www.byzcath.org

There have been several discussions about Mel Gibson�s movie �The Passion of the Christ�. On the drive home from work yesterday I was listening to a talk show one of the local Evangelical Christian radio stations and the guest was Father John Bartunek, L.C. He spoke to the issue of the violent nature of the crucifixion (which has been a point of discussion here on the Forum). Those interested in listening to a Real Audio version of the program can click here [wabs.wava.com] . ( The Don Kroah Show [wava.com] )

Father Bartunek is also the author of a new book entitled �Inside the Passion�. Information on this book can be found at www.insidethepassion.com [insidethepassion.com] .

I didn�t know this until I heard it on this program, but a recut version of �The Passion of the Christ� opens in theaters this weekend. This version is supposed to be edited to reduce some of the graphic violence to make the movie more appropriate for children. The website for the movie is www.thepassionofthechrist.com [thepassionofthechrist.com] . The website for the recut version is www.passionrecut.com [passionrecut.com] .

Jim Cavizel, who played Christ, was interviewed a few times on EWTN. If anyone has a moment, can you please check their website to see if the interviews are archived and, if yes, provide the links here?

I am seeing Mel Gibson and requesting he make a movie about St Helena and Constantine and the conversion of the empire.

What, and get the Da Vinci Code people upset?

Sounds like a good idea though. Maybe also suggest to him a movie on St. Photius the Great or even the real St. Nicholas of Myra.

Joe

The "Passion" took care of the Jewish "culpability."

If I were in his shoes, Mel being an RC maverick of sorts like our Jakub/James here, I would film the Crusades (featuring the 4th: the sack of Constantinople and a battle or two between the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire's army) which would take care of the break between the East and the West.

Or, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation to take care of Protestantism.

Chronologically, either would depict a "major" milestone in the history of the Catholic Church and the subject of such a film would appeal, again, to many.

Amado

Now that would really be a good one.
The real story behind the renegade "Luther" and not the romantic nonsense as portray in Luther.
:p
Stephanos I
Humbly
Loyal to the Holy See
God grant John Paul Pope of Rome many happy years!

Wonder if they would call it, "Ten Reasons Why You Wouldn't Like Luther?"

Dear Stephanos,

They would have to include the quote by St Clement Hofbauer, C.Ss.R. "The Germans became Protestants because they wanted to live as Christians."

Alex

Dear friends, A Greek-Catholic priest has said that an Eastern Christian couldn't have made Gibson's movie. Do you agree?
Vito

Dear Vito,

Yes.

Alex

If I were in his shoes, Mel being an RC maverick of sorts like our Jakub/James here, [Cool] I would film the Crusades (featuring the 4th: the sack of Constantinople and a battle or two between the Crusaders and the Ottoman Empire's army) which would take care of the break between the East and the West.

Would that be a Bravehart 2 maybe?

He could be in a coma and imagine he was back in time! Oh well such foolish thoughts.

Pani Rose

Dear Pani,

I can see Mel in the role of Emperor St Constantine XI - fighting for months in an uneven battle with the Turks until he is finally caught by them and offered his life if he became a Muslim.

As Mel shakes his head in a defiant "Uh-Uh!" he is brought to the torture stake, screaming and trying to muffle agonizing peals of inner suffering, choking on his own . . .

And then they take off his shoes to tie his naked feet to a stake as they prepare to beat his helpless soles to a pulp with iron rods, the whole time hurling insults and quips about not making the Oscar nominations this year . . .

And finally, being overwhelmed by the humiliation regarding the nominations, Mel screams, "EASTERN Orthodoxy!"

As he turns to the camera with one final look, he says, "Yeah, Rite!"

Then, darkness envelopes the screen, and Mel's voice comes over, condemning all those young Turks . . . in Hollywood.

Alex

Dear Alex:

Because of what I've "learned" from you and from others here, I was thinking of answering Vito's tricky question with: An Eastern Christian could, but wouldn't!

Amado

Dear Pani Rose:

Yes, it could be "Braveheart 2" but on a grander scale.

Imagine pitting the snottiness of the then Catholic Royal Houses and nobility of Europe versus the arrogance of the conquering Sultan(s), Emirs, and Shieks of the Islamic world!

(We aren't instigating a war of civilizations, are we?)

Amado

I think that may be true. An Eastern Christian wouldn't have the influence of Anne Catherine Emmerich, or that Western medieval morbid outlook. Eastern Christians are more focused on the resurrection.

WHOA THERE!

When the movie first came out, I posted a Chicago Sun-Times story about a GO priest who said that Mel's Passion was not in keeping with the Byzantine Tradition.

The result? I got flamed!

NOW you all come around?

Gee, thanks! :p

hal