"THE PASSION OF CHRIST" (Rated R for sequences of graphic violence.)

Mel Gibson is a traditionalist Roman Catholic. Reportedly, his new film seeks to portray the last hours of Christ's life and His subsequent resurrection. Gibson is calling for Christian pastors to stir up interest in the new film. The movie will be released on Feb. 25, which is Catholicism's Ash Wednesday. Should Christian pastors view this film and encourage their churches to flock to the local theaters in support of Gibson?

Perhaps most Christians would answer that this would be an excellent time to support a "good" movie. And I am afraid that many of the pastors that will preview this film will come away "emotionally moved," finding little wrong with the movie. Why? Because the Bible teaches that "evil communications corrupt good manners" (1 Corinthians 15:33). In a similar fashion, it teaches us, "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed." (Proverbs 13:20). In short, when Christians consume the world's folly, and sit before fools, they soon end up conformed to the world themselves. Their discernment grows dim. It does not take long before they are practically, "laughing with the boys" at bloody, gory, human suffering, complete with all the special effects. They become unmoved by sexual innuendos (or downright nudity). Then, in an effort to justify their sinful habit before their own seared consciences, they begin to find and praise the supposed "redeeming qualities" of various flicks. Modern movies become the Sunday morning sermon text, and this, in turn, is justified on the basis of being "culturally relevant" (this last phrase holds more pastoral iniquity that Ruth's veil could hold barley - Ruth 3:15).

It doesn't really take much thought to understand that Gibson is simply capitalizing (what his underlying motives are only God knows) on the modern trend in the "conservative" movement to take "worthy" historical themes (such as brutal wars, etc.), and, with the power of modern technology and special effects, "bring the GORE to life." The "worthy theme" is the "form of godliness" that these "conservatives" use to justify viewing the gore, the immodesty, the blasphemy, etc. And they have had so much of it, that they really think such movies are CLEAN. They are drunk with the spirit of the world, wherein men are "lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God" (2 Timothy 3:4). And many true, born-again Christians are too often right there among these fleshly people. We can now understand what Paul meant when he predicted that the time will come when days would be WORSE than they were in his own day (2 Timothy 3:1). Many years after Paul, Tertullian still testified that the liberal, Gnostic heretics he was opposing were not so immoral that they viewed the Roman games or theater! Tertullian simply argued that their irresponsible view of God would "logically" justify their going to the ungodly theater. But today, the insatiable lust for more violent gore attracts the worldly Christians like a devilish magnet. And often, in at least one scene or two, the sensual lust of the eyes is also fulfilled. As the husband or wife openly gazes on the exposed flesh, in order to salve the conscience, he or she says, "I wish they would not ruin these good movies with such scenes." But the addiction to flesh only grows stronger as the light of discernment grows weaker.

Indeed, we can reasonably guess that there are thousands of Christians who cannot wait to gaze their eyes upon a naked, "Hollywood Jesus," and behold the nails being driven into his bloody hands and feet - with special effects (as they eat their popcorn with fake, chemical butter). Do I sound cynical and bitter? I am happy and blessed to be free from this bondage to the cinema and worldly television. Yet, I am grieved at the Devil's devouring. I do not want to forget that we are at war. It grieves me to see professing Christians act like little lap dogs, BEGGING the world to throw them a doggie-treat with "Jesus" written on it. God forbid! This illustration reminds me of a quote from Spurgeon:

"I believe that one reason why the church of God at this present moment has so little influence over the world is because the world has so much influence over the church!....If you have a hungering after such dog's meat, GO DOGS, AND EAT THE GARBAGE!....Your duty as a Christian is to stand fast in your own place, and to stand out for God, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh....Come, ye children of God, you must stand with your Lord outside the camp. Jesus calls you today, and says, 'Follow Me.' WAS JESUS FOUND AT THE THEATER? Did He frequent the sports of the race-course? Was Jesus seen, think you, in any of the amusements of the Herodian court? Not He. He was 'holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners.' In one sense, no one mixed with sinners so completely as He did when, like a physician, He went among them healing His patients; but, in another sense, there was a gulf fixed between the men of the world and the Saviour, which He never essayed to cross, and which they could not cross to defile Him....Follow Jesus into the separated state....Unless you take up your cross, and protest against an ungodly world, you cannot hope that Jesus will make you fishers of men."
(C. H. Spurgeon)

The Lord calls His disciples to be salt and light. True religion includes keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.

