The Passion of the Christ: spreading Christanity through cinema

[Travisblaze]

I saw the south park episode that parodied this movie and ironically it got me thinking. It was a waste of cinematic theatre space and I can't believe it would take two hours of beatings to move someone spirtually and everything they said in the south park episode was true. We don't go to the movies to be moved spirtually. We go to the movies to be entertained and this movie was neither spirtually moving or entertaining. Its often said 500,000 million dollars made can't be wrong but it is in this case. Is there anybody else who feels the same way?

[Lancet Jades]

Don't like it, don't watch it, simple as that.

I can't stand people who complain about movies they don't like, when its as simple as don't see it if you don't like it.

And just because YOU weren't spiritually moved by it, doesn't mean other people weren't.

[Travisblaze]

I understand that but it shouldn't take a movie about torture and violence to move someone but yet it does because we live in such a simple world and that was the point I was trying to get across. BTW, prepare for March 7th.

[Lancet Jades]

I understand that but it shouldn't take a movie about torture and violence to move someone but yet it does because we live in such a simple world and that was the point I was trying to get across. BTW, prepare for March 7th.
The point of the movie wasn't JUST the torture and violence, it was made to show how Christ suffered and was killed for our sins. THAT was how it was supposed to be moving. If you're not a Christian, then you (probably) wouldn't be moved, but if thats the case, then why are you seeing the movie in the first place, unless you want to give it a shot.

[Pinkie Pie]

I understand your point, that it's sad that it would take watching 2 hours of brutal torture to get someone to have a "spiritual awakening" when ideally, they'd be able to think on a spiritual level without being shocked into it.

I personally did not like the movie at all (I did see it). It was very well made, but I could not stomach watching that amount of violent brutality. I do think that it was a very well done adaptation of the story, and I acknowledge the fact that many people were moved by it and that it got them to actually think about religion.

On the flip side, I find it rediculous for someone to claim that they converted to Christianity based solely on this movie alone. Being inspired to look into the religion, or going from being a "casual" Christian to being more involved in the faith I can buy, but I really doubt that this movie turned athiests into hardcore Christians like some I know have claimed.

[Travisblaze]

The point of the movie wasn't JUST the torture and violence, it was made to show how Christ suffered and was killed for our sins. THAT was how it was supposed to be moving. If you're not a Christian, then you (probably) wouldn't be moved, but if thats the case, then why are you seeing the movie in the first place, unless you want to give it a shot.
I understand the brutality he went through. I didn't have to watch through it to understand the torture he went through. I'm a Catholic(far from a devout catholic) but I had a belief in Christ way before I saw the movie. It wasn't moving at all to me because I was going to church way before seeing a movie. I was making the point that people shouldn't base their faith entirely on seeing a movie.

[Lancet Jades]

I understand the brutality he went through. I didn't have to watch through it to understand the torture he went through. I'm a Catholic(far from a devout catholic) but I had a belief in Christ way before I saw the movie. It wasn't moving at all to me because I was going to church way before seeing a movie. I was making the point that people shouldn't base their faith entirely on seeing a movie.
Well, as Tessa said, yeah, converting or basing faith entirely off the movie is stupid. The point of the movie was to display the kind of suffering Christ experienced when he died for our sins, and thats pretty much it. Whether it moves you or not is really up to the viewer, but thats the purpose of its existence.

[Travisblaze]

Well Said, Lancet Jades. I just thought there was no need for the film though, you know. We go to movies to be entertained not for a theolgy lesson.

[Pinkie Pie]

I was making the point that people shouldn't base their faith entirely on seeing a movie.

I agree with that. If a person changes their religion based completely on the fact that they saw a movie, they're way too easily swayed.

That doesn't mean that seeing this movie could have interested an otherwise non-spiritual person to look into Christianity, or even religion as a whole, and then make an educated conversion. But I think that people that "converted" on the spot just cause of a movie don't really have much faith to begin with. Of course, there will always be exceptions, but like I said, faith based off of a movie seems pretty weak to me.

It wasn't moving at all to me because I was going to church way before seeing a movie.

That shouldn't be relevant. You can be moved by a movie talking about something you already believe in. In fact, you should be more moved (or more easily moved) because of that.

[Sonic]

All I have to say is that the movie did make me sad when I watched it. I think seeing someone tortured plays with a person's emotions. Passion of the Christ is like emotional simulation of a person dying. I think if a person watched it a million times they wouldn't be so sad about death.

[The Deity]

The movie was well made (aside from the somewhat annoying choice to subtitle the entire thing) and it captured the point it was trying to. South Park is often right with their show summaries, but I found them off here. Movies like this are not to be taken as your average movie. It was hardly a waste of theatre space. People take things for granted, this was a nice way to kick some Christians in the rear.

[Pinkie Pie]

The movie was well made (aside from the somewhat annoying choice to subtitle the entire thing) and it captured the point it was trying to.

Actually, the language choice was one of the things I liked best about the movie. Far more of an "authentic" feel than if they were all speaking English.

[The Deity]

I don't go to a movie to read. It made it more impracticle than anything. Rather than paying attention to what was happening all around the screen, I was reading the bottom of it.

[Pinkie Pie]

I don't go to a movie to read. It made it more impracticle than anything. Rather than paying attention to what was happening all around the screen, I was reading the bottom of it.

Meh, guess it helps that I watch subtitled movies frequently. What I found more distracting from what was happening on the screen was the part where I ran to the bathroom to throw up.

[Cherubim1324]

I saw the south park episode that parodied this movie and ironically it got me thinking. It was a waste of cinematic theatre space and I can't believe it would take two hours of beatings to move someone spirtually and everything they said in the south park episode was true. We don't go to the movies to be moved spirtually. We go to the movies to be entertained and this movie was neither spirtually moving or entertaining. Its often said 500,000 million dollars made can't be wrong but it is in this case. Is there anybody else who feels the same way?

Alright. Based on your argument of going to the movies to be "entertained", then they need to stop making movies based on "true stories", "actual events", and the like. Also, just because you were not entertained or spiritually moved, that does not mean others were not. Same goes for your opinion on that South Park episode. Just because you believe what they said in that episode to be true, that does not mean it is.

Don't like it, don't watch it, simple as that.

I can't stand people who complain about movies they don't like, when its as simple as don't see it if you don't like it.

And just because YOU weren't spiritually moved by it, doesn't mean other people weren't.

I completely agree.

I understand that but it shouldn't take a movie about torture and violence to move someone but yet it does because we live in such a simple world and that was the point I was trying to get across. BTW, prepare for March 7th.

For some people it does take something that graphic to get the point that Mel Gibson was trying to get across.

The point of the movie wasn't JUST the torture and violence, it was made to show how Christ suffered and was killed for our sins. THAT was how it was supposed to be moving. If you're not a Christian, then you (probably) wouldn't be moved, but if thats the case, then why are you seeing the movie in the first place, unless you want to give it a shot.

I more or less agree.

I understand your point, that it's sad that it would take watching 2 hours of brutal torture to get someone to have a "spiritual awakening" when ideally, they'd be able to think on a spiritual level without being shocked into it.

I personally did not like the movie at all (I did see it). It was very well made, but I could not stomach watching that amount of violent brutality. I do think that it was a very well done adaptation of the story, and I acknowledge the fact that many people were moved by it and that it got them to actually think about religion.

On the flip side, I find it rediculous for someone to claim that they converted to Christianity based solely on this movie alone. Being inspired to look into the religion, or going from being a "casual" Christian to being more involved in the faith I can buy, but I really doubt that this movie turned athiests into hardcore Christians like some I know have claimed.

Again, some people need that "shock". Also, is the only reason you did not like this movie because of the violent brutality(for some reason, that question does not sound right to me)? To me, that is a pretty poor reason for not liking this movie, especially considering the fact that everyone knew ahead of time that this movie would have such brutal violence to it, the fact that the whole point of this movie was to show how Christ suffered for our sins, and the fact that there are quite a few other movies out there that are pretty...brutal.

