The Adventist Review received scores of letters in response to William G. Johnsson's March 2004 editorial, "The Sufferings of Jesus," a commentary on Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ." Here are just a few of the varied responses we received.--Editors.

s a life-long Seventh-day Adventist, I was disappointed to read the editorial by William G. Johnsson in the March 2004 Adventist Review, North American Division edition. It is inappropriate to comment without authority, yet it is not uncommon for church leaders to do so. Unfortunately this devalues any true wisdom these leaders could otherwise impart. I would welcome an informed commentary on the movie as I have not seen it either. Uninformed opinion is worthless. Not just to the Adventist community, but to the world community. It is embarrassing that we act out of ignorance. It communicates a sense of theological and religious elitism and bigotry, as if we have the corner market on the Messiah.

Let us turn to the Scriptures to decide our response to AThe Passion of the Christ@ film. The disciples were angry that another was preaching, healing, and casting out demons in Jesus= name so they asked Jesus if they should stop him. Jesus answered, ADo not forbid him, for he who is not against us in on our side@ (Luke 9:23, NKJV). In Acts, when Peter and some other apostles were on trial before the Sanhedrin, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee, gave some good advice: "If this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God" (Acts 5:38, 39, NKJV).

Sonya Harper
Grand Terrace, California

I have not seen the movie either. I don't criticize anyone who has, or has not seen it. I don't intend to see it now or later. William G. Johnsson made an earth-shaking statement when he said, "I abhor violence and cannot stand to watch scenes of violence. . . . I do not need to see this movie."

If we could get real for the moment, we must realize this movie was made for profit! If Jesus would have produced this "message of the cross," would He have emphasized suffering, or the other side, love? I feel that Jesus abhors violence more than we do. When, oh when are all of us going to exact the real message from the cross and admit that Jesus was trying to demonstrate love! A love so deep that it will take an eternity to understand and appreciate. Yes, the Bible and Jesus give us messages of passion and violence, but not to describe Jesus. His message is love and when we get that message, we won't worry about the dark side of this old world.

Vern C. Reynolds
Pounding Mill, Virginia

I appreciated William G. Johnsson's editorial about "The Passion of the Christ." I do plan to see the movie; not because I applaud violence--I am a former Vietnam-era veteran. The reality is that this is the reality of what sin has done to the human race. I've seen it with my own eyes as a retired military veteran. The Christ has said there will be wars and rumors of wars. These are all signs. We are not going to change that.

We exist in a visual age and visuals are a very effective tool in the times in which we live. I believe that this film will have a powerful spiritual effect on many of those who see it. It is my prayer that what people see is the violence that sinful humanity is capable of and because of this that hearts will be changed from being bitter to being better.

Tony Mavrakos
Takoma Park, Maryland

Like Elder Johnsson, I have not seen and I do not plan on seeing Mel Gibson's film. I am yet to know of a movie that I was "required" to view. It occurred to me that Seventh-day Adventists have long dismissed the idea of shocking people into the kingdom through scary, fire-from-hell sermons. Yet some of our pastors would promote the film as an evangelistic tool. And what about the teaching against impersonating Christ? Lest we forget, in Matthew 24:5, Jesus warned that "many will come in my name . . . and deceive many." The Gospels still hold the most accurate rendering of the passion of Christ with the appropriate emphasis on the risen Savior. By reading the Gospels--again--we all can afford to bypass "The Passion of the Mel Gibson."

Dave C. Lawrence
La Sierra, California

I am a little disappointed at the way our church is handling Mel Gibson's film. Why are we not out at the theaters passing out biblically correct literature? We talk so big and do nothing.

Here in North Carolina, the Fletcher, Hendersonville, Erwin Hills, Upward, and Mills River churches are working together at movie theaters to pass out books about Christ's passion, along with copies of The Great Controversy. People swarm us like flies to receive their free books. All we do is hold up a sign that says "Free Passion Book" as people leave the theater.

I encourage every Seventh-day Adventist Church where this movie is showing to get out there for the Lord and bring in His sheep. The Lord allowed this movie for a reason . . . so we can evangelize the world. Let's not let Him down.

Debra A. Snipes
Hendersonville, North Carolina

"The Passion of the Christ" has encompassed the Adventist Church with an insatiable curiosity. Thank you to Elder Johnsson for stating as editor of the Review that you have not been, or plan to attend, this violent and biblically incorrect movie.

I have searched for other Adventist leaders reinforcing the belief that as Christians we don't have to go to this movie to show our devotion to God. Sadly, I have found that most of our church leaders and pastors are touting the virtues of this movie, encouraging attendance through various methods. The attitude that "I must attend to be able to work with others" pervades! Do we have to be a part of evil to realize the effects of evil? Ellen White stated, "Frequent will be the apostasies of men who have occupied responsible positions . . . Many will stand in our pulpits with the torch of false prophecy in their hands, kindled from eh hellish torch of Satan" (Last Day Events, p. 179).

Kathy Cunningham
Montgomery, Alabama

Why is William G. Johnsson writing a movie review for a movie he has not seen? In this rare instance, I disagree with Johnsson's objections to what I consider the greatest evangelistic tool in a long time.

First, while I also abhor violence, the Bible itself describes in detail some of the most violent events in history. Reading about the crucifixion is only less violent then watching it on screen if you mentally sanitize the Gospel accounts (something we all do).

Two thousand years later we are at a distinct disadvantage in understanding Christ's suffering. Both the Gospel writers and early readers lived in the Roman culture. Torture by flogging and execution by cross were major public events in Roman territory. Early Christians understood all too well what the cross really meant, while to today's readers the cross is an abstract from a different time. We see nice white crosses on church steeples and shiny silver cross necklaces, both far removed from the horror of Jesus' suffering for our sins. The Passion film brings the story into sharp focus for us.

Secondly, the movie naturally fills in details that are not explicitly described in the Bible. I don't fault Gibson for this--The Desire of Ages and many other books published by the church expand on Bible stories. As long as the added detail is logical and does not conflict with the Bible or other historical facts there is no harm in it. Expectedly, Gibson gives "Mother Mary" greater prominence then Protestants typically do, but not enough to detract from the powerful message of the film. More importantly, the role of the devil is very clearly shown, very much in line with the role described in the writings of Ellen White.

Filmed from the perspective of a bystander, there is no commentary or narration, just the events. Most importantly, the movie does not end at the cross--but with the risen Savior--the true point of the story.

Cameron Rogers
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada

Whatever might be said about this film--whether one has viewed it or not--it does open opportunity for short, enthusiastic conversations.

Before viewing it myself, I asked questions that seemed to open within those questioned their inmost feelings about Jesus Christ and their own practice of belief and faith.

After viewing it even more thoughts were added with which to be able to open more of the same sort of conversations.

I am employed at a small, rural Bible-belt hospital; and all of my conversations were limited to very brief but loaded exchanges. I'm praying that some of these exchanges will bring people together, outside the workplace, into discussion and study.

G. Thomas White
Spavinaw, Oklahoma

I praise God for He is using Mel Gibson's movie to reach people we might never reach. A pastor from Alabama told me yesterday that "a young man who has not been to church for a long time" knocked at his door at 10:30 p.m. The young man's eyes were swollen and as he wept he said, "I have just seen the movie, and I want to return to Jesus."

We might be thankful to Hollywood for stirring up the interests of many people. As Jesus said, if we are not doing our part, "the stones will cry out."

Lillian R. Guild
Newbury Park, California