction of it's message, suspense, emotion etc. I write movie reviews for a paper i know the difference apparently some of you do not
I'm commenting on the uprising it has caused and how most people don't recognize thte hypocrisy of making entertainment and a profit off of Christ.

twotimesadingo

Frankly, if you believe that, than you've got a lot more faith in humanity than I do. And furthermore, if you do believe that seeing a darker-skinned man representing Jesus on a movie screen would affect religious groups, doesn't that in some manner contradict having faith in people at all? That is, to be affected religiously by a movie - in my opinion - is a fairly shallow view of religious belief.

I'm not trying to instigate anything here; rather, i'm trying to point out that it's obvious you've already taken your stance on the subject. There's really no "discussion" here; you stated a belief/view you're not willing to change, and refuse to acknowledge any good points anyone else makes. In my humble opinion, there's really no use for posts like this on this board.

I've gone to see the movie. I'm also thoroughly deistic; I don't believe there ever was a Christ. And I still thought it was a good story, because in essence it can be applied to anyone who's ever died for their beliefs, whether or not those beliefs are correct. To me, it was a story of courage. I'm sorry if that kind of message isn't acceptable to you because of the particular character cast.

Yes, I find it highly ironic that you would criticize people who have gone to see a movie without seeing it for yourself first. You can think you're correct all you want, but you also undermine any authority you might have on the subject simply by remaining willfully ignorant. In no manner do I want an ignorant person telling me what the movie is. You can know "the story of Jesus, as told in the Bible" all you want, but we were discussing a movie.

__________________
I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and all your demons.
I'll be the one to protect you from a will to survive and voice of reason.
I'll be the one to protect you from your enemies and your choices, son.
They're one and the same I must isolate you, isolate and save you from yourself."
- A Perfect Circle

BuDDaH

You made the mistake of assuming the definition of YOUR idea of
moderation is the same as the TFP's definition of moderation...

Who gives a damn on what YOU think moderation should be. When you joined, you read the rules, you know how to be here.
If you don't understand the HOUSE RULES, you are just plain ignorant, and need to get regulated.

You need to remember, this is OUR house, to hell what YOU think.

You are not one to tell what you think or how someone should moderate or get regulated. I don't come to your house and tell you how to treat me, so think about it for a sec....

You don't like it or have a problem with that, PM me and I'll close your account and then you go off to find yourself a happy place somewhere else on the internet. Until then, STFU, follow the rules and become a productive person in this community.
... and CG & Demon Deacon, you are starting to BORE me with your needless attempts to draw and bait the attention of the MODS into your trollish ways. I don't know what has you "twisted" but I implore you to STOP.

Some people get it into their minds they have to "fight the power" and really have no idea of when or who to fight...

2nd warning...

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I'd hit that so hard whoever could pull me out would become King of England!

cynicalgrrlll

I never said I had faith in people, you did. I think it is shallow to be religiously affected by a movie, that's what the whole thread is about, is that what you meant to say?

I'm not trying to tell you anything about the movie. If people need a quick reminder, go for it, my mother and plenty of my friends have seen the movie the movie for crying out loud. If you are interested about the story of Jesus go see it but I think people should not solely rely on it. They skip over alot of important stuff. I agree the most with treericetissuses statement about having an interest in something but you should get more info.

cynicalgrrlll

Spoken like a true diplomat. And I have said anything personally attacking anyone. I'm not fighting any power, just trying to get my point heard. And alot of the Mods aren't insulting and rude, I like Sin, Lurkette, etc. and value their opinion. But you seem to have decided to pick on me for whatever reason. Please don't read my posts if they bore you so.
BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU!!

fhqwhgads

Jesus chose to die. Read the account in the garden. When the soilders came to take him away, Simon drew his sword and cut one of the soilder's ears. Jesus told him to put away his sword and told him (paraphrasing here, I don't have my Bible in front of me) "Put away your sword. Don't you think that if I asked, my Father would send legions of angels to come to my aid". Jesus could have stopped the crucifixion if he chose to, but he chose to die on that cross.

My apologies...this is turning into a discussion for Tilted Philosophy.

BuDDaH

This isn't about Big Brother is watching, its about your attitude in this forum.... I don't have to watch your post, I just have to watch YOU. Guess who got tired....?
/me gets the BooMSticK out.....

(WINDS-UP)

*FFFFFWWWwAAAAPPP!!!!!*

Tell me about it another day....

Next?
/me raises an eyebrow in Demon Deacon's general direction.....

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I'd hit that so hard whoever could pull me out would become King of England!

uncle phil

did this whole thread start from someone who has not even seen the movie? my moderator hat is off and i have to say "how can you even begin to criticize that with which you have no experience ?"

__________________
"We were wrong, terribly wrong. (We) should not have tried to fight a guerrilla war with conventional military tactics against a foe willing to absorb enormous casualties...in a country lacking the fundamental political stability necessary to conduct effective military and pacification operations. It could not be done and it was not done."
- Robert S. McNamara
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"We will take our napalm and flame throwers out of the land that scarcely knows the use of matches...
We will leave you your small joys and smaller troubles."
- Eugene McCarthy in "Vietnam Message"
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never wrestle with a pig.
you both get dirty;
the pig likes it.