I understand the brutality he went through. I didn't have to watch through it to understand the torture he went through. I'm a Catholic(far from a devout catholic) but I had a belief in Christ way before I saw the movie. It wasn't moving at all to me because I was going to church way before seeing a movie. I was making the point that people shouldn't base their faith entirely on seeing a movie.

Once again, some people need that visual of what Jesus went through to understand it. Although, I do agree that people should not base their faith on this movie, but more on the point behind this movie, and more on why Jesus did what He did for us.

Well, as Tessa said, yeah, converting or basing faith entirely off the movie is stupid. The point of the movie was to display the kind of suffering Christ experienced when he died for our sins, and thats pretty much it. Whether it moves you or not is really up to the viewer, but thats the purpose of its existence.

Although I could elaborate on that, I will not because I do agree that what you said here is the basic idea behind this movie.

Well Said, Lancet Jades. I just thought there was no need for the film though, you know. We go to movies to be entertained not for a theolgy lesson.

Again, if that is your argument, then all the movies based on "true stories", "actual events", and the like, need to stop being made. Why? *Sarcasm* Because I am there to be "entertained", not for a "history lesson".

That shouldn't be relevant. You can be moved by a movie talking about something you already believe in. In fact, you should be more moved (or more easily moved) because of that.

I more or less agree with that.

The movie was well made (aside from the somewhat annoying choice to subtitle the entire thing) and it captured the point it was trying to. South Park is often right with their show summaries, but I found them off here. Movies like this are not to be taken as your average movie. It was hardly a waste of theatre space. People take things for granted, this was a nice way to kick some Christians in the rear.

The reason subtitles were used is because Mel Gibson wanted the movie to be as real and authentic as possible. So, he had everyone learn and speak in the languages of that time, which I thought was a nice touch. Other than that, I agree with what you said here.

I don't go to a movie to read. It made it more impracticle than anything. Rather than paying attention to what was happening all around the screen, I was reading the bottom of it.

Read faster! :P

[Pinkie Pie]

Also, is the only reason you did not like this movie because of the violent brutality(for some reason, that question does not sound right to me)? To me, that is a pretty poor reason for not liking this movie, especially considering the fact that everyone knew ahead of time that this movie would have such brutal violence to it, the fact that the whole point of this movie was to show how Christ suffered for our sins, and the fact that there are quite a few other movies out there that are pretty...brutal.

Yes, the main thing that turned me off to the movie was that I could not stomach the violence in it. I appreciated the intent of the movie, it's just not something I could watch or enjoy. The fact that there are other brutal movies out there is irrelevant. I don't like them either. I didn't realize the extent to which it was going to go. Maybe I'm an idiot for giving the movie a shot, but oh well. I couldn't stomach the movie.

Once again, some people need that visual of what Jesus went through to understand it. Although, I do agree that people should not base their faith on this movie, but more on the point behind this movie, and more on why Jesus did what He did for us.

I still think that faith based on a movie is pretty weak to begin with. Being inspired to do your own research afterwards is one thing, but I don't think there's much difference between people who converted solely on this movie and people who created a Jedi religion after seeing Star Wars.

[Seraph Zero]

I understand your point, that it's sad that it would take watching 2 hours of brutal torture to get someone to have a "spiritual awakening" when ideally, they'd be able to think on a spiritual level without being shocked into it.

I personally did not like the movie at all (I did see it). It was very well made, but I could not stomach watching that amount of violent brutality. I do think that it was a very well done adaptation of the story, and I acknowledge the fact that many people were moved by it and that it got them to actually think about religion.

On the flip side, I find it rediculous for someone to claim that they converted to Christianity based solely on this movie alone. Being inspired to look into the religion, or going from being a "casual" Christian to being more involved in the faith I can buy, but I really doubt that this movie turned athiests into hardcore Christians like some I know have claimed.
Personally, I sat in the back of the theater with a soda and a bag of popcorn, enjoying the whole charade. It was a bloody snuff film, really... Not much more than that.

