| ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ( F ) GODLY, HOLY GHOST MESSENGERS As has been partially shared in section D, Holy scripture provides a different picture of the activity of Godly inspired messengers who personally received the Word of God via the aid of the Holy Spirit and yet those Biblical messengers did not seek acceptance and validation for their messages from their audiences. Let�s take a look in the scriptures at the example of the apostle Paul. The apostle Paul had these words to say regarding the gospel message which he personally received from God and the obtaining of approval of other people; 15. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16. To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17. Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother. - Galations 1:15-19 Paul writes that he did not confer with flesh and blood. In other words Paul did not actively seek the personal opinions and acceptance of other people in order to verify whether or not his God given message was acceptable to their judgment and personal estimation. This is not to say that people do not have a right to examine, test and make judgement concerning the words which are given to them by a man or woman of God. Let us keep in mind the example of the Christians in Berea who searched the scriptures to verify for their own selves that what Paul preached was true ( Acts 17:10-12 ). Secondly, the apostle Paul himself gives this instruction in another of his Christian letters; 15. I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say. - 1 Corinthians 10:15 Now someone might argue, is this not what Mr. Gibson is really doing ? Isn�t Mr. Gibson basically allowing people to make judgements for themselves as to whether or not his film truly has scriptural, gospel authenticity ? This is partially true. Mr. Gibson allows people to make up their minds and voice their advice and opinions which in and of itself is no sin nor an activity to take issue with. Such activity deserves no justifiable contention. However, the problem is not in the allowing of people to make and voice their opinions or even their advice. The problem is that Mr. Gibson has personally sought the advice of his audience for the purpose of determining the scriptural accuracy of his film and the acceptance of his viewing audiences, namely, Christian leaders and other lay people. People can make and voice any opinion, advice and bias that they wish regarding the Passion film. That is their individual and free right to do so. But if the Holy Spirit had truly been the dictating and authoritative factor for the film production, then Mr. Gibson simply has no just cause to seek advice from his audiences as to the integrity of his film. One has to honestly question, who was really in charge in the making of this film and its� contents ? Who really was the person and authority in charge of establishing and verifying that the films� account of Christs� crucifixion with its� surrounding events literally and truly agrees with and satisfies the scriptural evidences in the accounts of the gospels ? If the Holy Spirit was really the final authority regarding what went into the making of this film then He alone should have been the final and deciding authority as far as making the film literally accurate according to the gospel accounts of the hours prior to and during Christs� crucifixion. It is after all the evidence of the scriptures themselves by which is revealed that their source is God and the person who relayed Gods� Word to mankind had the assistance in the person of the Holy Spirit, ( 2 Peter 1:20-21 / Mark 12:36 / Psalms 110:1 / Nehemiah 9:20; 30-31 / Jeremiah 1:8-9 ). In addition to these issues is an article by The New Republic which reports that a review board consisting of a group of professors comprised of four Catholics and two Jews, ( all of whom are scholars of the New Testament ), were brought together to review the script. Also included in the involvement of film script examination were Eugene Fisher, associate director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops ( USCCB ), Eugene Korn of the Anti-Defamation League ( ADL ) and William Fulco, S.J., who teaches in the department of classics and archaeology at Loyola Marymount University, a Jesuit institution in Los Angeles. With this kind of background information in regard to evaluation and examination of the the film script, one has to justifiably question as to who truly is the final authority and guiding direction concerning what content is going into the production of the film in order to establish its� literal and accurate depiction of the gospel accounts of Christs� crucifixion. According to The New Republic article, it is certainly not the Holy Ghost, ( http://www.moviecitynews.com/notepad/2003/030722b_tue.html ). However, at this time let share that there have been scholars opposed to the integrity of Mr. Gibsons� film ( see these URLs : http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/12/17/pope.gibson / http://www.wilmott.com/messageview.cfm?catid=15&threadid=8895 / http://www.cnn.com/2003/SHOWBIZ/Movies/08/13/gibson.passion/index.html ). The verification and authority concerning whether or not the Passion