Major theme of 'The Passion' not violence, but truth, love
There has been much discussion in our culture and churches above the movie, "The Passion of the Christ." The highly popular movie is a moving, authentic and powerful representation of the events surrounding Christ's death, showing in a stark way the brutality and humiliation that Jesus endured on our behalf.
I would like to comment about attacks on the film by some atheists, liberals and others who don't want this film seen.
The movie does show violence, but the brutality shown is accurately portrayed and is used not to entertain or titillate but to emphasize the reality of the unspeakable suffering our Savior endured for our sins. The major theme is not violence but rather is "truth and "love."
If you check out John 14:6 you will see that the great "I am" of the Bible is the way, truth and life of God. A personal and true relationship with Him is the way to God! Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 53, "He was pierced for our transgressions. ... He was crushed for our iniquities ... by his stripes we are healed."
Some say the movie is anti-Semitic. Actually the movie follows the Gospel text closely and encourages people rather than offending them. Jesus, all the Apostles and even the elders on God's throne in heaven are all Jews. The history of the Jewish people and the Christian church are intertwined as explained in the four Gospels that Mel Gibson used for the film. Christ suffered and died for all.
Some of the liberal critics know that this film has the ability to unite and evangelize in a powerful way producing reborn Christians indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God. In John 3:3 Christ says, "unless one is born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God." Many Christian churches and organizations are already gearing up for this movement. Reborn Christians tend to differ in their personal, social and political beliefs than people who are not saved. This is the reason for many of the attacks on the film.
The movie is very moving and thought provoking. It may even go right to your soul. It ends on a most happy note and offers the promise of grace, forgiveness, restoration and a glorious eternity.
Donald Szepanski
Soldotna