March 9, 2004 (David Cloud, Fundamental Baptist Information Service, P.O. Box 610368, Port Huron, MI 48061, 866-295-4143, fbns@wayoflife.org; for instructions about subscribing and unsubscribing or changing addresses, see the information paragraph at the end of the article) -

Following are some more of the interesting and positive responses I have received in regard to my warnings about Mel Gibson’s movie, The Passion of the Christ. For the first set of positive responses see “Positive Responses to My Warnings about Mel Gibson’s Movie” at the Way of Life web site: http://www.wayoflife.org/fbns/melgibson-thepassionofthechrist/
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“I just wanted to thank you for the articles on this movie, it seems that many around here think it is the greatest thing since the Bible itself. In our adult Sunday School class this past week I taught against this movie and its makers and read one of your articles to the people, and when the Scriptures are applied the fog seems to lift for some. Be assured not all in Baptist circles are fooled by Hollywood and Rome. Again I thank you for your clear Biblical teachings on such matters.”

“Just wanted to thank you for your articles on the Passion; I knew from the time I heard about the film that nothing in it would be honoring to Christ, and I appreciate the research you've put together to confirm that. The whole idea of a sinful man portraying our sinless Saviour would have been enough to keep me from the film, but all the extra information certainly helps. I knew the ecumenical crowd would support the movie but I'm surprised that so many bible believers have voiced their support. I was stunned last Sunday when my pastor approved of the movie from the pulpit, said he thinks Mel Gibson is born again, and announced that the church might show the movie when it comes out on DVD (since he doesn't approve of the movie theater itself). I still have to figure out how to handle that one.”

“Thank you for telling the truth. I hope many will read and learn. I am sure the Scripture you use will be a help to many. A real believer can argue viewpoints with men but a real believer cannot argue with the Word of God.”

“Thank you for your continued discernment on Mel Gibson’s spiritually pornographic film. ‘The Passion’ is to the Gospel of Jesus Christ what pornography is to marriage – a sadistic, voyeuristic, counterfeit. And it is idolatrous, too.”

“I don't often write letters and emails but I needed to send you one. I recently viewed the movie ‘the Passion of the Christ’ from Mel Gibson. At first I thought it was harmless as many do. I also went to see it as an ‘objective’ viewer. I have many friends who are Roman Catholic and this movie has caused such a stir with them. My one thought coming away from this movie was that it is going to cause the line to be blurred for many. I was very disturbed by the movie in many ways that I didn't realize right away. The images ( and I use that word because that is exactly what this movie is) are burned deeply into your mind. I am an artist and this movie took a very artistic approach. The music was placed and used to evoke emotions that you couldn't help but weep at the appropriate moments. It plays on your emotions and your mind, which I thought I could handle. I was wrong. The Word of God clearly teaches us over and over to guard our minds and hearts from any evil thing and in this case I see I disobeyed. By viewing this movie, I have suffered from the image of the actor portraying Christ jumping into my prayers and sometimes I see him on the cross whereas before I never had any image of who Jesus was, he was seen by faith in my heart without form that I know one day will become sight. Now I have to fight off the residual effects of this movie. I know many will ignore this warning and any warning to view this movie. I tell you now, this movie does portray Mary unbiblically. There is one scene where she kneels down and lays her face on the stone, the camera pans down and right below her is ‘Jesus’ looking up into the stone ceiling as he hangs from shackles, like they have a spiritual connection of some sort. While I'm sure the Lord may have known her whereabouts, Mary would have had no way of knowing where ‘Jesus’ was. ... The movie portrays Jesus as somewhat bewildered at times too, especially as he is being beaten and hung on the cross. ... I do not think this is a good movie. At first I did, but the more I see the effects it has had on my mind, the more I realize that the devil is behind this movie and not the Lord. ... I do hope that people realize that this is what Mel Gibson's movie is, a magicians trick. It looks like Jesus, ‘acts’ like Jesus, and sometimes he even says the same words as Jesus, but it isn't Jesus. Stay away from this movie and save yourself some sleepless nights.”

