Gibson’s ‘Passion’: First the Controversy, Now the Movie

Re “A Narrow Vision and Staggering Violence,” Feb. 24: I want to thank Kenneth Turan for the excellent review of Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” which made me decide not to go see the film. I don’t think it’s a witness account of the events, because when Jesus was arrested, all the apostles ran like cowards. Only the women, Mary and Mary Magdalene and a few others, had the courage to stay close to him during the Passion.

I would buy a ticket only if Gibson pledges to donate to charity all the profits -- probably millions of dollars, with all the free publicity. That would show that he is a real Catholic, and that he practices what Jesus taught us, to love and help others.

Leonor Fontes

North Hollywood

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The violence is indeed “staggering,” but it is regrettable that Turan chose to lament the depictions of violence instead of the meaning of Christ’s suffering and death. Jesus did it for us -- including Jews, Romans and every other speck of humanity -- and did so voluntarily and in obedience to the Father. “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father” (John 10:18).

Paul M. Sewell

Los Angeles

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Turan’s inspired review of Gibson’s film could not have been more timely and appropriate. In an age in which religious fanaticism is causing death and destruction all over the world, one would think that someone as prominent as Gibson would have the sense to make a film that would bring people together rather than divide them.

Religious fundamentalism, whether Islamic or splinter-Catholic, is a scourge that threatens everyone and promises only to bring more suffering. Only a fanatic like Gibson could believe he is doing the right thing, just as the suicide bombers believe they are.

AJ Buttacavoli

Oakland

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Turan reveals his own narrowness, or prejudice, in his final paragraph (“A film intended to inspire and invigorate those who believe they are the exclusive possessors of the truth about God is perhaps not the best way to make the world a more humane, a more livable, a more peaceful place”).

I can’t imagine him criticizing secular Hollywood filmmakers for encouraging their version of the truth, nor can I think of a better inspiration than the life of the Prince of Peace.

David Wilson

Los Angeles