film truthfully and accurately depicts the final hours and crucifixion of Christ as written in the gospels has not really been the Holy Spirit nor the written content of the gospels themselves. But rather, such verification and authority of gospel accuracy is actually based upon the conclusions and estimations of fault and error prone human beings, even as academic as they are. The apostle Paul never sought personal approval or validation of his audience to whom he writes and speaks regarding the truth of Gods� Holy Word. Paul does say to the reader, � judge what I say �, ( 1 Corinthians 10:15 ). But this is not a statement of a Godly messenger who seeks the personal endorsement and approval of the audience by virtue of the fact that Paul, a Godly messenger, has received his message and teaching directly from God. Therefore, there is no need to have the validation and approval of other people. The intent of Pauls� statement in 1 Corinthians 10:15 is not said in order to seek a way to redefine or reedit the Godly message with which he was entrusted to share with people in order to make that Godly message conform and become more palatable and pleasing to the hearer and reader of those holy words. Rather, Pauls� statement, � judge what I say �, is simply instructing the reader towards their responsibility of proving all things and the obligation of scriptural study in order to obtain Gods� approval ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21 / 2 Timothy 2:15-16 ), for the purpose of verifying in the readers� mind that what Paul says is truly of God. Pauls� statement is for the purpose of spiritual benefit and instruction of responsibility to the reader. Not for Paul to feel better about himself and the message with which he teaches and instructs the Christian. Pauls� statement is not for personal validation and endorsement. So, going back to Galations chapter 1 verses 15-19, Paul does not seek personal justification and approval from his readers or listeners regarding the message which God gives to him. In fact, it wasn�t until an entire three years later, after the things which God revealed to the apostle, that Paul makes contact with any of the apostles and even then his contact is with only two of the apostles who are Peter and James the brother of Jesus. If Mr. Gibsons� claim that the Holy Ghost was working through him and also dictating what went into the film, then according to scriptural example and evidence, there should be no reason whatsoever for Mr. Gibson to go about looking for the personal approval and acceptance of his audience as to whether or not he achieved a correct depiction of the gospel. If all Mr. Gibson wanted was the assurance that he correctly depicted the Gospel message about Christs� crucifixion then all he needed to consult was the holy scriptures themselves and trust in the guidance as supposedly provided by the Holy Ghost. In regard to Jesus, our Saviour and Christian example, none of the scriptures ever write of His seeking the approval and acceptance of the spiritual leaders or any other person of His day regarding the gospel message which He preached and taught the people. In fact, on more than one occasion, Jesus unapologetically offended people with the words He spoke; 53. And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed thence. 54. And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? 55. Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? 56. And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? 57. And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. 58. And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. - Matt. 13:53-58 ( see also Mark 6:1-4 ) again, the scriptures write; 12. Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying? 13. But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14. Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. - Matt. 15:7-14 In addition to these situations, at another point during one of Jesus� teachings, the scriptures write that there were many of His disciples who were so offended by Jesus� words that they walked away from Him and never followed Him again ( John 6:59-60, 66 ). Yet, Jesus never makes any attempt to seek the approval or acceptance of those disciples who walked away from Him. He let them go their way and never changed the divine message and truth which He shared with people. What is alarming about Mr. Gibsons� motivation and action in his attempt to gain the approval of Christian leaders and other people in his viewing audiences regarding his films� message is that not only does such intent and action actually deny any truthfulness and validity of Mr. Gibsons� claims about the Holy Ghost being involved in the making of the film. But also, such a unique statement and claim has the ability to cause undiscerning Christians, and baby Christians not yet fully developed in the Christian faith, to embrace the film without question as being a tool to either deepen ones� Christian faith, or to effectively share the saving gospel of Christ and thus result in conversions to Christ. The reality is however that Mr. Gibsons� claim of Holy Ghost involvement of his film is simply a falsehood. At this point let me state very clearly that I do not believe