“The Passion of the Christ,” a film by Mel Gibson

Here is a collection of recent articles written about the controversial film by Mel Gibson depicting the last twelve hours of Jesus. Some of the controversy lies within the stories themselves. For example; did or did not the Pope endorse the film? And, is or is not the movie anti-Semitic? To coin a phrase from FOX News Channel “We report…you decide.”

The Passion of the Christ: Three Points of View  - Dick Rolfe

Until I was given the “green light” to speak publicly, I could only say, “It was the most powerful visual presentation of the last twelve hours of Jesus Christ I’ve ever seen.”  Then, I’d add a few adjectives like, moving, thought-provoking, and transforming.  I tried watching the two-hour-plus epic from three points of view; as a critic, a Christian, and a non-Christian. (more)

Anti-Defamation League bothered by Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ"

Frequently asked questions. Sept. 11, 2003
Q.  What is the basis for ADL's concerns about "The Passion of The Christ"?
A.  ADL's concerns are based on a close study of an early screenplay and a viewing of the film on August 8, at which Mel Gibson was present. (more)

Jews and Christians are watching different films - Dennis Prager
Oct 28, 2003 --The increasing tension over this film has reinforced impressions I offered Mel Gibson that day. When watching "The Passion," Jews and Christians are watching two entirely different films. For two hours, Christians watch their Savior tortured and killed. For the same two hours, Jews watch Jews arrange the killing and torture of the Christians' Savior. (more)

Crucifying Mel Gibson - Michael Medved
A serious filmmaker would normally feel gratified if his cinematic work inspired impassioned debate, intense emotional response, detailed analysis, even raging controversy. Well in advance of his picture's release, Mel Gibson has already produced that sort of reaction with The Passion of the Christ, his brutal, graphic, and lyrical account of the last 12 hours in the life of Christ. But Gibson insists he neither expected nor wanted the bitter arguments over the allegedly anti-Semitic content of the film. (more)

"The Passion" gets a thumbs-up from the Pope.
- Peggy Noonan, for the Wall Street Journal
Dec. 17, 2003 -- Here's some happy news this Christmas season, an unexpected gift for those who have seen and admired Mel Gibson's controversial movie, "The Passion," and wish to support it. The film has a new admirer, and he is a person of some influence. He is in fact the head of the Holy Roman Catholic and Apostolic Church. (more)

ADL Reacts To Reports the Pope Has Screened Mel Gibson's Film
– release from the Anti-Defamation League
Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today reacted to media reports that Pope John Paul II recently previewed Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of Christ" and indicated through an intermediary his approval of its account of the events leading up to the Crucifixion of Jesus. (more)

“Pope never commented on Gibson's 'Passion' film,” says papal secretary
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service
Jan 19, 2004 -- Pope John Paul II never said "It is as it was" after watching Mel Gibson's film on the passion of Jesus, said the pope's longtime personal secretary, Archbishop Stanislaw Dziwisz. (more)

5,000 pastors cheer Mel Gibson's 'Passion' Julia Duin THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Jan 24, 2004 -- ORLANDO, Fla. — Famed film actor and producer Mel Gibson told 5,000 pastors yesterday that "there will always be opposition" to films on the Gospel, "but you have to stand your ground and slug it out."  (more)

After reading these commentaries, what do you think? Find out for yourself.
”The Passion of Christ” opens in theaters February 25^th - Ash Wednesday.

Advance and Group Tickets: www.passiontickets.com or call toll-free !-800-235-1197
Official website at http://www.thepassionofchrist.com