“Thank you for your warning against seeing ‘The Passion of Christ.’ I desired to see it but now I fear that every time I thought on Jesus being crucified for me that I might see the man who ‘played’ Jesus in the film. Thank you again!”

“Thank you for speaking out on Mel Gibson's ungodly movie! It is horrifying to watch as people who name the name of Jesus Christ embrace this movie and this man. I cannot help but think of the book ‘Foxe's Book of Martyrs.’ The teachings/doctrines that others have died for are now considered, even in supposed Fundamental circles, as being inconsequential. The one teaching that many were burned at the stake for was for their unwillingness to embrace the teaching of the Eucharist. Meanwhile organized Christianity in our arrogance is following a man/movie that promotes the very thing others have died for not embracing.”

“I don't need Mel Gibson; I have Matthew 24-28. I read five chapters a day for my devotions. About a year ago, the Lord led me to ‘park’ in the last five chapters of Matthew every day for 30 days. On many of those thirty days, I wept through the entire reading, marveling at what my savior did for me, and realizing the meaning of the cross. ... I know how little people who wear the sign of the cross understand about what it means. Jesus said, ‘Search the scriptures . . . for they are they that testify of me.’ I don't need Mel Gibson. I have the Word of God.”

“Thanks for convicting me before I saw the movie. You are 100% right and I don't want to picture Christ from the movie in my mind when I think of Him. The idolatry never occurred to me unfortunately.”

“I want to thank you for all your articles exposing this movie. Some comments you have made in them has caused me to think and examine myself -- specifically the comments of pictures of Jesus Christ being idolatrous. Thank you and may the Lord richly bless you in your service to Him!”

“Amen! I think the movie is an abomination, but there are multitudes talking about Jesus Christ. Let's not just hand them over to the RCC; [let’s evangelize them]!”

“I really appreciate your stuff on the 'Passion'. It's given me a lot of ammo for people who keep asking me about it. I preached last Sunday and made some comments against the movie, and some people wanted proof of my claims. You've given more than enough that no one is still challenging the things I said about it.”

“Thanks again for all these things, and especially this one. No one could read this [reply to a Roman Catholic about the Mel Gibson movie] and feel that you were unloving and unkind. God bless you.”

“The reply given to this e-mail by you [reply to a Roman Catholic about the Gibson movie] was totally anointed by our Lord. I was raised catholic, I thought all I was taught was ‘truth’ I believed in Jesus as my Savior, but also believed all the man-made laws, doctrines and traditions that was taught to me. The reason why Roman Catholics are so narrow minded is we were brain washed, so to speak; that may sound harsh but when I did learn the ‘truth’ I was overwhelmed at the false sense of security I walked around with as a Roman Catholic. I came to realize that I thought being in a ‘religion’ was going to save me. I never even questioned what I was listening to and believing. It is only when we start to hear that still small voice that we all have and are born with that we begin our search. That was my personal experience, it was when I cried out to God in a dark time in my life and said ‘there has got to be more.’”

“Thank you for your information concerning ‘The Passion.’ I, like some others that may not be as honest, have been rather curious about this movie. While being skeptical, out of curiosity, I have wanted to see this film. But the sweet Spirit of God bruises my heart when I think about doing it, for I know that it will spoil the Holy image of God. I don't want to think of a Hollywood actor when I think of my Lord. I am just now getting out of my mind the hippie looking man that played Jesus in the 70's movie I watched as a child. Not only that, but the movie, even if it were 100% Scriptural, only portrays the physical sufferings of Jesus. And I know as a child of God, that is only half of what He endured. A movie could never convey the spiritual agony, the burden of sin that He carried for me and everyone else. Yesterday my husband was at work, and a lady with whom he works was ranting and raving about how wonderful this movie is. She asked him if he had seen it, and he said, ‘No, I read the Book.’ She looked so startled, and eagerly replied, ‘Was it good?!?!’ When he told her that he was referring to the Bible, she looked bored and disappointingly said, ‘Oh.’ Seems to me it's just the world getting a little more ‘churchy.’ Thanks again. The article about the actors will help me when I am questioned by my liberal (though I believe saved) family members.”

