Gibson’s ‘The Passion of the Christ’ opens Feb. 25

It took 12 years and twenty-five million of his own dollars, but Mel Gibson’s personal homage to the suffering of Christ opens in theaters on Wednesday, Feb. 25. “The Passion of the Christ,” which presents an accurate portrayal of the final hours of Jesus, has met with strong controversy and apparent divine intervention during its production. With Gibson taking an active role in pre-release sessions across the country, the film has also generated a groundswell of interest and support within the Christian community.

“Making this film has been the most difficult thing I’ve ever done,” Gibson told Outreach Magazine. “And watching it is not easy to do. It’s difficult, because Christ’s Passion was difficult. But in watching it, I’ve found it’s actually purged me. It somehow heals me to watch it. It’s a strange thing. I’ve never experienced a film like it.”

Gibson set out to make the most authentic film about Christ ever made. He feels that the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection has never been filmed accurately according to the four Gospels, the historical setting of first-century Palestine, and the physical brutality of the crucifixion. “I don’t think it’s ever been told as it should be,” he said.

So many people have said so many things about “The Passion of the Christ “ that we bring you this summary of perspectives, comments, and ideas of what you can do to support the film.

— Articles compiled and edited by Stu Smith