#DavePowers > blog:first-entry

ahem. Sorry. That is, Dave finally posted his first blog. :)

Here are a few of my thoughts, such as they are right now. I may have more later.

Before I was really scared to see this movie, like I was waiting to see my best friend on trial or something. The beginning commercials and trailers were sort of a blur for me, all I remember is Cher – “Do you believe in life after love” being played as we waited for the previews to start… somehow, all of the trailers seemed wildly innappropriate.

The movie was gripping from the moment it started, and didn’t let go until after the credits were done.

Was the movie anti-semetic? The point is not that the Jews killed Jesus (yes, they were the ones that called for his death, and convinced the Romans to crucify him), the point is that you would have done the same thing in that situation. And, it was you (and me, and everyone else), that caused Jesus’s death. Not a horde of angry Jews.

In fact, one of the things that struck me within this movie was how there were people from all sides, Jew, Roman, Pharisee, Priests, who were on either side of the fence (for or against Jesus). It was also very evident that there were those who were struggling to “go with the flow” yet knew in their hearts the Jesus was “a Holy man”. Examples: -The African in Herod’s court -Pilate’s wife(?) -several soldiers who were hauling Jesus around

Those that were actively against Jesus seemed to all be swept up in the moment. The Romans scourging Christ, the crowds, some of the Pharisee (except the instigators), Judas.

Was the movie too violent? Of course it was. It is the cruelest thing man has ever done in the history of the world. Here’s the difference though, it was all true. This was not some fantasy-slasher film (although the amount of blood was comparable). This was a n accurate depiction of what had to happen in order for the sins of the world to be pardoned by a Just God.

It occurred to me while watching the movie that we might not know the extent of the “scourging” that actually happened. But, I think the amount of “violence” shown was necessary to get the point across, what Christ suffered was what we all would have had to face for eternity. As a culture, we have been inoculated to movie violence, and the Crucifixion is a Sunday school story that we don’t really think about, or just take for granted when we hear it. Going just a tad “over the top” was needed to make us feel the discomfort, the pain, and the sorrow that our hardened hearts should feel.

For the critics who thought that the violence “detracted from Christ’s message of love”, let me say that you don’t understand Christ’s message. And if you felt that the violence was unnecessary, it is only because you don’t understand that you will suffer the same, no, worse, for eternity unless you accept what happened there as atonement for yourself.

Other thoughts This movie made me weep, at times harder than others, throughout the duration of the film. That is a hard thing to say, and I’m still reeling… wondering how I am going to be able to sing through another song about Christ’s death…

I didn’t particularly care for some of the “extra biblical stuff” like the demons, but I’m pretty sure it depicted visually what was going on in people’s heads. I thought there was one particular act that was a bit gratuitous, and unnecessary, I’ll let you figure out which one. All in all though, the additions definitely are not doctrinal-ly misleading, nor are they detracting to the story, in fact, they tell a bit of history, and definitely help us to see the story a little more clearly.

After An interesting thing happened after the movie, everyone (except for like five people) sat motionless through all of the credits, and until the reel ran out, and the lights came up in the theatre… then everyone slowly got up and started leaving.

I feel that everyone in the world over the age of thirteen should see this movie.

If you have seen this movie, and believe the message that it is conveying, you have a responsibility to live your life differently because of it. You can never live the same again. You must understand that he went through that so you wouldn’t have to, and all he asks in return is your allegiance. no… that’s wrong… your love. your devotion. your friendship.

Do you live like someone endured that for YOU?

Today is Ash Wednesday (formally (not formerly..) the Day of Ashes). It is the Wednesday that marks the beginning of Lent, forty days before good friday. It is a day when a lot of Christians have their forheads marked with an Ash cross.

Why a cross on the forhead Marking the forhead is a traditional sign of ownership. It is sort of imitating the “mark of God” referenced in Revelation 7, 9, 14. Also symbolizes the “mark of protection” on people’s forheads in Ezekiel 9.

Why ashes? In the bible, ashes are a symbol of penance and mourning. (1 samuel 4, 2 samuel 1, etc etc etc). It is also alluding to the fact that we are “from ashes, and to ash we will return” (Gen. 3:19).

Now you know. Which is more than can be said for the masses (pun intended) that flock to have a priest put some palm-frond ash on their forheads on this night (you would be amazed at the amount of people that I see with ash crosses on their head lining up for the bars…).

The mark is to remind you that you are a servant of God… maybe i’ll put some ash on my head in repentance… I just saw The Passion of the Christ tonight… I need to collect my thoughts, and I will have a full report later…

Incredible stuff though. You should go see it.

I seem to have broken my Web site, and I can’t figure out what is wrong…

Just thought you would like to know why it looks strange.

Apparently, the folks at Riverview Church (sweet Web site, btw) in Michigan rearranged their auditorium this last Sunday. Noel has some interesting observations about the change.

I wonder what would happen if we tried this at Stonebrook? I mean, people get upset if we have the music “up too loud”, that is, anything slightly above audible…

What do you think, should we try it?

Also, please Let me know your thoughts on the Craig v Avalos debate. I want to start that article!