[my apologies for multiple copies to those who receive this by e-mail]I found a copy of Anne Emmerich's "Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ" online (see sidebar). [by the way: "dol" means "pain"] I am reading it because it is from this work that Mel Gibson derived much of the imagery used in "THE MOVIE." This is the primary extra-biblical work Mel is chided for consulting for various reasons. Most people (Protestants, mainly) don't realize how much of the book influenced the movie and they walk away singing the praises (?) of the movie and try to put down the Catholicsm of it--they have no idea what they are saying. . .
Before I am accused of committing cinema-olotry or am declared a Gibson-ite, or becoming Catholic (many Protestants are more influenced by Catholicsm than they know!), allow me to simply say that I am reading the book because I am interested in sources.
I dwell in the realm of academics, where students are taught (among other things) how to use resources in order to produce a significant contribution in an area of discipline or field of study. In short: research papers and dissertations "converse" with resources.
Every other book you read depends on resources. Every TV show and movie--I don't care what it is--has been carefully researched.
I don't think it is fair to gripe at Mel for using the Dolorous Passion as a resource. I have read far too many articles lately that chastise Mel then turn around and quote others for their defense. Hypocrisy!
Here's my question to you: have you read anything and thought, "gee, I wish I could have thought of that!" Well, consider then what Mel has done.
Another question: Have you ever resisted to the point of shedding your own blood against sin (Hebrews 12:4)?
How much have you set down to really
think about what Jesus experienced for you and me?
Whether this actually happened or not, it is believed that Ann Emmerich asked Jesus to physically experience what He felt. Regardless of the validity of the event--WOULD YOU DARE TO DO IT? What she wrote is supposedly the result of her experience. Even if it never happened physically, the fact remains that someone had to sit down and THINK ABOUT IT!
Have you THOUGHT ABOUT IT?
And Mel used it and we cringed in our seats!
It was not Mel nor Ann we are uncomfortable with! IT IS THE SCANDAL OF THE CROSS!
The Christ of The Passion: What the Movie Couldn't ShowIf that is not enough, go here for free download:
The Passion's Great Omissions - What The Movie Doesn't Tell You * * * * *
Thou lovely Source of true delight,
Whom I unseen adore;
Unveil Thy beauties to my sight,
That I may love Thee more.
Thy glory o’er creation shines;
But in Thy sacred Word,
I read in fairer, brighter lines,
My bleeding, dying Lord.
’Tis here, whene’er my comforts droop,
And sins and sorrows rise,
Thy love with cheerful beams of hope,
My fainting heart supplies.
Jesus, my Lord, my Life, my Light,
O come with blissful ray;
Break radiant through the shades of night,
And chase my fears away.
Then shall my soul with rapture trace
The wonders of Thy love;
But the full glories of Thy face
Are only known above.
Words: Anne Steele, Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, 1760.
