williamlayton, This is what Paul Harvey wrote after a private screening of 'The Passion' in Washington, D.C. I think it's what you spoke of. It's a bit long, but well worth reading. IMHO:
Paul Harvey's words:
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, DC
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. 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, DC 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 Della Rosa. As she ran to him,
she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road
outside 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."
Please copy this and send it on to all your friends to let them know about
this film so that all go see it when it comes out.
Mel Gilbson stated he did not appear in his own movie, by his choice, with
one exception: It is Gibson's hands seen nailing Jesus to the cross. Gibson said he
wanted to do that because it was indeed his own hands that nailed Jesus to the
cross (along with all of ours.)
