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作者
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內容
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/1/3 上午 09:30:19
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"Gibson's Passion>
>
>PAUL HARVEY COMMENTS ON "THE PASSION" BY MEL GIBSON
>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.
>
> Iam 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 couldspeak 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.
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> As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child,
>falling inthe dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect himfrom 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 andthe 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 film making
>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."
>
>You may 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.
>
>P.S. Mel Gibson 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.)"
Very true. It seems that Gibson really did a great job!
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Augustine
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Posted -
2004/1/3 下午 07:03:13
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"While the primary source material of the film is attributed to the four gospels, these sacred books are not historical accounts of the historical events that they narrate. They are theological reflections upon the events that form the core of Christian faith and belief."
Is this correct?
Any comments?
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Augustine
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Posted -
2004/1/3 下午 07:04:40
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"While the primary source material of the film is attributed to the four gospels, these sacred books are not historical accounts of the historical events that they narrate. They are theological reflections upon the events that form the core of Christian faith and belief."
Is this correct?
Any comments?
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Peter of Verona
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Posted -
2004/1/3 下午 07:15:51
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There is a case when a lady fainted and died after seeing the movie. Striking indeed.
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brotherwilliam
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Posted -
2004/2/26 上午 11:10:14
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我人在美國，在聖灰瞻禮的首映日看了這套電影。是真的血淋淋，不過為我們在讀苦難敍述或拜苦路時，會另有滋味。不知道有沒有看了？香港如何譯這片的名字？對白是聖經的嗎？用天主教譯名嗎？Mel Gibson是天主教的。
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Ignatius
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Posted -
2004/2/26 下午 12:13:56
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香港還未上畫。
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/2/26 下午 03:33:57
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Right. A Chinese Newspaper 'Jing Ji Ri Bao' did give a good 'political' account of the reception of this film by the Catholic Church, the Jewish communities, etc.
Perhpas 'unofficially', this film has been widely acclaimed by Catholic groups.
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靚仔
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Posted -
2004/2/26 下午 06:30:27
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伍修士您好!
我只看過預告片,香港不知會否上畫.
對白是拉丁,阿拉美和希臘文,真是它懂我,我不懂它,哈哈.
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brotherwilliam
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Posted -
2004/2/27 上午 08:57:04
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補充三句：
1.美國天主教主教團的確因這片要發表聲明。
2.比較保守的天主教及新教徒都對此片表示歡迎。昨天散場時，基督教朋友立即在門外派傳單，（當然是四個屬靈定律，耶穌為你死…）
3.片中有句台詞沒有翻譯，但有講（會聽阿拉美語便會知道）就是「讓血歸我們和我們子孫身上」
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Augustine
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Posted -
2004/2/27 下午 02:57:44
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I don't think HK theatres will have this movie shown as they won't anticipate a lot of HK people to be audience. They simply would not take the risk.
A pity! Wish I have Doraemon's "Magic Door" and get to the US instantly to watch it.
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靚仔
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Posted -
2004/2/27 下午 03:52:29
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該片據報已安排在四月八日聖週四上畫.
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/2/27 下午 03:54:57
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It was heard in the news a couple of days ago that some viewers 'fainted out' while watching the film.
If the Hong Kong media is so interested, should the film industry consider showing this film?
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/2/27 下午 03:56:22
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Wah, Borther Handsome, my mail crossed yours. So it is really GOOD NEWS for this Lent! Hurray! I book 10 tickets for this film - where to get it?
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brotherwilliam
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Posted -
2004/2/27 下午 11:01:54
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這又是我的「公教情意結」：不知道香港的教友能否去推動/鼓勵電影公司的人在翻譯字幕時能用天主教名詞，主要因為Mel Gibson 是Catholic 雖然他是Traditionalist.....
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JM
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Posted -
2004/2/29 上午 05:48:04
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I just saw it and I recommend everyone to see it.
Go with a prayerful and reflective spirit. It will be a mistake to expect to be entertained. It is much more than that.
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peter of verona
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Posted -
2004/3/4 上午 11:54:46
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Isn't it amazing that Mel Gibson and his movie The Passion of the Christ are being attacked as anti-Semitic, but homicide bombers in the Holy Land aren't?
