Clarkston area churches contributed to the early success of ‘The Passion of the Christ? by renting theaters and giving away tickets to the film, but the box office numbers were not the primary focus.
Oakland Woods Baptist Church joined with several other churches in renting one of the screens at Great Lakes Crossing’s Star Theaters on Wednesday, Feb. 25, with about 480 people in the 500-seat room.
According to Pastor Bob Galey, 34 people came out of the theater with a decision to rededicate their lives to the Christian faith. Five of those made a decision to accept Jesus Christ as savior.
‘It was biblically accurate and wonderfully artistic,? Galey said. ‘It’s not a movie you see; it’s a movie you experience.?
Bridgewood Church rented a Star Theater screen on Friday, Feb. 27, advertising free tickets to those searching for answers. Of the 400 people in attendance at that showing, an estimated one-half to three-fourths fit that description, according to Pastor Curt Demoff.
‘They were people who were investigating the film and their faith,? Demoff said. ‘It wasn’t just a bunch of church people.?
Produced and directed by Mel Gibson, the film purported to offer a realistic depiction of the crucifixion. Demoff said it opened many eyes.
‘We had a tremendous response,? he said. ‘People said, ‘It all makes sense now.??
The film has been accompanied by controversy, but Galey believes at least some of it was contrived. He was offended by an interview of Gibson by ABC’s Diane Sawyer.
‘I think she was trying to make him look a little crazy, [but] I think he handled himself quite well,? he said. ‘Most of the criticism before the movie was from those who hadn’t seen it.?
Even among believers, the level of violence in the film was a concern, but Galey said that was another example of inconsistency among critics.
‘The violence has always been in movies,? he said. ‘You didn’t hear about the violence in ‘Saving Private Ryan.? It was bloody, but it was history.?
Demoff not only recognizes the controversy, he is facing it head on with a six-week series in his Sunday services entitled, ‘The Passion Exposed.? This past Sunday (which had standing room only in the sanctuary), he dealt with whether Christ’s death was his choice.
While Demoff will concentrate primarily on spiritual issues in the series, he is also arranging one-on-one meetings to deal with the historical issues of the crucifixion.
Demoff was among those who attended an advanced screening of the film and was motivated to become one of those promoting it.
‘We didn’t want to be a church that just sat on the sidelines,? he said. ‘It’s life-changing. That’s what people said.?
Monsignor Robert Humitz, pastor of St. Daniel’s Catholic Church had not yet seen the film as of Tuesday, but he plans to see it this week.
Humitz plans to schedule discussions at his church after more people have viewed it.
‘They’re going to see it, so I thought I’d better see it, too.?