In summary, as for me and my house, we will not see the Gibson movie for the following reasons:

1. It is made by Roman Catholics. Mel Gibson, "was raised in the Catholic faith and considers himself a traditionalist who loves the Latin Mass. He has a priest on the set who offers a Latin Mass and hears confessions from whomever wishes to take part." (New York Daily News). It is in dead languages (to give it that "traditional Catholic mass" feel?). It is filmed in Italy. The man who plays Jesus (i.e. Caviezel) is a devout Catholic. And since Catholics do not understand what our Lord meant by, "It is finished" (John 19:30), I have no interest in seeing a movie from them about our Lord's Crucifixion! Furthermore, the Bible teaches that Rome will revive in these last days (Revelation 17), and the movie theater is playing a large role in promoting this unholy revival.

2. I never trust Hollywood, or anyone associated with "stars," and the movie industry, to put out a movie without either fornication, lust, GORY VIOLENCE, or something that compromises the ear-gate or the eye-gate, or the imaginations (Proverbs 4:23-27). The man who plays Jesus, states: "'Mel likes to put violence in his movies....By the time [audiences] get to the crucifixion scene, I believe there will be many who can't take it and will have to walk out - I guarantee it." They promise that the, "audience will FEEL it is watching an actual crucifixion." (New York Daily News).

3. Video causes "someone else" to become our eyes. It is a surrender of the eyes to another power. But God calls us to be in control of our own eyes:

Proverbs 4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

As the camera gazes, with close-ups, on the bodies and faces of these "stars," the eyes of Christians must view these men and women in a way that would not be proper if they were simply in the same room with them, in real life. Furthermore, I have no desire to see a Hollywood "star" (who has "starred" in other, unwholesome movies and scenes) play the part of my Lord. Plus, Jesus did not have long hair. And such false, though influential, representations can supercede the influence of the Scriptures in our mind's eye.

In conclusion, there are some things we were not meant to "see" in video, for entertainment. We do not need to "see" a movie about Adam "knowing" his wife. Those who argue that "violence is in the Bible," forget that there are MANY THINGS in the Bible! Will such Christians march to the theater if an R-rated "portrayal" of the Song of Solomon arrives in theaters near you?! Many Christians do not realize that this modern addiction to violent gore is simply the outer fringes of a budding revival of Canaanite cannibalism (Numbers 13:32). This lust will continue to grow until it will not be satisfied until it views "real life" suffering, as in the Roman circus (e.g. notice the current success of REALITY shows). And the carnal Christians who helped fund and promote this lust for blood - may one day find themselves the victims of it!

Hollywood Jesus Struck by Lightning

"You got struck by lightning? Oh, yeah. We were shooting the Sermon on the Mount. About four seconds before it happened it was quiet, and then it was like someone slapped my ears. I had seven or eight seconds of, like, a pink, fuzzy color, and people started screaming. They said I had fire on the left side of my head and light around my body." (Newsweek)

Hollywood Jesus Cusses During Mock Crucifixion

"I looked over at the guy, and I probably said the F word." (Newsweek)

1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:

Hollywood Jesus: "Go to confession and attend holy mass!"

"If James Caviezel didn't get a part in Terrence Malick's 1998 film 'The Thin Red Line,' he was going to give up acting. He took his grandmother's rosary to his audition at Malick's house, and gave it to Malick's maid
after learning she lost a rosary blessed by Mother Theresa. Caviezel eventually got the part of Pvt. Witt in the film. Coincidence? Caviezel doesn't think so. Caviezel spoke about his faith at the King's College
commencement ceremony Sunday. The actor urged the Catholic college's graduating seniors to 'make a commitment to pray, fast, go to confession and attend holy Mass...'"

Gullible Christians Flock to see Rated R "Jesus" Movie with Lewd Cast Members

Most of the following facts were reported in the FBIS:

Monica Bellucci,  the actress who plays Mary Magdalene in The Passion of The Christ, posed for the 2001 GQ Italia Totally Nude calendar. She has 'starred' in a pornographic movie featuring sodomy, rape, etc.