Oh, and another thing.... Hey Christians, go fuck yourselves. The death of Christ had nothing to do with anything. He was crucified because of his teachings, which were the only damn important things he left for us to reflect on. Many thousands of people were crucified back in the day; Christ was just another statistic in that respect. His teachings were what mattered... And for future reference, the next person who tries to tell me that "Christ died for my sins," I will punch the mother fucker in the face and say, "Your nose just died for your stupidity. Focus on the damn lessons, not the deaths, you little fucknut!"

[Pinkie Pie]

Personally, I sat in the back of the theater with a soda and a bag of popcorn, enjoying the whole charade. It was a bloody snuff film, really... Not much more than that.

Fair enough. I don't stomach that stuff well, but that doesn't mean that others don't as well.

Oh, and another thing.... Hey Christians, go fuck yourselves.

There's no need for that... I'd cool it a bit if I were you, that's close to a flame if not one already.

[Lancet Jades]

Personally, I sat in the back of the theater with a soda and a bag of popcorn, enjoying the whole charade. It was a bloody snuff film, really... Not much more than that.

Oh, and another thing.... Hey Christians, go fuck yourselves. The death of Christ had nothing to do with anything. He was crucified because of his teachings, which were the only damn important things he left for us to reflect on. Many thousands of people were crucified back in the day; Christ was just another statistic in that respect. His teachings were what mattered... And for future reference, the next person who tries to tell me that "Christ died for my sins," I will punch the mother fucker in the face and say, "Your nose just died for your stupidity. Focus on the damn lessons, not the deaths, you little fucknut!"
You know, usually I'm pretty tolerant of your anti-Christian attitudes, considering you don't express them like this, but since you so blatantly see fit to flame a whole group of people, of which several members of EF are, I'm gonna give you your own "fuck you" in the form of a flame warning. Enjoy.

And since you seem to think you're responsible for "waking Christians up" as hinted at by your general tone, then why don't I wake you up to something. Yes, the lessons that Christ taught are important. But the point that He died for our sins, and an incredibly painful death at that, is also an important point, and the point that the movie tried to get across. Everyone knows, Christian or not, the "Christ died for our sins" line, but this movie went to show just how horrible the death was, and what He endured for our sake.

Its fine if you're not a Christian, or even despise them, as it seems you do more and more, but if you don't like it, then don't watch the movie, don't participate in the discussion. If you really take such offense to the "He died for our sins" line, thats fine, but don't take offense to it unless its forced on you.

[Cherubim1324]

You know, usually I'm pretty tolerant of your anti-Christian attitudes, considering you don't express them like this, but since you so blatantly see fit to flame a whole group of people, of which several members of EF are, I'm gonna give you your own "fuck you" in the form of a flame warning. Enjoy.

And since you seem to think you're responsible for "waking Christians up" as hinted at by your general tone, then why don't I wake you up to something. Yes, the lessons that Christ taught are important. But the point that He died for our sins, and an incredibly painful death at that, is also an important point, and the point that the movie tried to get across. Everyone knows, Christian or not, the "Christ died for our sins" line, but this movie went to show just how horrible the death was, and what He endured for our sake.

Its fine if you're not a Christian, or even despise them, as it seems you do more and more, but if you don't like it, then don't watch the movie, don't participate in the discussion. If you really take such offense to the "He died for our sins" line, thats fine, but don't take offense to it unless its forced on you.

I agree with your post, and my previous one still stands, but there is one problem. It not only applies to this situation, but many, and the problem is that NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED! Where, in any place on Earth, in any land(especially in America), does it state in any law, rule, amendment, or any other such thing that anyone has the right to be offended? One of the main things wrong with this world is that everyone gets offended by every little thing. If you do not like something, that is fine, but getting offended, causing a big fuss, and making outlandish statements & making remarks with no basis in fact whatsoever (out of anger) does nothing but create needless chaos.

[Pinkie Pie]

I agree with your post, and my previous one still stands, but there is one problem. It not only applies to this situation, but many, and the problem is that NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED! Where, in any place on Earth, in any land(especially in America), does it state in any law, rule, amendment, or any other such thing that anyone has the right to be offended?

The first amendment guarentees the right to free speech, and I'd think the right to one's own opinion is implied within that. You can think that's stupid, as that's your right too, but I think it's pointless telling people they have no "right" to be offended.

