The Rev David Butterfield, vicar of St Michael's and St John's, Shropshire "It's clear that Mel Gibson intends to shock and stun cinema-goers with brutality and violence. The film's version of the scourging is so brutal and unrelenting that I reckon it would have killed Jesus outright. "However, there was another aspect of the film that struck me. For the last three hours that Jesus hung on the cross a strange darkness...
A CIRCUS skills workshop and an environmental fashion show are just two of the enterprising projects in Herefordshire to benefit from grants made by West Midlands Arts.Five county groups have received a combined total of more than £6, 000 in the latest round of Grass Roots Awards.One of the major beneficiaries is the Ledbury Community Arts Group, which has received £2, 000 to help professional local composer John Frith and director Ian Craigan stage a new drama...
Can ‘teachable moment’ come from tradition By PAULA FREDRIKSEN Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” came into my life last April.Gene Fisher, the ecumenical officer for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, convened a group of scholars to assess Gibson’s script — its historical fidelity, use of New Testament materials, and consonance with Catholic instruction.Why did we on the...
David Crowder has an explanation of what the "Passion Experience" tour is all about. "It's trying to give people an opportunity to be a part of it and see what it's all about," said Crowder, 31, from his Waco, Tex. home.The singer-songwriter and founder of the David Crowder Band was referring to the religious awakening among college students that has gathered tens of thousands to Christian...
When Rabbi Harold Shulweis learned that the DVD of "The Passion of the Christ," which debuted on Aug. 31, would be just a bare-bones, no-frills copy of Mel Gibson's controversial movie, the spiritual leader of Encino's Valley Beth Shalom said, "That's very good. I don't think the Jewish community has to repeat, regurgitate, all the anguish, all the anger." The DVD and video release of...