Isn't it amazing that the movie about Christ's crucifixion was then attacked for portraying "almost pornographic violence," but Saving Private Ryan is described as a "brutally realistic story of honor and courage"?
Isn't it amazing that some people say that the The Passion of the Christ offends them, yet when Christians were offended by The Last Temptation of Christ, they were told to be more open-minded?
Isn't it amazing that Mel Gibson is being attacked for the fact that his movie is a success because of all the pre-release "hype," when that "hype" was nothing but attacks on him?
Isn't it amazing that Andy Rooney can get away with name-calling and asking how much money Mel Gibson stands to make on the crucifixion, but no one asked Steven Spielberg how dare he profit from his movie on the "holocaust"?
Isn't it amazing that Mel Gibson's response to all of his critics and detractors is to say that one of the most important things Jesus teaches is to love and forgive our enemies?
The logic of the post-modern liberal media---double standard.
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/3/5 下午 04:27:14
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The root of such 'double standard' probably lies in that great vice of the evil one - JEALOUSY.
It is a pre-dominant feature nowadays, both at home (In HK) and abroad.
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jm
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Posted -
2004/3/9 上午 05:03:53
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Jim Caviezel is the 'shameless' actor who played Jesus in The Passion. How shameless are we?...
http://www.catholicexchange.com/vm/index.asp?art_id=22713
Jim Caviezel: Shamelessly Catholic
"I have been scourged, crucified, and, oh yes, struck by lightning. I know from whence I speak. That's why I came here to show this remarkable film that speaks for itself," Caviezel told the 1,400 young adults in attendance at the Fellowship of Catholic University Students conference. "I want all of you to have the courage to go out into this pagan world and shamelessly express your Catholic faith in public!"
Unquenchable Fire
Caviezel's keynote address came after conference attendees had seen a private screening of The Passion of The Christ and spent a day hearing renowned Catholic speakers commissioning the young adults to take their place ushering in the new civilization of love.
Caviezel issued a similar challenge as he shared his experiences of making the film and the events that led up to accepting the role of Jesus Christ.
"What was it like to play this role? Unquenchable fire. There was no comfort. There was no peace," the actor said. He explained how he had been whipped twice while filming the scourging scene that took seven weeks to shoot. The lashes left him breathless, in severe, shocking pain, and with a 14-inch welt that would become the model the make-up artist used to create the additional wounds on his body.
"The second strike came with such velocity that I tore the flesh on my hands and wrists, yanking them out of the chains. I tasted two lashes of the whip. Some mystics think Jesus may have endured more than 5,000 blows. This was no mere man."
During the five weeks taken to shoot the crucifixion, he experienced hypothermia from the blood-chilling November winds of Matera, Italy. The actor explained how the winds came up the canyon like "knives" as he hung on the cross, with only a loincloth for protection against the cold. The cross, which stood on the edge of the canyon, swung back and forth with the real possibility of snapping and dropping him into a nine-foot ravine, he said.
To warm him, large heaters were used. Unfortunately, the heaters burned his toes and melted the latex makeup, but if they weren't close enough, the winds just blew the hot air away from him. Caviezel would oftentimes go home and try to sleep in the makeup that otherwise took eight hours to apply. His legs cramped, his limbs convulsed, and the makeup all over his body itched. He inhaled fumes from the heater, he had one eye shut and the other hyper-focused, while the crown of thorns caused him severe migraines, he said. "You know I'm just an actor pretending this is happening to me. It helps you appreciate what Jesus actually did continuously for every one of us."
Driven into the Arms of God
In addition to the pain and the exhaustion, he recalled how waiting on the cross between takes became tedious. To fight the boredom, he listened to music on headphones. One particular song called "Above All" by Michael W. Smith helped him through his most difficult moments.
"It arrived when I was confused and angry. I didn't think I could go on. The song described how Jesus was rejected and alone. That thought took me to a place — it opened an interior door that held me while on the cross," an emotional Caviezel explained. "The experience of feeling rejected and alone as all those around me laughed while drinking their hot coffees, oblivious to what was occurring. Jesus must have felt like this — forsaken, rejected, alone, and despised. It helped me pray in a very deep way — to pray without words, to pray from the heart. The discomfort, the loneliness, the split shoulder, the raw flesh all forced me into the arms of God because I had nowhere else to go for a performance I knew I was unable to create."
