Mel Gibson is a filmmaker (one of the best), not an apologist, yet he handled himself wonderfully last night.
I loved his personal approach: rather than getting involved in theological debates, he gave personal testimony about the power of Christ. (Theological debates have their place, but experience is the language of the day). After telling about the emptiness that accompanied his success, including thoughts of suicide, he tells us that he simply cried out for help.
And there it is my friends: the offer of the gospel in a nutshell - a dead life reborn.
That he is flawed is almost a better argument for the gospel than anything else. I couldn't help but notice how snobby and boring the interfaith "scholars", and his other critics looked by comparison. Mel was genuine, not angry; hurt by the controvery, but full of life and engaging.
The interview was a success - people will be talking about this for a while. And even his critics had to admit that neither Mel nor his film were anti-Semitic. Game, set, match.
BTW, I though his anecote about Jack Nicolson was priceless.
This film is a gift: the essential story of the gospel, told by the maker of Braveheart.
Can't wait.
Posted by Tim at February 17, 2004 12:57 PM