Rosita Celentano,  who plays Satan, has made pornographic photos.

Claudia Gerini,  who plays Pilate's wife, has made pornographic photos.

Mala Morgenstern,  who plays Mary, the mother of Jesus, starred in a filthy, lewd, 1997 movie entitled Witman fiuk.

James Caviezel,  who plays Jesus, is a Catholic who has starred in multiple, rated R movies, with profanity, violence, sexual content, etc. A review for Angel Eyes, a film he starred in, states: "Dreamy James
Caviezel should be a big plus for the ladies..." In regard to the "Passion" movie, Caviezel states, "I was freezing in that loincloth..." (Newsweek).

With such a cast of lost, unseemly characters, I can only suppose that the following conversation will soon be occurring in churches all across our land:
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER: Little Sally, who is your favorite actress or actor?

LITTLE SALLY: Oh, I just love Monica Bellucci, who played Mary Magdalene! I am buying up everything I can find by her. She is really a very influential role model for my life. I want to be just like her!

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER: What about you, Jennifer? Who is YOUR favorite movie star?

JENNIFER: Oh teacher, I have fallen in love with Jim Caviezel! I have his posters all over my room. He is REALLY dreamy! I am collecting his earlier movie videos. He has really given me a new appreciation for Jesus, if you know what I mean.


It's Here! Big Silver Screen Replaces Big Black Bible for Sunday Service! 

Two churches, at least, have went ahead and jumped wholly into the fire. There are many other churches that talk about movies so much on a Sunday that they should go ahead and have "service" at the theater, too! Jesus
wants us hot or cold (Revelation 3:16). If the pulpit is out of touch, and out of date, THEN GET DOWN TO THE THEATER ON SUNDAY and turn it into a religious, Lord's day service! Replace the pulpit and the big, black Bible with the big, silver screen!:

"Two Churches Hold Post-'Passion' Services - GREENWICH, Conn. - Two churches in Mel's town held services beneath the big screen after seeing his new movie, 'The Passion of the Christ.' More than 400 members of Trinity Church and Stanwich Congregational Church crowded into a theater for a Sunday afternoon screening. A small white crucifix was set up beneath the movie screen. 'After the film there will be a time of reflection,' said Ian Cron, Trinity's senior pastor. 'It will be a chance for us just to sit in the afterglow of the film, if you will.' Filmgoers also were offered the chance to celebrate the Eucharist, The Greenwich Time reported...After the film in Greenwich, a guitarist and violinist played as the Rev. Neely Towe, pastor of Stanwich Congregational Church, blessed the Eucharist..." (AP, March 2, 2004)

Two Devils Unite: Catholicism and Hollywood

Pilate and Herod made friends and united like never before, in crucifying Jesus Christ:

Luke 23:11 And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked
him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate.
12 And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for
before they were at enmity between themselves.

Wise Bible teachers have predicted over a century ago that the day would come when most professing Christians would merge with Rome. Billy Graham, Promise Keepers, lordship salvationists, and many others, have been removing barriers between evangelicals and Catholics over the years. But nothing has united Rome and Christians like the latest Gibson film! Catholic books, etc. are showing a record increase in sales. And the
justification and perfuming of Gibson's Catholicism by Christians is frightening and amazing. For example, one man recently sent me an e-mail that read:

"...While I believe your statements on Roman Catholicism are valid, this movie does not teach anything about works. 'It is FINISHED.' This is one of the last statements written on the screen as well as the showing of the resurrection then the movie ends. Lastly, in an interview with Mel Gibson he said he was a 'Believer.' If what he says is true than you should be prepared to spend eternity with him (a Catholic) as well...."

This brother sent a kind enough e-mail. However, he is a perfect example of the mad attempt to justify this movie. Why is there such an effort to grab at every little word that might someone show that this cursing, Roman
Catholic, foul-mouthed movie star, who has played in gory movies for years, might somehow be a "believer"? I do hope that Gibson gets truly saved, and delivered from his false religion of salvation by works, sacraments, etc. But this devil-inspired spirit in many Christians today, that wags its tongue and slobbers at the feet of Hollywood, waiting for a little "Christian" treat to justify their addiction to ungodly movies, is truly pathetic.