Caviezel emphasizes that anything good about his performance was born out of the fasting, the prayers, and the daily Masses.
"As I hung there I thought about all the twists of providence that brought me to that cross." The truth was that Caviezel had been chosen and he knew it had not been a coincidence.
He recounted for the captivated audience how Mary had been guiding him through all the key moments of his career — a career that would lead him to her Son. He gives credit to Mary for landing the most sought-after role in The Thin Red Line, by director Terrence Malick. He remembered arriving at Malick's home for an audition in a state of panic and self-doubt. It was a moment of truth, because he had decided that if he did not get the role, he would quit acting. He could not go on wondering if he would ever work consistently as an actor. "It's 6 p.m. and I'm still in the car," he said. "I need to go in. I believe in my heart the next 10 minutes changed my life forever. I'm an emotional mess and it's 6:05. I'm in the middle of the fourth glorious mystery."
He would go on to finish the rosary and, compelled by a familiar sensation, he took the rosary with him to the meeting. He had first experienced this sensation when, at 19, he felt called to be an actor. "I had a sensation right here in my chest that I was supposed to be an actor. That this was what God had crafted me for. This is what He wanted of me. Reluctantly I went forward." The woman who opened the door for him wore a Miraculous Medal. He assumed she was Catholic and the maid. She was neither. While they were talking, he got the sensation again, stronger then ever.
"I interrupt her and I say, 'This is for you Ma'am.' She is completely startled and she asks, 'Why did you do that?' Tears [are] welling up in her eyes. 'I prayed this morning that God would send me another [rosary] and in walks you.' This woman is now collapsing in tears. I'm holding the rosary between us and in walks the director [who] says, 'Honey, what's wrong?' I realize this isn't the maid! "From that day on, Terrence Malick and I began to have a close relationship that continues today. He would go on to cast me in the first major role of my career. It would be nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Something was going on, but it was still a mystery. Cut to the spring of 2000."
J. C. Superstar
Caviezel was on the set making the acclaimed Count of Monte Cristo.
The actor said it was a very difficult period for him. He wondered if his prayers were being heard. His sign came in the form of an image of the Immaculate Conception.
"While shooting a pivotal scene in the film, when the Count of Monte Cristo must decide if he [will] remain with the love of his life or leave her for his revenge, I'm looking up at the ceiling but in reality there's nothing there."
For inspiration, director Kevin Reynolds decided to have him look at a painting of the Immaculate Conception he found on the ceiling of one of the rooms. "I was in shock. It was a sign for me — a sign that the Lord and His Mother were with me. Through my trials they had been there the whole time leading me by the hand to my vocation. If you saw The Count of Monte Cristo, you know that shot did stay in the film and I'm proud to say that I shared screen time with the Mother of God."
The next thing Caviezel knows is that he is playing Jesus Christ in Gibson's newest movie, a film that no one knew he was making at the time.
Gibson wanted an actor with the initials J.C. who was 33 years of age.
Jim Caviezel fit the description.
"Was it a coincidence? I don't think so. When I was up there on that cross I learned that in His suffering was our redemption. Some of you may feel confused or uncertain about the future. This is not the time to give in. We each must carry our cross. It is time for our generation to accept that call. Young people, tear yourselves apart from this corrupt generation — be saints! Use the gifts given to you by God for good purposes. You can only reach the splendid heights He has reserved for you if you first submit to Him. Conform your will to Him."
Caviezel challenged everyone from university students to priests and bishops to resist the desire for comfort, popularity, and timidity. He challenged leaders to preach the unpopular gospel "in season and out of season." He called all Catholics to recommit to prayer, the rosary, fasting, frequenting confession and the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. "Our whole world is entrenched in sin. There in the quiet of our hearts a woman is calling us, each one of us, back to her Son. Jesus is there for us in the Scriptures. How often do we ignore Him? We must shake off this indifference. Only the Faith and the wisdom of the Church can save us, but it requires men and women, warriors ready to risk their good names, even their very lives to stand up for the truth."
In a passionate rendition of Gibson's battle cry from the Oscar-winning "Braveheart," Caviezel challenged Catholics to fight for the freedom that is real — freedom from weakness and from the slavery of sin.
