A September 22 article by The Christian Post titled “Jim Caviezel on ‘Passion of the Christ’ sequel: ‘It’s going to be the biggest film in world history'” reported that a sequel to the 2004 highly popular film The Passion of the Christ is being planned.(1) Many evangelical churches, pastors, and leaders got behind and praised The Passion of the Christ without reservation. However, a few years after the initial release of that film, it became clear that the motive behind The Passion of the Christ was “to promote a Roman Catholic agenda that would introduce viewers to the Roman Catholic ‘Mary’ and the Roman Catholic ‘Jesus.” Roger Oakland of Understand the Times ministry and author of Another Jesus: The Eucharistic Christ and the New Evangelization, explains:
The newly released [2007] “Definitive Edition” of Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ confirms the film was produced with the specific purpose to promote a Roman Catholic agenda that would introduce viewers to the Roman Catholic “Mary” and the Roman Catholic “Jesus.”
Understand the Times has been sounding the alarm since the film was released in 2004, stating that The Passion of the Christ was not the dynamic witnessing tool that many Bible-believing Christians were touting it to be. With the release of this “Definitive Edition,” it can be clearly seen what the true objectives of the filmmakers were and what these “artistic images” were intended to portray—namely the Roman Catholic view that Mary plays a key role in the redemption of mankind and that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is the heart and core of what Rome considers true Christianity.
One of the many special features in this “Definitive Edition” is a “Theological Commentary” with remarks by three Catholic theologians and producer Mel Gibson running concurrent with the film. Among those selected to participate in this discussion were Father William Fulco, professor of antiquity at Loyola University and translator of the script into Latin and Aramaic; Father John Bartunek, theologian, priest and scholar; and Catholic apologist (former Protestant pastor) Gerry Matatics.(2)
In a commentary Roger Oakland wrote titled “Passion Evangelism,” he states:
Some have asked the question: was it Mel Gibson’s intention for the film to focus on the Catholic Eucharist and Mary? In an interview given on EWTN, while explaining the “very moving and emotional and efficacious” aspects of the Catholic Latin Mass, Mr. Gibson stated his goal and intention for making this film:
“The goal of the movie is to shake modern audiences by brashly juxtaposing the ‘sacrifice of the cross with the sacrifice of the altar – which is the same thing.'”
This interview was broadcast around the globe on EWTN – the world’s largest Catholic television broadcasting organization. Of course, all Catholics are required by Rome to believe that Christ is repeatedly sacrificed on Catholic altars at every Mass. Might this movie influence others to embrace this unbiblical belief?
Though the lasting affects of this movie will not be known for some time, it has already had a profound influence on the cast and crew. Jim Cavaziel – the actor who played Jesus, explained how those involved in the film were changed. In the following statement made by Carl Limbacher taken from an article titled “Mel Gibson’s ‘Christ’ Reveals Crucifixion,” written January 25, 2004, we are told that many in the crew converted to Catholicism:
“In his first media interview anywhere about his starring role in Mel Gibson’s much anticipated film “The Passion of the Christ,” James Cavaziel – Gibson’s Jesus – detailed on Friday the ordeal of filming the Crucifixion scenes, noting that the overall experience prompted many in the crew to convert to Catholicism.”
Further, Cavaziel stated that the filming of Christ’s story “really changed people’s lives.” According to the interview, Cavaziel also told Gibson, “I think it’s very important that we have Mass every day – at least I need that to play this guy.”
Then one further statement that focuses in on the heart of the issue. Cavaziel said: “I felt if I was going to play him I needed the sacrament in me. Gibson provided that.”
Of course, the “sacrament” Cavaziel was referring to, is the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This is the heart and core of the Roman Catholic faith. As we have shown in [Another Jesus], the Eucharistic Christ is not the biblical Christ. We also know that having “the sacrament in me” is of no spiritual value. [3]
To read the transcript of the “Theological Commentary” where the true motive of The Passion of the Christ is revealed, click here. Revealing quotes are highlighted in yellow.
