RIGHT TO THE CHIN

Oh, that was a cheap shot. And to think, I went to all the trouble of clicking to get here. Heh.

Do you plan on watching the film?

not sure. i fear the film may be, ultimately, detrimental to the cause.

I understand what you mean, Bill. I also have some reservations, but I'll watch it anyway.

Initially, I was most concerned that the film would end with a "dead Christ." That is, I feared Gibson would end the film without showing the Jesus' resurrection. After learning that the resurrection is included, I felt a little better about it. Still, I'm a bit unsettled.

I'm also somewhat concerned about Christians clamoring over "The Gospel According to St. Mel" to the neglect of the ACTUAL gospel.

However, I think it's good that people in the secular culture are talking about Jesus – for good or bad.

I worry about personally not being able to picture anything else in my head except Mel's version of the crucifixion after seeing the film. I mean, how well formed can our own vision of those events be? Are we better off with more or less visuals? I think the more events we attend in life that make us think about Christ's sacrifice and our immortal souls the better. That's why I like funerals so much, but I digress..

As for the impact of this film: how can anyone deny the potential this has for spiritual re-awakening in this country? How many pew-warmers will be motivated to give their whole lives to God and reach out as Jesus did to those around them? I don't really think its a terrific evangelism tool as many are claiming, but if it works on any level to get the Word out, it is doing some good.
Phil 1:18 - "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."

cmwillis, your point is a good one... who are we to say what God can and can not use as tools for drawing people to Himself? However, I think Mr. Colrus' point might have gone a little bit deeper than just frustration at a film. I don't think he denounces the possibility that the film could be effective for good, rather he seems to be expressing frustration about how it has spurned yet another mindless fad that the public will forget as quickly as they did the Chia Pet. The significance of the icon of one's faith shouldn't be that dependant on a trend.