Obsurd...

[Bobtheduck]

To understand how non-christians often see Christians, I once read a website report on the Jesus film project from the 70's that condemned the film for it's use of violence (such as jesus being whipped and nailed to the cross) and for demon possession (saying that having such a scene was "offensive to God") and for, what I believe was delicately handled, Nudity (the demon posessed man... The man Posessed by "Legion")

I look at things like that, and it makes me so sad... To see how people waste their time and damage their testimony by mocking something that I believe God REQUIERD to be done... To get the message out in a way that people could receive it. They said that the message was no excuse for the violence, nudity, and portrayal of Demon posession...

One thing looking at people like this does is show me what I'll be up against... And for people like that who "Revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of things against you falsely" the Bible says we're supposed to pray for them to be blessed... I'm going to have to pray a lot for people like this, but my logical side (adjusted of course for my beliefs) knows that they're going to be held accountable for that... The most important thing is that I learn from that, I suppose, and repent for my own similar sins...

[EireWolf]

This made me think of Mel Gibson's new film, "The Passion." He made the film true to the Gospels, and he is taking all sorts of flak for "too much violence" and even "anti-Semitism." What??! This is the same story that's been told over and over for the last 2000 years... It's nothing new... except that Gibson is courageous enough to present the true Gospel. He claims to be a follower of Christ now; it's really an awesome thing. There's a great article about him and the film in this month's Reader's Digest. This may ruin his career as a director because of all the flak he's taking, but he does not regret making the film.... and it has wonderful potential to reach millions of people.

[cbwing0]

If the world hates us, then we must be doing something right.

At the same time, it shows you the complete and utter lack of biblical understanding possessed by many critics of Christianity, and how much work we have yet to do to spread the gospel.

When I first heard about the movie, I didn't care that much. I didn't even plan on seeing it. However, now that it looks like it will be faithful to the truth, and very popular, I will definitely see it.

[Omega Amen]

I have posted this news in "The Passion of the Christ" thread in "In the Spotlight" section, but I think repeating here would be relevant.

For those interested ABC's Primetime Feb. 16th at 10:00 Eastern Standard Time (I think that is the correct date and time) will broadcast an interview of Mel Gibson with Diane Sawyer over "The Passion of the Christ" and most likely the "flak" thrown at it that EireWolf has mentioned.

I am not trying to shift the focus of this thread to this particular movie, but I predict this interview will probably serve as a pretty good firsthand example for members here who are trying to understand what Bobtheduck is referring to in his statement

To understand how non-christians often see Christians....

Of course, meaning "understanding Christians in a negative light."

Personally, throughout my life, I have been ostracized and ridiculed for my faith in God. Often times, I received a very insulting attitude and an impression that believing in God was a sign of intellectual inferiority.

Of course, my academic life clearly shows how ridiculous these assumptions were.

[Technomancer]

Sitting as I am, listening to Bach's 'Ave Verum Corpus' it is hard to credit the notion that Christianity is the refuge of the intellectually inferior or for those of philistine tastes. The profound intellectual tradition of Western Civilization ought to invalidate such a notion immediately. And it is a tradition that rightly needs to be carried on in the present day, in all fields of endeavour.

Unfortunately, the contrary perception does exist in many circles, although it is by no means universal. To say that anything done by Christians (or other religious) will be condemned is as wrong as to say that everything done by them is necessarily right. The film "Jesus of Montreal" after all won international acclaim, as have writers like Shusako Endo, Graham Greene, Yann Martel, and many others who have used their craft as an medium for their religious expression.

That people do perceive Christianity in a negative light, ought first and foremost be a reminder of Christ's own words: "Physician heal theyself!". Given the stances of certain segments of the Christian community, it is not hard to be negative when it comes to their intellectual and cultural depth. This is something that ought to be remarked upon and critically examined. For example the book "The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind" does just that (before anyone takes umbrage, the book is written by a self-identified envangelical). Unfortunately, the public nuisance caused by the bad is usually more reported than what's done by the good.

[SwordSkill]

They said that the message was no excuse for the violence, nudity, and portrayal of Demon posession...

ah, the old "does the end justify the means?" dilemma all over again. but wait a sec and think about it...i wouldn't blame them just because they're "non-Christians." paraphrasing what Technomancer said (nice name, btw), just because they're non-Christians doesn't mean everything they do is wrong, and just because we're Christians doesn't mean everything we do is right. we can't go around condemning what non-Christians say just because they aren't "one of us" without examining ourselves first (insert "plank in your eye" parable here).

concrete example of the above: we Christians aren't exactly comfortable around movies that have too much violence, nudity, and portrayal of Demon possession either, but as long as it has something to do or related with Christ, then it's okay to have violence, nudity, and portrayal of Demon possession?

i'm not making a conclusion or even implying one...it's just that this is the sort of situation where no one really wins.

[EireWolf]

concrete example of the above: we Christians aren't exactly comfortable around movies that have too much violence, nudity, and portrayal of Demon possession either, but as long as it has something to do or related with Christ, then it's okay to have violence, nudity, and portrayal of Demon possession?

I think the difference here would be the intent of the content... is it fanservice, or does it serve a purpose?

Just a thought. Sorry if I'm getting off topic.