“Thank you for consolidating such a wealth of information.”

“You were very gracious in return (to that lady) [the lady whose defense of Mel Gibson’s movie I answered in the article “More about Mel Gibson’s Movie”] and I always learn from your attitude as well as what you say. Keep up the good work!”

“I too wish to thank you for your reviews and your stand. The information you have provided is greatly appreciated. But the purpose of this email is the especially thank you for sending these positive responses to your warnings. I know better, but sometimes I get to feeling like Elijah and think I must be in this alone. Then your email comes and then all the positive responses and I just lift my voice and heart to God and say thank you, O God, for sending this encouragement. So again, I want to thank you for the work you do.”

“From reading this piece it seems that mind control is being employed by Mel Gibson et al. The images that this movie portrays are images that are etched if not on the conscious mind then the sub-conscious. It is well to remember that the mystery religions of Babylon are steeped in mind control. This is just another example of the power that images have on our minds.”

“Thank you so much for the great work you are doing. I loved your comments about that movie and know that many are being drawn closer to Rome because of it. Keep up the good work and may God continue to bless you.”

“Bro. Cloud, I find all your articles amazing. I know how the positive viewers feel after you wrote on the passion! It was powerful!”

“Thanks for your help in my discernment of the facts surrounding the movie ‘The Passion.’ Below are my answers that I sent to a local radio host that can’t get enough of the movie. I see a strong delusion associated with the movie that we must guard against and help others to understand if possible.”

“What a waste of time. Since we never know when our Lord will call us home, where do you want to spend your last two hours? I would like to suggest that the two hours would be better spent reading our Bibles or doing the Lord's work. If all the collective money and hours spent watching the movie had been spent doing the Lord's work, we would all be better off. God doesn't need Hollywood. Hollywood needs Christ. Thank you for the chance to say a few words.”

“We have wept rivers of tears over this movie...our Southern Baptist Church has disowned us... true! Watch the RCC grow.”

“Concerning Gibson's movie: A friend told me he was not going to see it. Here's what he told me:
‘If someone made a movie about your loved one; what are they going to say or show that you don’t already know and know better than a movie can ever convey?’ That blessed me so much I wanted to share that with you. My wife and I love you and pray for your ministry, brother.”

“Add me to your list of those thanking you for speaking the truth of the movie. I don't plan to see the Passion. I am of a similar background as far as you’re age and year of salvation except I was brought up in a Catholic family. After I was saved it took a number of years to escape the stronghold of the Catholic faith, i.e., the external part was still appealing to me. I know very much the stronghold that it has on my parents. In our office one evangelical Christian, after seeing the movie, remarked, ‘If they believe this (meaning the Catholics) about all that Christ suffered for us then I am mistaken about the Catholics.’ The movie is going to make the distinctions being real Christians and Catholics less clear. Although there was no sorrow like the Lord's when he was on the cross (Lam. 1:12) it was His sin bearing for us that was the most ‘painful.’ As one pastor said we can use this to bring out the truth.”

“Your emails thus far have been quite informative in regards to Mel Gibson's The Passion of Christ. ... Personally, despite having seen it myself, I have begun telling coworkers not to see this movie. No sense in potentially undoing all the work in witnessing I've spent so much time doing lately. If there is even a slight chance that a seed of apostasy can be planted in a person’s mind after watching this movie it is not a good thing. May we all be more wary in the future to such subtle attacks by the prince of the power of the air.”

“Even though I have not seen this movie, I knew when I heard how popular it is that there had to be something wrong with it. We are missionaries living in a Catholic community. I tried to warn family and friends, but these days people are pretty much sticking their fingers in their ears and rejecting God's word and the advice of older Christians.”

“Good one, Brother Cloud. Keep on nailing this apostasy. God help these carnal Christians and puny preachers who can't see through this mess!”

“Thank you so much for your warning ministry regarding this horrible movie.”

