I finally got to see Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion of the Christ’ on Friday; I went with my sister and two friends. Ultimately, it would seem we saw different movies.

My sister, who fancies herself a theologian, claims it’s exactly how she envisioned the one-man carnage, in fact, from her ‘extensive knowledge’ of the bible and ancient Israel she actually expected more brutality.

One friend thought it was appropriately done because “it’s all in the bible”, Mel Gibson “did a lot of research” and proclaimed there wasn’t anything anti-Semitic about the movie, adding “they’ll make noise about anything”. The other friend just couldn’t get over the feminine Satan.

And I, I almost wish I hadn’t gone to see it, because it made me question Christianity. How can a religion that advocates peace, love, tolerance, forgiveness and forbearance, be rooted in such blatant ferocious cruelty? I guess when I was told Christ died on the cross for my sins; I always regarded the symbolism and not the brutality and sadism of his death.

The incredibly unbelievable agonizing torture-a-thon aimed at the guy took away from the whole ‘sacrificing his life for my sins’ deal. Instead it highlighted how vindictive, malicious and evil human beings are, and the general fickle-mindedness, bloodthirsty and mob-mentality attitude of crowds. All of which I already knew. I felt drained and angry in the end; I wasn’t sure why they did that to Christ except it was predestined by God, which makes me question the state of the world now, maybe it’s all predestined... peace be damned then?

The gratuitous aggression on Christ was like a guilt trip call to submit to Christianity. I guess a ‘the sermon on the mount’ movie (where he cautioned us to be righteous, meek, pure of heart, peacemakers and merciful) wouldn’t have quite achieved that goal. But then given that Mel Gibson is star of movies like Lethal Weapon and Mad Max, it's more natural that he'd emphasize the violence in Christianity, plus blood sells, long winded speeches about love and peace seldom does.

I don’t think the movie is anti-Semitic, but I do know If someone made a 'fact-based' movie about slave trade in Africa, that showed chiefs selling their (my) own people into slavery, while the common people, (again, my ancestors) cheered and rejoiced as the white man dragged them off in shackles on to waiting ships, I'd be a bit uncomfortable. And I thought that was the kind of tolerance and respect (for others) the Christ preached, but apparently I’m wrong.

On the other hand, the cinematography was great, the score amazing! I think it’s a great movie, it made me feel. Everyone should see it and allow people their opinions, I’m sure Christ would like that.

PLAYING: Sorry 2004 - Reuben Studdard

READING: Brick Lane – Monica Ali

WATCHING: The Parkers

QUOTE: “It's like building a new house, with no roof and no doors”