nor do I have any evidence that Mr. Gibson set out to deliberately lie when he made his Holy Ghost statement. Nevertheless, a falsehood is a falsehood and if Mr. Gibson truly believes he is a Christian, even though he is Roman Catholic, then he should know not to make such unique claims of Holy Ghost involvement as far as the issue of his film is concerned when all of the evidence of his actions and motives including those actions of his film company all contradict his assertion of Holy Ghost involvement of his film. No person confessing Christ should ever invoke the name of Jesus lightly nor frivolously. Nor should any Christian lightly or frivolously ascribe Holy Ghost involvement in their endeavors when no evidence can truly be substantiated via scriptural examination and discernment. To do either are forms of taking the name of God in vain. The reality is that falsehood and deception, even done in ignorance, cannot in any manner deepen a Christian in their faith nor provide the saving power of the gospel to a sinner. In fact, the scriptures themselves reveal the end result of such things which are false and lies; 8. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. - Revelation 21:8 27. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. - Revelation 21:27 13. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 14. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. - Revelation 22:13-15 However, people can repent of lies and making abominations and receive the forgiveness of the faithful and just God, ( 1 John 1:8-10 ) if they choose to do so and thus avoid the awful eternal destiny of the second death. In addition to these things, the scriptures provide another detrimental example of persons taking Christs� name in vain and therefore such action is not the evidence of people who truly are Christian; 13. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? 16. And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. - Acts 19:13-16 Clearly, Mr. Gibsons� claim of Holy Ghost involvement in the film was a falsehood and a lie even if he did this in ignorance. As was earlier shared, the holy scriptures themselves prove who their source is; 16. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: - 2 Timothy 3:16 20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. - 2 Peter 1:20-21 8. But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. - Job 32:8 20. Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst. - Nehemiah 9:20 30. Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. - Nehemiah 9:30 36. For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool. - Mark 12:36 ( see Psalm 110:1 ) Again let me share that if all Mr. Gibson wanted was verification that his films� portrayal of the hours of Christs� crucifixion was consistent with the words of the gospels, then the gospels themselves and the person of the Holy Spirit whom Mr. Gibson claims had an active and direct role in the films� production are the only sources whereby he should have obtained the approval and validation he was seeking. Moreover, scriptural evidence further reveals in the example of the Lord Jesus that relying upon the scriptures to verify ones� claims is the correct method for verifying and approving ones� God given message; 25. Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: 26. Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? 27. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. - Luke 24:25-27 14. And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. 16. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written, 18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. - Luke 4:14-21 Jesus, our Christian example, consistently validated and proved who He was by backing His claims and message of truth with holy scripture, not the opinions, endorsements, estimations and approval of His listening audiences, lay people and religious leaders alike. Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, never concerned Himself with the responses, good and bad, which His audiences had in regard to the messages He shared. He didn�t need too. His messages were of God the Heavenly Father. Christ never once looked to the advice of His audiences in order to obtain verification of the accuracy of His messages. Mr. Gibson sought approval and acceptance from the wrong source, evangelical Christian leaders and the voices of advice of other people in his viewing audiences. These people certainly have the freedom and right to their opinions, remarks and conclusions about the Passion film. But if Mr. Gibson is going to be claiming direct involvement of the Holy Ghost during the making of the Passion film, then he should never have been personally looking for other peoples� approval in order to verify that his endeavor is in fact gospel truth. But there are other issues which also undermine and falsify Mr. Gibsons� claims of Holy Ghost involvement in his film. And unfortunately, also prove false any real conversion to Christianity due to the Passion film. ----------------------------------------------------- |
| A - Holy Ghost working through me B - Scriptural Examination C - Validation of other people - Pt. 1 D - Validation of other people - Pt. 2 / other source material |