Letters to the Editor

When launching a new magazine, it’s impossible to know how readers will react until the first issue comes out. In our first issue, we clearly struck a few nerves in the Christian community. In our ‘Does Christianity give you the willies?’ questionaire, we heard from many disaffected Christians who were glad to see a magazine that takes a thoughtful, skeptical approach to the faith. To read some of those comments, click here.

The majority of the letters we received addressed our review of Mel Gibson's film The Passion of the Christ. Our reviewer panned the movie, criticizing it for being unnecessarily violent and anti-Semitic. He also mentioned that many biblical scholars doubt the gospels are entirely accurate about the crucifixion.

This questioning of the gospels inspired many letters, a selection of which are reprinted below. The letters give an interesting snapshot of the state of contemporary Christianity today. They show that the Christian community is very divided over how the scriptures should be interpreted – are they absolutely true, or open to interpretation, and even doubt? This is an issue The Turning will be addressing frequently, including in this issue, as we look at what the Bible really says about homosexuality( click here to read the article). So, for an interesting snapshot of the state of Christianity today, read on.

Passionate Reactions

I won't read anything else you put out. He did a wonderful job on this movie and had the guts to stand up for God. Since God is on his side the rest doesn't matter.

Melanie Martin

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This film is not for believers only. We are seeing many who have never been to church in their life or so little as to never come to a place of making a decision for Christ. We have seen people actually being healed while in the theatre, most of these are being documented with proof medically. I have run into people that ask if I can recommend a bible. I asked them what has caused you to seek this Book? Their answer was we went to see this movie "The Passion of Christ". Something happened inside and we need to seek Him. Most of them begin to cry openly as I am talking with them in the book store.

Yes, even believers should be stirred in their spirit, because the church has so soft peddled the crucifixion of Christ that we have made it not much more than a slap on the hand. It was horrific. After the scourging, it is said that he was not recognizable, that the flesh was literally torn from his body. The crucifixion itself was the most awful way to die.

This movie is going to make and have a definite effect on the church and the people. But not to the negative.

The mainstream movie and entertainment industry is upset and is coming against this because they are controlled by the prince of the power of the air. Satan wants to control the air waves. Because in doing this he controls the thoughts and imaginations of people. He wants to propagate lies and keep people from hearing the truth. It is time that believers take back the air. Give support to films like this and pray for more that will show the love of God as does this film.

Bishop Larry Downing
http://www.fepc.net
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Its not for us to judge anyone The movie really turn my life around who are you to say that the gospel is not right . We all have are beliefs and when we all get to heaven we aren't going to have Baptist in one corner and Catholic in one and so on. We are all GOD children and he loves everyone of us and as for the Jews they are Jesus chosen people and its says that in the Bible, it tells you every thing that Mel Gibson was trying to get a cross to people.

I myself don't look at the Jews as the killers of Jesus, this was his destiny, he was here to die for all of our sins. As for the Jews they don't believe that Jesus is the Messiah. If you think that he was wrong then pray for him. Like I think he was right in making this move and I pray for those that think its wrong. WE AREN'T TO JUDGE ANYONE ITS NOT OUR PLACE ITS THE LORD OUR GOD!!!

James Harmon

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Mel also portrayed Mary his mother as being there for a lot of the abuse. The gospel doesn't mention all that. Was the movie about Jesus’ sacrifice or his mother Mary's?

I don't belieive that the devil was a women either. I think he was lurking around to see if Jesus was going to fail, maybe call those 10,000 angels. That’s why Satan was so upset when Jesus died. Now sinners can be forgiven. I think all Christians should watch it to help non-believers to understand, and also to point out what’s wrong with it.

Everyone should read all four gospels and compare. Remember that they were written at different times. That why they don't match up so well.

I am in Christ

May grace and peace be you.

( Anonymous)

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To the Editor

I am a Christian and have recently watched The Passion of the Christ. I wanted to share my disgust with you and wonder how you could allow this supposed Christian to write your movie review? I am shocked at how you could put this on your web site, as this site is supposed to encourage new Christians.

I don't know how this person could write that the gospels can't be trusted ( This is basically accurate according to the Gospels, but are the Gospels accurate? Gibson clearly assumes they are, but modern biblical scholarship suggests otherwise) and they are anti-semitic ( Mr. Gibson is clearly not one to question the authority of the Gospels. If anything, he takes the anti-Semitic tendencies found there and amplifies them). How can this man call himself a Christian? We are taught to have faith and not to question using our own judgement, how can he question the authenticity of the Gospels? And how can he say the Bible is anti-Semitic? That is the same as calling God a racist because the Bible tells of His works.

He also states that the Bible does not mention the violence Jesus endured, well how have you been reading your Bible because it might not mention much but what it does say, is explained in the movie. For example: Isiah 52:14 says that "...his visage was more marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men..." which says that he endured extreme torture otherwise how did he become so marred?

Jesus Christ took upon Himself the sins of all mankind. He paid the price in full. This was the ultimate sacrifice . . . the Lamb of God would through His Blood reconcile ALL of mankind to God Forever. This was a Great price. Jesus suffered Greatly. Jesus Loves us Greatly. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" John 15:13.

This is what I took home from that movie. I know that many people will find a greater understanding and appreciation for Christ`s Sacrifice after watching the movie.

Kind regards

Ms Suellen Ware

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I believe that in the review of The Passion of the Christ, your reviewer forgot one simple thing. Mel Gibson is not simply Christian; he is Catholic. Catholicism preaches that Christ's suffering is the most important part of his message. Catholics routinely subject themselves to some kind of suffering in order to remind themselves of Christ's gift to mankind. I think perhaps that's why the movie was so disturbingly violent; perhaps Mr. Gibson was hoping for a cathartic experience for the audience. Since the United States is such a visually driven culture, the shock of seeing the Crucifixion, regardless of who was doing the crucifying, could evoke a feeling of reverence and gratitude for Jesus' gift to the world. This was my reaction, at least.

(Anonymous)

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The Need for a New Look at Christianity

Hi--
I am a relatively new Christian as well. Really enjoyed reading your on line magazine. It's refreshing to see someone come out and ask whether Christianity does have something fresh and new to teach us. When I was on the cusp of converting I polled a lot of my friends with the question: "Is it possible to be a Christian and not be an asshole?" Similar to your question "Does Christianity give you the Willies?" As a new Christian I have had to confront and exorcise my "inner fundamentalist."

In light of the asshole question: Seeing a video about the life of Fred Rogers was a turning point--here he was an ordained Presbyterian minister and never talked about Jesus--instead he lived his ministry. I think this is the challenge for the new Christians of today--to live their ministries without blabbing about it and trying to talk other people into it……

Take care and thanks for the great magazine. As my good friend Father Mickey, an Episocopal priest says: " Blind faith is not true spirituality." Keep on questioning.

Helen Clark
Gaithersburg, MD

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Dropped in to look you over (grin) Interesting site, full of potential.

Wishing you the best of success as I am very much in agreement that a site for skeptical Christian thinkers is badly needed.

Shalom,

Peter

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Christianity is a cult, the cult of Christ, it focuses too much on one individual, anyone who has had involvement in any cult knows the destructive forces involved in that. Our society with it's modern day celebrity worship is another example of worship gone astray. "God's failure to deal with that issue raises questions about an omnipotent creator.

(Anonymous)

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I’m influenced by liberal & fundamentalist christians,buddhists,pagans,AA & atheists. Until I was able to embrace all this, the bible and other texts irked me. I often opened the bible, only to close it in disgust at this petty, angry, violent, jealous god. I couldn't say the lord's prayer. Why would god want to lead me into temptation? It was mostly the gentle acceptance of the United Church that helped me open my mind & read the bible in a way that made sense to ME. I’m grateful for that.

(Anonymous)

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I would be interested in seeing how God is viewed form the Old to the New Testament. I am a new Christian and I get cheesed off that we do not seem to want to seriously study what God has already said yet, expect Him to answer our questions. Jacob wrestled with God, sometimes we have to do the same, love to see an article on what that means for our life.

Thank you and God Bless

(Anonymous)

Talking with Literal Christians who have seen the movie, The Passion seems to be impossible because to talk with them seems to mean that I am wanting to change their faith belief. Marcus J. Borg's book, "Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time," is a great book for doubting Christians, but not for "literal believers."

(Anonymous)

 

 

 

 

Volume 1, #2

Summer, 2004