It seems to me that this panoramic view was for the unrighteous rather than for the righteous.

Hmmm, I believe you are right! Now, that really makes the page number interesting! No, not really, but, the paragraph at the middle of the page does indicate that this display is for the benefit of those who are lost. For it speaks of "the messengers of God despised, the warnings rejected, the waves of mercy beaten back by the stubborn, unrepentant heart---all appear as if written in letters of fire."

Dora

I find the following helpful in responding to questions about the movie. It is the last few chapters from DESIRE OF AGES on-line.

quote:

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THE PASSION OF CHRIST – A Written Account

The Passion of Christ – A Written Account gives a brief picture of the final hours of our blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ leading up to and including Calvary. From the Garden of Gethsemane, to the betrayal by Judas, to Pilate's Judgment Hall, on to Calvary, and The Resurrection, and finally to Jesus' Ascension, you will be moved, like no other book has moved you. You will treasure this most in-depth account of the final hours leading up to and including Calvary. Read it free ONLINE at: http://www.preparingforeternity.com/thepassion/thepassioncontents.htm

Suggest this to your friends. It will help them better understand the film version. In fact, it’s a far more accurate account than shown in the film.

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It is not only more accurate. It is right on the mark and doesn't contradict the Bible.

If you take notice, you will see that not even the angels would view such a scene for they veiled their eyes from it, so why can't we veil our eyes from such an ugly portrayal of what he thought happened there.

Question posed by Daryl:
"Would you go and see the movie itself? Why, or why not?"

When the movie first came out lots of people that I know went to see it and thought that it was really good. I was invited, but could not bring myself to go and see it. My reasons for not seeing it are:
1. I did not think the movie would inspire, change, or challenge me spiritually.
2. My faith should not be dependent on emotionally stimulating stuff to keep it high.
3. The Baptist church that I used to belong to was always presenting Christian stuff that caused emotional highs. People, including myself, were on an emotional roller coaster, feel good stuff. When the ride stops, however, there is a pretty big low, a presumed spiritual desert. I don't ride on that roller coaster anymore (AMEN)
4. I cry when I think of the suffering Jesus went through and during communion services. I don't think that I could sit through it.
Shelley

Just a follow-up about impact of the movie...

At Barna research a scientific survey was done to evaluate the impact of the movie.

What hit me the most, was not even directly related to this movie itself - it was the fact that Americans watch a median of 38 movies per year!!!

quote:

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Among the most startling outcomes drawn from the research is the apparent absence of a direct evangelistic impact by the movie.
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Equally surprising was the lack of impact on people's determination to engage in evangelism. Less than one-half of one percent of the audience said they were motivated to be more active in sharing their faith in Christ with others as a result of having seen the movie.

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It then goes on to say that rather than a one-shot deal changing lives, it needs to be a constant thing reinforced daily. How true for real conversion