One of the main things wrong with this world is that everyone gets offended by every little thing. If you do not like something, that is fine, but getting offended, causing a big fuss, and making outlandish statements with no basis in fact whatsoever does nothing but create needless chaos.

I don't disagree with that. But I do think that people do get genuinely offended and have a right to speak out. I don't think it's fair to lump them in with those who use being "offended" as a cause for them to get away with doing things.

P.S. : Your font makes it hard to use quotes. -.-;

=P

[Lancet Jades]

I agree with your post, and my previous one still stands, but there is one problem. It not only applies to this situation, but many, and the problem is that NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED! Where, in any place on Earth, in any land(especially in America), does it state in any law, rule, amendment, or any other such thing that anyone has the right to be offended? One of the main things wrong with this world is that everyone gets offended by every little thing. If you do not like something, that is fine, but getting offended, causing a big fuss, and making outlandish statements & making remarks with no basis in fact whatsoever (out of anger) does nothing but create needless chaos.
I dont mind of people get offended, and its only natural that people will be offended by some things, but when that offense translates into attacking a group, THATS different.

[Cherubim1324]

The first amendment guarentees the right to free speech, and I'd think the right to one's own opinion is implied within that. You can think that's stupid, as that's your right too, but I think it's pointless telling people they have no "right" to be offended.

Yes, you do have the right to freedom of speech, as well as your own opinion, in America. *Shrugs* So what? That has nothing to do with being offended by something, nor does it mean you have the right to be offended. Just because you do not like or do not agree with something, it does not mean you have to be offended.

I don't disagree with that. But I do think that people do get genuinely offended and have a right to speak out. I don't think it's fair to lump them in with those who use being "offended" as a cause for them to get away with doing things.

People getting offended and having the right to be offended are two different things. There are plenty of countries where females do not have the right to an opinion, but they do still have one(even if they keep it to themselves). I am not saying that there is a law that you will be killed for being offended, but nevertheless, you still do not have the right. If you are offended by something, fine. Keep it to yourself!

P.S. : Your font makes it hard to use quotes. -.-;

=P

Deal with it! :D

[Rainbow Dash]

Bleh... late as tessa usually is...

I saw this movie in a prescreening in a theater that our church rented out (this was just before I told my parents that I wasn't at a time in my life where I felt I needed religon) and really I was one of the like 7 people in the audience that didn't come out in tears.

I hardly think that this was MADE to convert people... it was meant as just another movie, only it was made for Christians rather than the general public. It was in the news so much because of the depiction of the contraversial depiction of the Jews in the movie and its level of gore, not because it was a must-see that everyone in the family would love.

Cherub... I agree with Tessa... your text is hard to read as well...

But I do agree that anger is a useless emotion. Exploding over every little thing that is not perfect in your eyes is quite wasteful.

[Pinkie Pie]

Yes, you do have the right to freedom of speech, as well as your own opinion, in America. *Shrugs* So what? That has nothing to do with being offended by something, nor does it mean you have the right to be offended.

Er... yes it does. You have a right to your own opinion (i.e. Deciding that something offends you because it's contrary to your morals or other such things), as well as a right to free speech (i.e. voice your opinions about something that offends you). Free speech means nothing if you have no right to have your own thoughts on something, which short of mind control is impossible to regulate anyways.

Just because you do not like or do not agree with something, it does not mean you have to be offended.

That's true. However, that doesn't mean that you don't have the right to be of the mindset to be offended.

People getting offended and having the right to be offended are two different things. There are plenty of countries where females do not have the right to an opinion, but they do still have one (even if they keep it to themselves).

They do have the right to an opinion. Just not one to voice it. There's a difference. It's impossible to take away someone's right to an opinion.

I am not saying that there is a law that you will be killed for being offended, but nevertheless, you still do not have the right.

Just because something isn't specifically covered in declaration of rights doesn't mean that the right doesn't exist. Having the right to your own thoughts is never really mentioned because it's goes without saying. Even with no other rights whatsoever, nobody can control what you think or feel.

If you are offended by something, fine. Keep it to yourself!

