The Passion of the Christ Film

The Passion of the Christ is a vivid depiction of the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ's life. It is a 2004 film directed by Mel Gibson and starring Jim Caviezel. It depicts the Passion of Jesus, drawing from the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The story begins in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper, and ends with a brief depiction of Christ's Resurrection. Also included in the film are flashbacks from Jesus' childhood, the Sermon on the Mount, the Last Supper, and other scenes from Christ's life and ministry. But the primary focus of the film is the crucifixion of Christ, and the incredible humiliation, agony, and suffering that He endured.

Recently in class we were discussing Soteriology, which is the theology of salvation. The word "salvation" is the translation of the Greek word soteria which is derived from the word soter meaning "savior". Included in our class discussion was substitionary atonement: God coming to earth in the form of man; redemption: the transaction that occurred when Jesus' blood redeemed us; reconciliation: through Jesus' sacrifice mankind's relationship with God changed from one of hostility to one of harmony; and propitiation: the wrath of God was satisfied by Jesus' sacrificial death. Also included was adoption: because of what Christ did on the cross, as Believers, we are adopted into God's family. All of this has to do with our soul being saved (the immaterial aspect of our being).

As I recently reflected back on our class discussion I was reminded of this film, The Passion of Christ. Although the film was controversial and received a great deal of criticism, I personally was extremely moved by it. I believe that it is the most accurate portrayal that I have seen, graphically illustrating the unbelievable betrayal, anguish, and pain and suffering that Christ experienced and endured as a sacrifice for mankind's sins. As someone that has been a Believer for almost half of my life, I often fall into the trap of taking for granted the unfathomable debt that Christ paid on my behalf, and the awesome privileges that I have received as a result. Although I am not entirely certain of the complete biblical accuracy of all of the scenes portrayed in this film, I am certain that as a Believer one cannot watch this film without being undeniably humbled and unspeakably grateful.

Limitless – for those in need of a “Highjack”
A couple of weeks ago we talked about the development of emotions and the role of the cortex and the limbic system within this. As I was processing through my notes later on, I remembered of a movie I saw this summer with my parents. Coincidentally my roommate happened to have rented it and brought it back to my recollection and I made a connection between one of the terms from our lecture and the movie.
The movie is entitled “Limitless” Bradley Copper is the lead of the movie. In the movie, Copper interprets the role of Eddie Morra, a writer whose life seems to be on a downward spiral until he encounters the solution to all his problems:

His solution is called NZT-48, a powerful drug that accelerates the capabilities of your brain, to the point where there are no limits. The effects of this limitless drug vary, just as with any drug. Morra is trying to overcome the boundaries of the brain, pushing his abilities and trying to find out if there truly are limits to our brain, or if we can become “limitless” beings. In class we mentioned the notion of amygdale highjack, where the brain goes on a fight or flight reaction, increasing emotions and perceptions. In other words it is an emotional spike, which on a certain level produces the capability of increased awareness. We also mentioned in class how when one engages emotions you learn faster, which is part of what the NZT drug does.
Man has always, and will always be intrigued with the exploration of the brains limits, as well as our emotions and responses. Maybe this is still a reminiscent effect of our sinful desire to become more like God, or to be a god. But, how far will we get into this exploration, only time will tell; till then we can ponder on the effects of drugs that promise to produce this type of release, a “limitless” highjack: