Gibson's film reaps controversy
Richard Holmes
Issue date: 2/26/04 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 2 next >
Many people usually flock to the nearest movie cinema whenever a motion picture involves actor/producer Mel Gibson. On Wednesday, his most recent movie garnered the same interest, but in a whole different light.
Wednesday, Gibson released his controversial film "The Passion of the Christ," which tells the story of the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ and attempts to bring the realization of Christ's death in graphic, violent detail.
And not only adults will see this depiction. This may be the only time where children may be admitted to an R-rated movie with the parent's consent.
According to usatoday.com, some church leaders and parents plan on taking "kids as young as 10" to see the movie.
Jerry Johnston, the pastor of First Family Church in Kansas City, Kan., as quoted in USA Today, agrees that the younger viewers will be "disturbed by the violence." However, his hope is that they are "disturbed enough to make their peace with Jesus."
Yahoo.com "Movie Mom" columnist Nell Minnow, said to USA Today that due to the amount of violence, she doesn't approve of kids being subjected to the movie's content despite the fact that she hasn't seen the movie herself.
"Disturbing images can be what sticks with a child, not the message behind it," she said. "I would have severe concerns about exposing children to that kind of violence."
Matt Stoehr, pastor of the West Coast Christian Center disagrees.
"Scripture tells us that he (Jesus) was beaten to a pulp. I think seeing that on screen will be more powerful for kids than any sermon," Stoehr said.
I agree with Minnow to some extent, though I believe that there are many other mechanisms that can and may have already desensitized many children to violence, such as video games and music, etc. However, I believe that earlier showings of Jesus' death are too mild to do the crucifixion justice. Gibson's movie appears to be the most realistic. Moreover, no man can truly paint the picture of what transpired on that day.
Wednesday, Gibson released his controversial film "The Passion of the Christ," which tells the story of the last 12 hours of the life of Jesus Christ and attempts to bring the realization of Christ's death in graphic, violent detail.
And not only adults will see this depiction. This may be the only time where children may be admitted to an R-rated movie with the parent's consent.
According to usatoday.com, some church leaders and parents plan on taking "kids as young as 10" to see the movie.
Jerry Johnston, the pastor of First Family Church in Kansas City, Kan., as quoted in USA Today, agrees that the younger viewers will be "disturbed by the violence." However, his hope is that they are "disturbed enough to make their peace with Jesus."
Yahoo.com "Movie Mom" columnist Nell Minnow, said to USA Today that due to the amount of violence, she doesn't approve of kids being subjected to the movie's content despite the fact that she hasn't seen the movie herself.
"Disturbing images can be what sticks with a child, not the message behind it," she said. "I would have severe concerns about exposing children to that kind of violence."
Matt Stoehr, pastor of the West Coast Christian Center disagrees.
"Scripture tells us that he (Jesus) was beaten to a pulp. I think seeing that on screen will be more powerful for kids than any sermon," Stoehr said.
I agree with Minnow to some extent, though I believe that there are many other mechanisms that can and may have already desensitized many children to violence, such as video games and music, etc. However, I believe that earlier showings of Jesus' death are too mild to do the crucifixion justice. Gibson's movie appears to be the most realistic. Moreover, no man can truly paint the picture of what transpired on that day.