Passion of the Christ in Springfield

While debate continues over weather or not a film about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus is anti semitic, differences of opinion about the movie exhisty between devout Christians. Mike Smith has this report .

The 2 hour 17 minute film graphically depicts the final hours of Christ's life. Josh Barrett, who saw the film at a specially arranged sneak preview February 23 rd , says the film accurately portrays the events leading up to and including the crucifixion

of Jesus as written in the Gospels. Barrett is the College Pastor at the High Street Baptist Church in Springfield . He says

in the lobby of the theater before the screening, there was, among the believers gathered there, a feeling of great anticipation of what they were about see. In the theater, he says there was a strong silence both during and after the movie. Barrett says he will use the film as a "witnessing tool", and will bring others with him when he sees the film again.

But there are may others who have no desire to see the Passion of the Christ even once. Among them, SMSU Professor of

Religious Studies Stan Burgess who says "I wouldn't see a 1st Century crucifixion, why would I want to see one in the 21 st

Century" Burgess says his faith has taught him about the torture Christ went through and he doesn't want to put himself through a "witnessing of the beating of my Jesus". Burgess also questions the way in which the film is marketed. He is concerned about crosses and other religious objects being sold in theaters to the public, but Josh Barrett sees no problem with that and says the sales are pure in spirit.

2 Springfield theaters are showing the film, and during the first week, one of the theaters offered 13 screenings a day.

For KSMU News, I'm Mike Smith