"You, my friends, by God, you must fight with Mary and with Christ as your sword. May you fight with St. Michael and all the angels in defending God, in sending Lucifer and his army straight back to hell where they belong!"
Nadia Pozo is a Staff Writer for the Catholic Standard & Times.
(This article originally appeared in the Catholic Standard & Times, Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is used by permission. Please visit their Web site.)
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peter of verona
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Posted -
2004/3/9 下午 12:00:14
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New Disorder: Passion Induced Stress Trauma (PIST)
John Grasmeier
March, 2004
While the public's response to Mel Gibson's record breaking blockbuster "The Passion" has been overwhelmingly positive and most would agree (regardless of your religious background) that it has had a positive affect on those who view it, there has been a few negatives as a result of this cinematic hurricane.
One negative aspect is that some people have had to wait days to get near a theater to view even a matinee showing of this phenomenal work of biblical art. Another negative is that Mr. Gibson is going to have to work harder at scheduling mass times at his humble traditional Catholic chapel where he worships. This is due to the inordinate amount of time he's forced to spend filling out the extra zeros on his bank deposit slips.
Another downer is that there has been a new psychological disorder discovered during the making of this movie and its subsequent release.
Normally I am staunchly against medicating physically healthy people, but with this particular disorder I𠍿 starting to second-guess my position on the issue or at least considering making a calculated exception. I think heavy medication may be appropriate, if only to prevent those afflicted from going into the senseless and irrational shrieking fits that this movie seems to catalyze.
Remember those stories you read about certain video games or media inducing epileptic seizures? Well this disorder is similar as far a the severity of the reaction, but far worse in regard to scope. The seizure phenomena were/are relatively rare; this media induced malady seems on its way to being declared an epidemic.
The disorder I am referring to is known as "Passion Induced Stress Trauma" (or PIST). Although the vast majority of people who see "The Passion" view it as a source of enlightenment and inspiration, there is a sizable minority who for some strange reason get PIST as a result of this movie. It seems to affect primarily liberals, lefties and those with agendas that coincide with such. Be advised that actually seeing the movie is not a prerequisite to getting PIST.
The good News is that most of the symptoms and sub-maladies of PIST are easily recognizable and difficult for even the most clever of patients to conceal. If you or anyone you know exhibits the following symptoms please seek help. They are as follows:
Violence Induced Loathing Epidemic (VILE) ?Many people who have previously hailed movies in which people are cut up with chain saws or victim's heads are blown apart, have suddenly discovered that they have a "line" when it comes to cinematic violence. Normally this line would be a positive development. However, many experts suspect that as soon as the hype surrounding "The Passion" ebbs, these same VILE subjects will revert back to hailing as geniuses such mindless cretins as Quentin Tarantino and lauding movies such as "Texas Chain Saw Massacre" or "Seven". If the subject normally defends gratuitous, graphic violence in the media as free speech, yet paradoxically is horrified by a biblically accurate account of Jesus being scourged at the pillar, they most likely are VILE patient who has gotten PIST as a result of seeing "The Passion".
Anti-Semitic Schizophrenia (ASS) ?Despite the nomenclature, people with a case of ASS are not necessarily Jewish, in fact most are not. If the subject is loudly proclaiming anti-Semitism where none exists, they most likely have an acute case of ASS. ASS inflicted people can be identified either by their notion that any Jewish person depicted in an unfavorable light is a sign of anti-Semitism or by their refusal to recognize any Jews cast in a positive light as evidence to the contrary. Despite the fact that Jesus Himself, his mother, the twelve apostles, Simon and many other Jews in "The Passion" are shown to be historic heroes, ASS patients seem to focus solely on the small group of long-dead Pharisees who condemned Jesus. Fortunately, many cases of ASS that have been acquired by those who haven㦙 seen the movie have been cured once they view it. The absence of burning synagogues around the movie theaters also goes a long way toward ameliorating ASS. In some cases however, ASS seems to be incurable. It is especially virulent in cases where fundraisers of 501-c3 advocacy organizations are afflicted.