“I have been reading on your web site for over a year now. I have learned a lot and have agreed on every thing that I have read. When I first read your comments on the Mel Gibson’s movie. It was the first time I really disagreed with you. I could see nothing wrong with showing the suffering of Christ in a positive manner. The shows of Jesus that I had seen before were so watered down with a mere scratch or two on his body. After seeing the movie I walked out of the theater and I thought I should have took your advice. It seems that in almost every scene Mary was constantly in the background, and when Jesus was crucified and breathed his last, Mary went up and kissed his feet and had blood on her lips. I don't remember that in the Bible. ... Anyway I think you did a good job of your review on the subject of the movie and I thank you for your emails and comments on different subjects that I look forward to reading.”

“You are and have been setting a profound and excellent example of the way each ‘Christian’ should be viewing anything that comes out of Rome or from it's workings. By several of the emails which I have received, it would appear the Satan has made a vast attempt to soothe the itchy ears of the masses by a ‘religion’ that draws it's resources from many dark sources. God will not and does not tolerate ignorance. It is important that each of us know exactly what we are getting involved in when we set out to do something. It is one thing to rely on a gas station roadmap for directions and distance finding, it is another thing to get the directions from the attendant. Just because he works on cars at a gas station, does not qualify him to give directions. For all we know, he may by new to town. The point being, just because someone writes a book, produces a movie, writes a song does not qualify them as a Christian. Our Christian labor should have one source of guidance, the Word of God, as well as ample prayer and wisdom from God Himself. ... The Bible tells us that we have one source and one source alone to which we are to judge all things and to rebuke all things accordingly. John 7:24 -- "Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." But further, the Bible also gives us a solid warning about adding to the Holy Scriptures. Rev. 22:18 -- "For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.”

“Dear Brother Cloud, I had thought that this movie, The Passion by Gibson, was the worse thing that could have happen to true Christianity. I believe I was wrong. Now that Hollywood sees that there are millions to be made in Christian movies they will be pouring out film after film of blasphemous movies to get in on the market. This shift in producing liberal evangelical movies will be taken hook line and sinker by the populous. The deception begun a while back and I can see this accelerating to the degree that it will continue to the end. Please pray for the unsaved for they will be swallowed up by shallow tare Christianity. We have high profile people like Dobson, Graham, Warren, the bishops of many denominational churches to thank for condoning The Passion as scriptural. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. P. S. After voicing my opinion ... some of my Sunday School classmates verbally attacked me for my opinion. The worse comment came from a Mason. Pray also for people like me that have a difficult time with friends.”

“Thank you for posting all those positive responses to your warnings about Mel Gibson's ‘Passion’ movie (and the eyewitness reports) on your website. It was such an encouragement to see that there are a lot of people who have their eyes wide open and are thinking Scripturally rather than jumping on the bandwagon. I had posted a comment about the film on my own website and heard that it didn't go down well with people at a Baptist church we used to attend years ago age. My husband and I had become quite discouraged by the number of Christians we'd spoken with who think that Mr. Gibson is ‘a born again believer’! Most of them knew little or nothing about RC teaching (I was brought up in RC schools, in the 60s and 70s). What I fear will happen is that many Protestants who might have been wary of the RC church and false unity (ecumenism) until now will suddenly embrace it, or embrace ecumenism, without reservation because of seeing this film. In Jesus Christ our wonderful Lord and Saviour.”

“Thank you very much for exposing this Mel Gibson movie. I have greatly relied on your articles. I have also used them to enlighten friends and coworkers.”

“I cannot thank you enough. You are giving me much to speak the truth about in love. If people hear the WORD of God and do not understand it, that wicked one comes and takes the seed that was sown in their heart. People must understand the Gospel that saves, and that is not the physical beating of Jesus. ... What men did to Him would never save anyone, it would only condemn us. It is what The Father did to Him, and what He (Jesus), as being equal with The Father, and having the same mind, willingly agreed to. It is what happened on the cross from noon to three that we cannot even begin to understand, but that is what saves us. Jesus suffered the wrath of God for mankind (to save us from hell) and then died which is the penalty for sin. Thank you again.”

