Christian Passion: Gibson movie 'Passion' draws interest, concern
Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ," which opened Wednesday, could help Christians and Jews understand each other better as they discuss its sometimes controversial aspects, some area clergy representatives said this week. In Evanston, a March 2 panel co-sponsored by the American Jewish Committee and three Evanston religious communities will discuss the issue. The panel is scheduled to take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Reconstructionist...
Christian Passion: Divestment strategy vs. Israel misguided
BY ROBERT M. RUBIN Several months ago, the Presbyterian Church USA voted to use corporate divestment as a tactic to punish Israel for its occupation and alleged violence against Palestinians. More recently the Episcopal Church USA, the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, the Anglican Council, the Disciples of Christ and the Lutheran Church have considered resolutions condemning Israel's occupation and its construction of a barrier to prevent infiltration by Arab...
Christian Passion: The Independent: `For some it will be an evangelistic experience, for others the film will simply be a violent story'
The Rev David Butterfield, vicar of St Michael's and St John's, Shropshire "It's clear that Mel Gibson intends to shock and stun cinema-goers with brutality and violence. The film's version of the scourging is so brutal and unrelenting that I reckon it would have killed Jesus outright. "However, there was another aspect of the film that struck me. For the last three hours that Jesus hung on the cross a strange darkness...
Christian Passion: Some Christians serve as a poor example
By STEVE BUTTRY Christian passion sometimes runs so strong that it crowds out Christian compassion. As a result, some people who think they're spreading Christ's message become rather shrill.When you encounter such people, it's best (though not always easy) to keep in mind that Christianity doesn't teach that we lose our human weaknesses when we believe in Jesus, just that God forgives our sins.I reminded myself of that several times in...
Christian Passion: Some evangelical Christians embrace Lieberman
Some evangelical Christians embrace Lieberman By HANNA ROSIN Washington Post WASHINGTON - As the T-shirts on sale for a recent church benefit say, Glory Tabernacle is "all about Jesus," and last Sunday they proved it. "We're full of zeal for Jesus," the songleader shouted, "laughing for Jesus, speaking in tongues for Jesus." It's a Christian passion that might make them seem uneasy about having...