Friday, November 28, 2003
From: NewsMax.com [mailto:newsmax@newsmax.sparklist.com]
Billy Graham: Moved to Tears Over
Mel Gibson Movie
Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Billy Graham offered to
NewsMax readers.
Billy Graham endorses Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ"
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Hollywood Producer/Director Mel Gibson made a special trip
last month to show his new film, "The Passion of the Christ," to Rev. Billy
Graham and discuss the actor's decade-long spiritual journey that inspired
him to a message of love and forgiveness central to the Gospel Mr. Graham
has preached for more than 60 years.
"I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during
those last hours before Jesus' death," Mr. Graham said. "After watching 'The
Passion of the Christ,' I feel as if I have actually been there. I was moved
to tears. I doubt if there has ever been a more graphic and moving
presentation of Jesus' death and resurrection - which Christians believe are
the most important events in human history.
"The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching that we are all responsible
for Jesus' death, because we have all sinned," Mr. Graham continued. "It is
our sins that caused His death, not any particular group. No one who views
this film's compelling imagery will ever be the same."
Mr. Gibson came to see Mr. Graham twice, before and after he had the
opportunity to screen the film. In both meetings, the evangelist became
convinced of Mr. Gibson's deep sincerity and great desire that this motion
picture be used to bring a new emphasis on those events 2,000 years ago and
their relevance to us today.
Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus, joined in those meetings, and Mr. Graham was
impressed with his deep sincerity and the commitment of him and his wife,
Kerri, to the Gospel.
"The Passion of the Christ" is set to open in theaters on Ash Wednesday,
February 25 - which is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a time when
Christians solemnly reflect on Christ's sacrifice, before celebrating His
resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. Mr. Graham said he believes the
timing will add to the spiritual impact this film may have on mainstream
audiences.
Billy Graham: Moved to Tears Over
Mel Gibson Movie
Editor's Note: The following is a press release from Billy Graham offered to
NewsMax readers.
Billy Graham endorses Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ"
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Hollywood Producer/Director Mel Gibson made a special trip
last month to show his new film, "The Passion of the Christ," to Rev. Billy
Graham and discuss the actor's decade-long spiritual journey that inspired
him to a message of love and forgiveness central to the Gospel Mr. Graham
has preached for more than 60 years.
"I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during
those last hours before Jesus' death," Mr. Graham said. "After watching 'The
Passion of the Christ,' I feel as if I have actually been there. I was moved
to tears. I doubt if there has ever been a more graphic and moving
presentation of Jesus' death and resurrection - which Christians believe are
the most important events in human history.
"The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching that we are all responsible
for Jesus' death, because we have all sinned," Mr. Graham continued. "It is
our sins that caused His death, not any particular group. No one who views
this film's compelling imagery will ever be the same."
Mr. Gibson came to see Mr. Graham twice, before and after he had the
opportunity to screen the film. In both meetings, the evangelist became
convinced of Mr. Gibson's deep sincerity and great desire that this motion
picture be used to bring a new emphasis on those events 2,000 years ago and
their relevance to us today.
Jim Caviezel, who played Jesus, joined in those meetings, and Mr. Graham was
impressed with his deep sincerity and the commitment of him and his wife,
Kerri, to the Gospel.
"The Passion of the Christ" is set to open in theaters on Ash Wednesday,
February 25 - which is the beginning of the Lenten Season, a time when
Christians solemnly reflect on Christ's sacrifice, before celebrating His
resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. Mr. Graham said he believes the
timing will add to the spiritual impact this film may have on mainstream
audiences.
