Dear friends, I hesitate to draw attention to something that may spark the very interest being warned against, but in light of the worldwide phenomena surrounding the new film The Passion of the Christ (directed by Mel Gibson), a word of warning may have a preserving effect. The Passion of the Christ grossed $117.5 million Wednesday through Sunday last week--the second-highest five-day opening ever. It opened (in the US) in more than 4,500 screens in 3,043 theatres, earning an amazing $25,041 per theatre. More than half of all US moviegoers last weekend saw it. Christian Bookstores and websites are promoting this film, and evangelical leaders such as Billy Graham, Max Lucado, James Dobson, Rick Warren and Bill Hybels have recommended it. Problems with the film: 1. Parts of the film come, not from the Bible, but from a book called 'The Dolorous Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ' by Roman Catholic mystic nun Anne Catherine Emmerich (born 1774). Several extra-Biblical scenes (such as Jesus being thrown off a bridge) come straight from this book. This RC influence explains why Jesus is portrayed repeatedly falling under the cross on the way to Calvary (RC 'stations of the cross'). This also explains why Mary keeps appearing throughout the trial and the scourging, something unrecorded by scripture. 2. Satan is portrayed by a 'female' actor. The women who act the parts of Satan, Pilate's wife and Mary Magdalene have made regular appearances in immoral films over the years. The director, Mel Gibson, has appeared in many violent films filled with expletives and gives no evidence of being a born again believer. Rather he is a traditionalist Roman Catholic who prefers Mass to be said in Latin and believes there is no salvation outside the RC Church. 3. The man who plays Jesus, Roman Catholic James Caviezel, has credited the Marian apparitions at Medjugorje as his inspiration for taking the role. He says he believes the film was made by Mary for her Son. Caviezel and Mel Gibson took Mass every day together on the set. Caviezel carried a piece of the 'true cross' with him throughout filming. His swearing had to be cut from the film when the lash missed the board on his back. 4. The R-rated (18 in UK) super violent movie is accompanied in parts by a hard rock music track. 5. The official Passion website states: ''On Golgotha Jesus is nailed to the cross and undergoes his last temptation - the fear that he has been abandoned by his Father. He overcomes his fear, looks at Mary, his Holy Mother, and makes the pronouncement only she can fully understand 'It is accomplished'.'' This shows the lack of understanding in the minds of the producers. Thus the origin, inspiration, script, theology, characters and associations of the film make it unsuitable for watching, never mind using as an 'evangelistic tool'. Dangers of the film: 1. Ecumenism. It is proving a catalyst for cooperation between Roman Catholics and 'evangelicals'. 2. Blasphemy. The acting out of Christ's agony, prayers and sacrifice is plain wrong. 3. Those who watch the film will have false images unforgettably stamped upon their mind. 4. The emphasis on the sufferings at the hands of men obscure the real meaning of the cross which was atonement for sin. A word to the wise is sufficient. I have neither listed the names of the actors nor referenced all the points above as they are well documented in commonly available reviews. Sincerely, Michael Penfold Penfold Book & Bible House Ltd. http://www.penfoldbooks.com