If indeed a sequel to The Passion of the Christ is released, we urge you to ask your church pastors and leaders to read Roger Oakland’s book Another Jesus or Ray Yungen’s book Simple Answers: Understanding the Catholic Faith before encouraging their congregations to watch that movie. If you have a pastor who you feel may not understand the unbiblical teachings of Roman Catholicism, we would be happy to send him a free copy of one of those books. Just e-mail us at editors@lighthousetrails.com, and we will send one of the books. Please indicate which one you want sent. We will include a note with the book but not your name.
Related Articles:
Booklet: The Catholic Mary & Her Eucharistic Christ
Booklet: The New Evangelization From Rome Or Finding the True Jesus Christ
Christian Leaders – A New Openness . . . to the Catholic Church
I am sure that I have read that Mel Gibson funded the film himself because Hollywood weren’t interested in it, and that it has made Gibson a Hollywood outcast. This would probably explain his outspoken public statements about the problem of pedophilia in Hollywood.
My late twin sister (a very fervent Catholic) saw this film twice in the theater. She was moved almost to tears. I watched it a couple of times on TV, and won’t do so again. Too much violence and gore.
And then you add in the blatant Catholic stuff, and it makes for a toxic brew. I won’t go to see the sequel, if it ever gets done.
Please continue to let Christians know about everything that’s wrong with this film. Thank you!
I know of a young man that after seeing the passion asked Jesus to be his Savior before he left the theater. Now he is a Senior Pastor.. when I watched I had no discernment about the Catholic twist. I was thinking more of what Christ did for. A sinner such as I. I appreciate the heads up!
Aaron
I never saw Passion of The Christ all the way through.. Couldnt..far too much violence, gore, language, and so much blood ! Heard about the blocks of tickets bought by churches, pastors, youth groups, women/men’s groups..I got odd looks, remarks, when I expressed NO interest in seeing it..when the Catholic symbolism in the movie became known, it confirmed my suspicions about the movie…..I would NEVER see any sequel… Mel Gibson wasalso in BraveHeart. .also a bloody, gory, violence ridden bloodbath of a Scottish historical character. Should it surprise people that he produces bloodbaths ? Or stars in them??
My pastor bought out the entire theatre for one evening so I invited three unsaved friends to see this movie and I was horrified by what I saw on the screen but could not understand at the time why I was feeling so upset by the movie.
As we were leaving the theatre I soon understood why my discerning of spirits was operating so strongly.
Instead of asking, “how do I turn my life over to Jesus?”, my friends asked questions such as, “Why was Mary wiping up the blood off the ground?”
“Who was the child on his shoulder?” and questions that had NO BIBLICAL significance. (which I cannot remember right now)
I was mortified.
When I relayed my displeasure to the pastor, he said, “Hollywood always uses poetic license.”
It was NOT the gospel of our Lord Jesus that was portrayed on that screen and I agree that there was MUCH Catholic content.
My husband and I saw this movie at a theater way back when it premiered. I knew nothing at that time of this issue, but I did notice unBibilical things in the movie.
The main thing that bothered me was the almost-total-absence of the Resurrection. To go through all that pain and misery of seeing Jesus being flogged so mercilessly, and then to be deprived of the Victory He won for all who have received, and will receive, Him as Savior and Lord!!! There are no words. 🙁
Good article. Here goes Hollywood again. There have been several times lately where I have been talking with a Catholic. I have listened repeatedly to how wonderful their rituals are. The conversations became increasingly difficult. Talking to the Lord about this I know He helped me understand that Catholisism is a very dark religion.
My thought and belief is that there should Never be a movie made about the most holy event of our Savior sacrificing His life on Calvary. It is to be expected that the Mel Gibsons and Hollywood would mess it up. Thank you again Lighthouse for your truth about these movies and the false Catholic religion.