Hmm, sounds like a good one to see.
David L.
Ben Franklin: “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt, they have more need of masters.”
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]On Behalf Of Charles
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2003 10:13 AM
To: 'The Sandbox Discussion List'
Subject: [Sndbox] film review - interesting
For those who have heard the buzz and read various editorials about Mel
Gibson's movie, "The Passion", you may be interested in the following
article. It is written by Keith A. Fournier, who attended a private
viewing of the film. Yes, he actually saw the movie, unlike most of the
commentators I have read thus far.
Note: Keith A Fournier (author of this article) is a
constitutional lawyer and a graduate of the John Paul II Institute of the
Lateran University, Franciscan University and the University of Pittsburgh.
He holds degrees in Philosophy, theology and law. He has been a champion of
religious liberty and appeared as co-counsel in major cases at the United
States Supreme Court. He is the author of seven books and, along with his
law practice, serves as the president of both the "Your Catholic Voice
Foundation" and "Common Good"
"The Passion"
I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been
invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion" but I had
also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish town
and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I have a life long,
deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any
form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions. I arrived at the
private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington D.C. and greeted some
familiar faces. The environment was typically Washingtonian, with people
greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda
beyond the words.
I moved out of Northern Virginia over three years ago and realized
at that moment that I did not miss this kind of approach at all. I live in
southeastern Virginia now, among people who are neither geographically nor
constitutionally close to "the beltway" mindset or manner. The film was
very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened.
>From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to
the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus,
through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the
encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final
scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter,
unlike anything I have ever experienced.
In addition to being a masterpiece of film making and an artistic
triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional
reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the
birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same.
When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of
"movers and shakers" in Washington, D.C. were shaking indeed, but this time
from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd
that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one
could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a
kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch
earth.
One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A
brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the
cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Dolorosa. As she ran to
him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt
road out side of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the
fall; she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face.
Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving
eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said, "Behold I make all
things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New
Testament, the Book of Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was
so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to
see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body became intensely
beautiful.
They had been borne voluntarily for love.
At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover,
a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from
a rather diverse crowd was as astounding as the compliments were effusive.
The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even
though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by
some to be "anti-Semitic?"
Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the
Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor
whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded, "After
watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it
even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He
continued, "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus"
I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found
anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first
to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically
beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those who are alleging
otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their
protestations.
This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal
only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a
deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women.
It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic
Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that
is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History
demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to
tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and
that its' message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right
to hear the truth.
We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel
narratives to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men
who followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the
history of the world.
The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it and
used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the
message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's
filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion". It should be seen by as many people
as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case.
I am passionate about "the Passion." You will be as well.
Don't miss it!
________________________________
Changes to your subscription (unsubs, nomail, digest) can be made by going to http://sandboxmail.net/mailman/listinfo/sndbox_sandboxmail.net
