I agree that Christians would see it that way. And I agree that an unbeliever could be moved and impressed by the monks’ sacrifice and devotion. But wouldn’t an unbeliever think that they were either abandoned by their God or that there is no God to save them? I’m not saying they’re not great films. I’m trying to imagine how someone without faith would interpret them.

Oh not at all. It was the very real presence of God that brought the men to make the supreme sacrifice for the people they served. We could arrive at the same conclusion if we looked at the 3 Hebrew children in the firey furnace of Daniel 3:16. They vowed to not bow there knees even if God didn’t save them. Such a commitment is evidence of something deep and abiding inside.

I am not a scholar of the bible or Roman torture techniques but I have heard teachings from pastors who were and of all the movies that depict Christ’s crucifixion, it seems that Mel’s rendition of the brutality Jesus willingly endured to purchase our salvation is realistic except for the loin cloth that he used to keep it socially acceptable. I agree that the movie wouldn’t necessarily make an atheist lean towards Christianity because they would view it simply as overdramatic violence but I think it does paint a powerful picture for those of us who do accept Jesus as our redeemer. Speaking only from my limited experience, I see apathy in some churches regarding His sacrifice. There is a weakening perspective being preached. I liken it to the diluted emotions today’s 30 and younger crowd may feel about the Vietnam war. It is historical fact but it stirs little emotion because they didn’t experience it. A Vietnam vet has a completely different view of that war, because they live with it everyday. We as Christians may be hearing and believing the historical facts of Jesus’s torture but we have a hard time connecting with it emotionally because we didn’t see it. Mel’s movie is definitely over the top if viewed against today’s social filters but we should feel shocked and appalled and grateful for what Jesus did for us. How many of us would willingly be beaten, scourged to the bone, ridiculed, tormented, nailed to a cross completely naked and humiliated and suffocate for their own family, let-alone all of humanity. Sorry if I veered off the main topic of this blog. I see many movies that lead me to think about God, not necessarily because the movie itself is focused on God, but because the movie’s message has love, faith, and overcoming difficult odds. I would have to discount The Exorcist though. Movies that propagate Satanism and demonic activity opens the door for demons to enter and influence the viewer. I don’t know what your thoughts are on spiritual warfare so I will limit my comments on this subject.

Would an atheist see it that way, or would they just see it as the depiction of kindness?

The torture porn ( as you call it) was so over the top it had me questioning whether it was even historically accurate. Overall, it repelled me from sensing God’s presence. And I saw it with Brian Houston and the Anglican Archbishop of Sydney!

Interesting… are the reservations on the Passion be theoglogical / doctrinal or more about film criticism?

Wouldn’t both those films lead an unbeliever to ask about the absence of God rather than sense God’s presence?

Great suggestions. Not so sure about The Passion of the Christ, and I hadn’t considered The Exorcist. But Requiem for a Dream could definitely have that kind of effect. Thanks for your thoughts.