That's more an opinion than the fact that you seem to be claiming, but one that I don't completely disagree with. I think that all too frequently people take being offended way too far, or falsely claim to being offended to get their own way.

But there are also occasions in which it's neccesary to speak out against something you find offensive, to try to make changes or to feel at peace with yourself. That's not liscence to go around threatening people, but if the attitude of "sit down, shut up, and deal with it" were held in such regard, non-white Christian males would have much fewer rights today than they do.





Deal with it! :D

That was more or less a joke. As yours was too, I think... so... um... yeah. =P

Cherub... I agree with Tessa... your text is hard to read as well...

Didn't say it was hard to read, just hard to do quotes the way I do without having to screw with my font, which I don't like doing. *shrugs* Not that I care that much.

[Rainbow Dash]

The people of the past who protested for their rights are a completely different story. They were being treated unfairly... but now days, people are protesting a freaking piece of entertainment? Protests are used so damn much in our country for things that can't or shouldn't be changed that nobody cares anymore. I, for one, am completely against protesting... but I have no clue how to express it :P

[Pinkie Pie]

The people of the past who protested for their rights are a completely different story. They were being treated unfairly... but now days, people are protesting a freaking piece of entertainment? Protests are used so damn much in our country for things that can't or shouldn't be changed that nobody cares anymore.

Yes, but that hardly means that people have no right to be offended by something. Whether someone is really offended or is simply bitching is something else, though.

[Cherubim1324]

Again, having your own thoughts & opinions is different than being offended. Voicing those same thoughts & opinions is also different than being offended. Not liking something, or even hating something, is different than being offended as well.

They do have the right to an opinion. Just not one to voice it. There's a difference. It's impossible to take away someone's right to an opinion.

Actually, I am pretty sure they do not have the right, period, but because we cannot read people's minds, the women are usually fine as long as they do as they are told. In fact, they are not given many rights, if any at all, by their country. Whether or not they have that right as human beings is another matter.
Anyway, I think I will leave it at that, unless you wanted to go back around in another circle.

That was more or less a joke. As yours was too, I think... so... um... yeah. =P

I believe I will let you decide...;)
On a final note, protesting, and even going on strike(or "striking"), are just politically corrects terms for "group bitching"! :P

[Pinkie Pie]

Again, having your own thoughts & opinions is different than being offended. Voicing those same thoughts & opinions is also different than being offended. Not liking something, or even hating something, is different than being offended as well.

Being offended is a state of mind, a feeling if you will. People have the right to their own feelings, if only because it's impossible to take away someones ability to do so.

Actually, I am pretty sure they do not have the right, period, but because we cannot read people's minds, the women are usually fine as long as they do as they are told.

Whether they "legally" have the right or not, it's a moot point. There's nothing to stop them from thinking or feeling. There may be things stopping them from having their opinions leave their own head, however.

In fact, they are not given many rights, if any at all, by their country. Whether or not they have that right as human beings is another matter.

Which was my point... kinda. Something as basic as thoughts and feelings cannot be regulated by law.

On a final note, protesting, and even going on strike(or "striking") are just politically corrects term for "group bitching"! :P

*shrugs* We're talking semantics now. IMO making a legitimate protest and simply bitching about something for the sake of bitching are different.

[Zelphiel]

I agree with your post, and my previous one still stands, but there is one problem. It not only applies to this situation, but many, and the problem is that NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED! Where, in any place on Earth, in any land(especially in America), does it state in any law, rule, amendment, or any other such thing that anyone has the right to be offended? One of the main things wrong with this world is that everyone gets offended by every little thing. If you do not like something, that is fine, but getting offended, causing a big fuss, and making outlandish statements & making remarks with no basis in fact whatsoever (out of anger) does nothing but create needless chaos.

that doesn't make any sense. it's the same thing as saying that no one has the right to laugh or get angry. offense is a feeling not the actions that come out of it.

the only reason it seems like people get upset over small things is because information is so readily available to everyone. you pretty much can't escape from the rest of the world even if you want to these days.

hell... if you think people make a fuss about stupid shit now you should look back into history a little bit. our culture is a lot more open to things than what you're making it out to be.