Studio Head Mogul Underestimation Kick (SHMUK) ?As opposed to most symptoms being of a psychological nature, SHMUK is a physical symptom as the result of having gotten PIST. If you happen across a studio executive who is on his way to the bank, he will most likely be kicking himself firmly in his rear-end, in which case you will be witnessing a SHMUK. Although only afflicting a small yet elite study group, it seems that every studio executive in Hollywood is SHMUCK-prone, with the clear exception of the executives employed by Newmarket Films.
Renewed Affinity for Religious Expertise (RARE) ?The Passion seems to have inspired countless experts on religion and Christianity to materialize in areas where few existed before. While there are many valid religious experts to be found, the RARE victim can be identified by his complete absence of interest in anything to do with religion and/or Christ prior to the release of this particular movie. Also, as opposed to the true expert, the RARE victim uses his newfound "expertise" and interest in the Gospels to cast doubt on the integrity of "The Passion" or even go so far as to attempt to undermine Christianity itself.
Bishop Unbecoming Malady Syndrome (BUMS) ?This seems to have afflicted many Catholic Bishops, particularly in liberal urban areas such as Cleveland, Los Angeles and New York. BUMS is particularly distressing given that it renders the victim completely useless to himself and those under his charge. BUMS is usually found in conjunction with other symptoms of PIST, so the smitten bishops can potentially be classified as PIST VILE BUMS. The infected Bishop may have seen to it that flyers were handed out "warning" the flock of about the movie or they may state in press conferences that they have no intention of seeing the movie with the purpose of dissuading his followers from seeing it. If you see someone who is dressed as a Catholic bishop yet doesn㦙 act like one, there is a good chance he may be infected with this illness. BUMS often indicates a larger and more serious disease within the clergy known as SCUM (Sacrilegious Clergy Undermining Morality), which would cause the bishops in question to be classified as SCUM BUMS.
While serious and confounding, the good News is that PIST seems to affect only a small minority of the public at large and is in many cases curable in varying degrees. Also, as stated above it seems be be rare outside of liberal and leftist circles.
?Copyright 2004 angelqueen.org. This information may be reproduced at will providing the content remains intact and a link is provided to the original.
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/3/11 上午 09:36:06
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I heard that our Bishop and the Diocesan Curia saw the film on 9th March's pre-view, and the general observation is that it is a Grade 2B film owing to the over-whelming brutality of many excerpts concerning the passion and crucifixion. Children should be accompanied by parents, and geriatrics are advised to stay clear.
The filming and sound track is otherwise terrific, especially the hymns sung in Geek, Aramaic and Hebrew.
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/3/11 上午 09:36:58
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Addendum - the revised date for the launching in cinemas is now 1st April.
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靚仔
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Posted -
2004/3/12 下午 04:56:57
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施施姐,果然消息靈通啊.
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JM
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Posted -
2004/3/14 上午 10:27:10
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"The Passion" Isn't Anti-Semitic, Says Vatican Aide
Rome's Jewish Community Wanted the Film Condemned
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 11, 2004 (Zenit.org).- A Vatican spokesman says the film "The Passion of the Christ" cannot be considered anti-Semitic without also regarding the Gospel the same way.
Joaqu璯 Navarro-Valls made this statement in response to a request from Riccardo Di Segni, chief rabbi of Rome, who, after seeing the film Tuesday, asked that the Vatican condemn it officially.
The film "makes us go back to a period before the Second Vatican Council," the rabbi contended.
In statements published today by the Roman newspaper Il Messaggero, the director of the Vatican press office said: "The film is a cinematographic transcription of the Gospels. If it were anti-Semitic, the Gospels would also be so."
"It must not be forgotten that the film is full of 'positive' Jewish personages: from Jesus to Mary, from the Cyrenian to Veronica, including the moved crowd, etc.," Navarro-Valls stressed.
"If such a story were anti-Semitic, it would pose a problem for the Judeo-Christian dialogue, because it would be like saying that the Gospels are not historical," he said. "One must realize the seriousness of these affirmations."
That there have been no official statements does not mean that the Church condemns the film, Navarro-Valls said.
In fact, he said, the film "has nothing anti-Semitic about it. Otherwise, it would have been criticized" by the Pope and by his aides in the Holy See. The Holy Father saw the movie in December.
Navarro-Valls referred to a Vatican II declaration that pronounces itself against anti-Semitism.
