Redemption from the Passion of Christ

As I watched CNN I noticed that Christians everywhere are in awe about Mel Gibson’s newest cinematography ” The Passion of Christ.” On the particular program in bold print the title reads “Faithful to the Gospels or Demonization of Jews?”
The Jewish communities are disagreeing with the film because they are portrayed as the bad guys. Catholics have little issue with the film because the creator (Mel Gibson) is a devout Roman Catholic. I have even heard some African-Americans being upset because Jesus wasn’t portrayed as a man of color.
It is sad that the world has reduced the merit of this film to the trivial issues of special interest. This is an example of the mainstream media doing what it does so well: framing a story by its polar extremes, selecting persons on the extreme to debate each other and generating heat but very little light.
So much attention has been directed toward unfair allegations about Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” that the real message of the work could be obscured in the process.
Mel Gibson said that his meditations on Christ’s passion led to his own redemption, rescuing him from his personal demons. I am convinced his purpose for the movie is to share the “good news” about this redemptive power with everyone not to be anti-Semitic.
Thus, “The Passion” is not about assessing blame; it is not about casting aspersions on anyone or any group of people. It is not about inflaming negative sentiments; it is not about stoking a revenge mentality. It is about the forgiveness, love and compassion that Jesus displayed during his life and up until his death.
On another note, I believe that we have become confused with the message that this movie depicted because there is a part in most humans that wish to combine religion with logical thought. Religion is not built on logic. It takes all its form in faith, which can not be measured.
This issue is one that has been haunting individuals since the Age of Enlightenment. Can I be a logical person and still believe that there is absolute truth in biblical teachings?
In terms of religion the Bible and other holy doctrines can only be accurately measured by other biblical sources. Not to say that logical people can’t be religious.
Albert Einstein for example, notably one of the greatest minds ever, pondered quite often if he could be a man of science and logic and still believe in a greater power. It was through his studies of Newtonian physics that he found his belief in a higher power. So it is not impossible. However, some continuously want to blend the lines of religion and logic.
Some reviewers of the film stated that the central message of Christ’s teachings — to love — is obliterated through the excessive gore and omission of his earlier teaching. It shows flashbacks to his Sermon on the Mount challenging his followers to love those that hated them. Even during his most intense suffering Jesus asks his Father to forgive those involved in his torture and death. What is that, but love? The fact that he underwent such extremes of pain and yet still willingly laid down his life for all people.
It is a shame that people can’t learn the lesson that is intended to be taught by this film. Love. Compassion. Forgiveness. I believe that this movie causes you to think about what you do and what you believe in. It is thought provoking.
This is not to tell you what to think, but rather what to think about?
What thoughts does it provoke from you?