I have compiled a long list of articles, reviews, etc. on "The Passion of the Christ" from various perspectives. Don't miss:
"Gibson Agonistes: Anatomy of a Neo-Manichean Vision of Jesus," Mahlon H. Smith, Rutgers University, Ash Wednesday, 2004."Does Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' Preach the Gospel?" Michael Hardin & Jeff Krantz, PreachingPeace.org.
Beliefnet - Numerous articles & features.
"The Passion of Mel Gibson," Carter Heyward, A Globe of Witnesses.
"Exploring Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ," The Journal of Religion and Film Special Edition, February 2004
"Scholarly Smackdown: 'The Passion'," John Dominic Crossan and Ben Witherington III." A liberal professor and a conservative professor debate Mel Gibson's movie, the Bible, theology and more."
"Some Critical Comments on Mel Gibson's Movie The Passion of the Christ in Light of Historical Criticism," Dr. Gerd Lüdemann, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Germany.
"Mel's Jesus: A 'Real Man' or Just a Toon?" Paul V.M. Flesher, University of Wyoming. The Bible and Interpretation.
As usual, I wonder what is at stake for each of the reviewers, as well as for Mel Gibson, et. al. (It's easy to "see the agenda" in the ones with which I disagree! The other ones look like "truth" - either moral, historical, or aesthetic!) I wonder about the ways we all express ourselves and think about ourselves through gospel/Christian images/categories/language. This movie and the responses to it, are an interesting place to look at it "out there" before I turn it inward on things nearer and dearer to my own heart!
Jenee