Now that so many Christians have rewarded these Catholics with their money, we can be sure that a whole train of new movies will be made to capitalize on their addiction. They will start with increasing amounts of
gory violence, and a bit of immodesty, and will no doubt grow to contain a bit of profanity, etc. Christians will flock to see these new "religious" movies, not realizing that the Devil is using them to adorn Romanism in
the minds of the masses. They will think that Hollywood's new fascination with religion is a SIGN OF HOLY REVIVAL. It will only be a sign that a Satanic spirit, preparing the way for ANTICHRIST is sweeping our land.
There is already a mad defiance among many Baptists. They write things to the effect of: "I took my little children to see this Gibson movie. I could not resist it. I HAD to see it. Yes I did. I didn't even see it first, before I took my children. I trust the Christian leaders. We just marched right on in, and I SHOWED MY CHILDREN THE GORE. Yes I did. And I will do it again. I will. You can't stop me. I ate popcorn, too. I hate you. I love Mel Gibson. I see all his movies. He is a believer." Now this type of language can only be explained by spirits (see 1Timothy 4). 

There are spirits operating on the minds of some saints, and these spirits are not being tested. They are powerful. They need to be tested and rebuked. Brethren, wake up, and let us learn to walk the pilgrim walk. Let us not
marvel at the harlots of the hour (Rev. 17). These idols will perish. Gibson's movie is a sign of apostasy, not revival. What will these Christians do when Harry Potter books start mentioning Christianity. Will this mean that Rowling is now "a believer"?:

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Objections from Pro- Mel Gibson Movie Christians, Answered - 

1. "But this is a wonderful opportunity to preach the Gospel. Therefore, the Gibson movie should be supported financially."

Answer: 9-11 was a convenient opportunity to preach the Gospel. But I will not support and fund Islamic terrorists. In other words, because God can and does use the wrath of man to praise Him, this does not mean that we should adopt the Jesuit philosophy that some supposed good justifies any means.

2. "But people are leaving this movie emotionally moved."

Answer: The same effect could have be accomplished if Gibson made a pro-Judas movie that paints Judas as a victim and spends an hour graphically depicting his remorse, depression, sorrow, and final suicide,
ultimately showing his BOWELS BURSTING! Jesuits have established schools and done "good things" among the heathen for centuries. But just as the end does not justify the means, partial goodness does not justify great
evils. Bible believing Christians know and believe that a Roman Catholic America is a GREAT EVIL, and will result in the persecution and damnation of thousands of souls.

3. "But this will be good for the lost people to see what Jesus went through."

Answer: While it may help some, in interviewing multiple people the moment they left this movie, a common response was as the following:

"Did you just see the Passion?"
"Yes."
"Was it violent and bloody"?
"Yes, but NO MORE THAN ANY OF THE OTHER BLOODY MOVIES I REGULARLY WATCH."

Therefore, this movie will have a CHEAPENING effect of bringing the Four Gospels down to the level of a Terminator or Rambo movie.

4. "I am a Christian, and I think this is wonderful. I think people need to see this. I think you are wrong about THIS movie."

Answer: How many rated R or PG-13 movies have you seen in the past two years with nudity and violent gore? Therefore, we see that the ROOT of this debate is not THIS movie, it is simply your addiction to the IDOL of
Hollywood' sex and gore. This movie simply provides a supposed godly reason to eat pop corn and view gory violence.

5 "But people have no idea what Jesus went though."

Answer: Then let them read and hear the Scriptures. One girl responded to my tract by writing:

"You see, people don't truly understand the suffering that Jesus went through because there aren't very many details [in the Bible] pertaining to his crucifiction."

Do you see that? People are seeking an EXTRA-BIBLICAL experience, thinking they will know Jesus better through it. But we can never know Jesus more than by diligently studying the Scriptures in humility, faith and holy
fear, praying fervently, obeying our Lord's commandments, and not being ashamed of His words before a wicked and perverse generation.

Article by Pastor Joey Faust:
http://www.kingdombaptist.org/