Over the past few weeks you’ve heard a lot about Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ.”

Even before the final script was approved, some groups (who had never actually seen the film) were expressing concern over its portrayal of Jews and there were Christians concerned about the biblical accuracy of the film.

Having seen the film, I believe these fears are unfounded, and you will want to see this movie.

Here are four reasons why:

1) This movie is a magnificent work of art. Gibson has taken great care to make a movie of historical detail and artistry. “Passion” is not your average Bible movie. For Jesus (Jim Caviezel, hometown Mount Vernon) is real … with sweat and calloused hands, and blood and bruises from the beatings. You cannot be emotionally passive while watching this film; it grabs you by the gut from the very first image and does not let you go even after the credits roll.

2) This movie will dominate discussions at work, in restaurants and at church.

3) This movie destroys the stereotypes of a meek and mild Jesus. After seeing this film, you will no longer be able to believe that Jesus was not the Son of God who suffered the penalty for Man’s sin.

4) This movie powerfully tells the story of the defining moment in world history. We’ve dated everything according to these last few hours of Christ’s life with our calendar marked BC and AD, recognizing that the death of Christ forged a permanent line in history.

Even if you choose not to believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, you cannot deny that his life was the most significant one in human history. Why would you want to miss a film that shows you why he is considered so significant?

Reverend Clint Webb

Oak Harbor