Expert: Rev Philip Dacre - 11/15/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hello, I am doing a paper on the film 'The Passion of the Christ' and need an expert opinion. Do you like or dislike the film? Why or why not? Also, assuming you have seen the film, how accurate is the film to the Bible? Thank you.

P.S. I have a few religious questions, but I will save those for a follow up question if thats ok with you.

ANSWER: Dear Lee,

In some ways I cannot help you as I did not see the film. I did not wish to get emotionally involved in someone's depiction of the man Jesus. I know Him is rised Christ and I wish to continue my relationship with him on this basis not watch films about someone depiction of His earthly gestures.

I hate falseness Lee, abd I hate spoiltness. When people have not got enough to do but muse about dodgey doctrines and emotional concerns of the human side of Jesus of Nazareth then I consider their assessments suspect.

Jesus Himself came back and tried to put His disciples eyes off of His crucifixion and onto what it acheived. He constantly steered them away from the emotional human side and onto the acheivement and who we are now as a result. Humans, on the other hand, do the opposite so i do not wish to get involved in something that Jesus would steer me away from.

God bless

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I understand completely. Although I did see the film and thought is was very moving. But again, I understand what you are saying. I have a few religious questions. I am facing some struggles in my life and have prayed about them to GOD. Do you have any advice? For a long time, I lived far away from GOD, I could blame the entire world but at the end of the day it was my own decision to live the way I did. Since repenting, and forming a relationship with GOD and Jesus I have seen several prayers answered. But I am still facing some struggles I cannot seem to conquer. What does the Bible say about these things? Should I stop praying about these problems, seeing that GOD heard me the first time, or should I keep praying? I have heard that Jesus said "If you believe, all things are possible." Where did he say this in the Bible? Anyway, forgive me if I am asking too much of you. I am marking this as private, seeing that this is a very personal matter. GOD bless you and thanks again.

Answer
Dear Lee,

It is a personal thing in many ways...somethings need not be asked again and again, other things need to be asked. The best way, I think, is to treat Jesus as a livign person. When you speak to living being, first you have to be in the same room with him. This means an arranged time and place as to when and where to meet.

Then its a two way conversation...building up a relationship where you can trust one another.

Be extremely respectful (as the Lord's prayer pointed out)...spend lots of time revering and respecting Jesus, when you know he is there then speak and listen asking for responses...until you are sure that he is there.

Try this as if you were meeting a very important person.

Let me know your responses.

In Him