“Dear Brother Cloud, Thank you for all of the effort and research that have gone into the articles on the movie ‘Passion.’ I know that I have turned away at least one person from seeing this movie by forwarding your articles to her. One other person heaped scorn upon me for sending her your articles. I can't believe what has happened to the fundamentalist Baptist Churches regarding endorsing this movie. Even Highland Park Baptist Church here in Chattanooga, Tenn. has bought out a movie theater so that people could see this movie. Incredible!”

“I must applaud you on your clear stand on this movie. In all honesty, I am ‘naturally’ wary of anything from Hollywood but your reports have consolidated my apprehension.”

“God bless you for your stand against ‘The Passion for Another Christ’ and the other controversial but Biblical stands you take in this hour of Fundamental Baptist apostasy.”

“I would like to add to the defense of those against the horrible movie, The Passion of Christ. My husband and I went to see this film -- only because I wanted to see for myself what this movie was all about. We have since BEGGED God to forgive us of this. I honestly believe God allowed me to go view this movie; however, so that I may be able to help others understand the wickedness of it. ... From the beginning of the movie, the Word of God was twisted and misinterpreted -- as anything that is ANTI-Christ. In the movie, Jesus was shown as weak -- several bystanders had to encourage Jesus to continue on to the crucifixion sight. My Jesus was 100% God and would not have needed any human encouraging. Mary, on the other hand, was shown strong and able to withstand the punishment put upon Her Son, Jesus and able to withstand her own mental anguish. All throughout the movie, those who looked into Mary's eyes, immediately dropped their head in admonition and honor of her. The disciples each called her ‘Mother.’ At one point, Peter, after he had denied Jesus 3 times, looked at Mary and dropping his head exclaimed, ‘No, Mother, I am not worthy!’ As if Mary was his Savior and he was not worthy to even look at her. The movie had no conviction about it. ... Also, my husband and I found the movie to be satanic. Demons were depicted all throughout the movie. At one point, a hideous, black-faced demon screamed at Judas. Children were portrayed as demons chasing Judas out into the desert where he eventually hangs himself. When Jesus knelt down to write in the sand, the writing was done backward. ... The movie was dark with little to no color about it all -- adding to the gruesome, satanic effect. ... The Bible tells us in John 20:29, ‘Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou has believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.’ We don't need to see this brutality and satanic portrayal of Jesus. We just need to believe what the Bible tells us to be TRUTH!!”

“I haven't been a contributor in the past but your review of The Passion was so good I was compelled to support your ministry. Sorry for the dead weight these last few months. Keep up the good work and God Bless.”

“I don't usually write emails like this. But I wanted to thank you for your overall ministry, and in particular your stand recently against Mel Gibson's ‘devotional’ film ‘the Passion of the Christ.’ I am one fundamental Baptist that DID NOT, and WILL NOT be seeing this movie. I am so horrified by the lack of spiritual discernment among many fundamental Christians and preachers, and their quickness to give God's money and their allegiance to this movie; thinking little or NOTHING of their allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ and His Word. ... Today, after dealing with many of the students [in our church’s Christian academy] on an individual level, we had to address all the grades from 5th - 12th grades as to the WHY our church and school take a stand AGAINST this movie. Many parents and even an area fundamental Baptist church have endorsed the movie.”

“Brother Cloud, I am writing because I, too, a Fundamental, Bible-believing Baptist, went to see this movie. I shuddered at all the gross extra-biblical items, the glorification of Mary, and way our Lord and Savior was portrayed. Some in my family, my brother, dad and mom and others encouraged me to go and now I wish I hadn't. I see the whole movie as nothing but from start to finish as a catholic ‘lovefest’! It is a tool of the devil that will do nothing but promote confusion and chaos. It is an ecumenical tool for sure. Many in my family still believe that this was the greatest ‘Biblical’ movie ever made! I have tried to reason with them but to no avail. Pray that God's Spirit will open their eyes! God bless you.”

“Hi Brother Cloud. My wife came home today and a lady at her office (a very long time Baptist) made a startling comment about the movie. ‘The Bible just kind of glosses over what He suffered, but the movie goes into so much more detail.’ Talk about not seeing the forest for the trees.” [Note from Brother Cloud: This poor lady has things exactly backwards, judging the Bible by the movie, but that is the power of the movie media today.]