"The declaration 'Nostra Aetate' was issued by the Catholic Church and, if it has not reacted in this case, it means that it has seen no reason to do so," he explained. "Otherwise, the hierarchy would have spoken out -- either the Vatican or the local episcopates."
Navarro-Valls revealed that some time ago, Abraham Foxman of the Anti-Defamation League, came to Rome to make contacts in the Vatican on the issue.
"Archbishop John P. Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, replied: 'I don't see anything in this film that can be considered as anti-Semitic,'" the Vatican spokesman continued.
"The secretary of the Commission for Religious Relations with the Jews, Father Norbert Hofmann, explained to [Foxman] that the Church has pronounced itself against anti-Semitism with the declaration 'Nostra Aetate,'" he concluded.
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Cecil
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Posted -
2004/3/16 上午 09:26:14
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True Story - A must Read for all
Here is a true story by Paul Harvey. You will be surprised who this young man turns out to be. (Do not look at the bottom on this letter until you have read it fully.)
Years ago a hardworking man took his family from New York State to Australia to take advantage of a work opportunity there. Part of this man's family was a handsome young son who had aspirations of joining the circus as a trapeze artist or an actor. This young fellow, biding his time until a circus job or even one as a stagehand came along, worked at the local shipyards which bordered on the worse section of town. Walking home from work one evening this young man was attacked by five thugs who wanted to rob him. Instead of just giving up his money the young fellow resisted. However, they bested him easily and proceeded to beat his body brutally with clubs, leaving him for dead. When the police happened to find him lying in the road they assumed he we dead and called for the Morgue Wagon.
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On the way to the morgue a policeman heard him gasp for air, and they immediately took him to the emergency unit at the hospital. When the was placed on a gurney a nurse remarked to her horror, that this young man no longer had a face. Each eye socket was smashed, his skull, legs, and arms fractured, his nose literally hanging from his face, all his teeth were gone, and his jaw was almost completely torn from his skull. Although his life was spared, he spent over a year in the hospital. When he finally left, his body may have healed but his face was disgusting to look at. He was no longer the handsome youth that everyone admired.
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When the young man started to look for work again he was turned down by everyone just on account of the way he looked. One potential employer suggested to him that he join the freak show at the circus as "The Man Who Had No Face." And he did this for a while. He was still rejected by everyone and no one wanted to be seen in his company. He had thoughts of suicide. This went on for five years
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One day he passed a church and sought some solace there. Entering the church he encountered a priest who had seen him sobbing while kneeling in a pew. The priest took pity on him and took him to the rectory where they talked at length. The priest was impressed with him to such a degree that he said that he would do everything possible for him that could be done to restore his dignity and life, if the young man would promise to be the best Catholic he could be, and trust in God's mercy to free him from his torturous life.
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The young man went to Mass and communion everyday and after thanking God for saving his life, asked God to only give him peace of mind and the grace to be the best man he could ever be in His eyes. The priest, through his personal contacts was able to secure the services of the best plastic surgeon in Australia. There would be no cost to the young man as the doctor was the priest's best friend. The doctor too was so impressed by the young man, whose outlook now on life, even though he had experienced the worst, was filled with good humor and love. The surgery was a miraculous success. All the best dental work was also done for him.
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The young man became everything he promised God he would be.
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He was also blessed with a wonderful, beautiful wife, many children, and success in an industry which would have been the furthest thing from his mind as a career, if not for the goodness of God and the love of the people who cared for him. This he acknowledges publicly.
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The young man. Mel Gibson ! His life was the inspiration for his production of the movie "The Man Without A Face." He is to be admired by all of us as a God fearing man, a political conservative, and an example to all as a true man of courage.
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Mel Gibson has produced the movie "The Passion of the Christ." This is his way of thanking God for his many blessings. And it's also his way of showing us how Christ truly suffered. He's gotten a lot of slack from Hollywood for doing this movie. Please e-mail this to everyone you know. And go see the movie. It will change your life forever !
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LET THE NAME OF OUR GOD BE GLORIFIED THRU HIS BELOVED SON JESUS CHRIST !
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靈風
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Posted -
2004/3/30 下午 07:25:53
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The posting is removed by the author.
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