Newspapers / Gardner-Webb University Student Newspaper / March 5, 2004, edition 1 / Page 4
Part of Gardner-Webb University Student Newspaper / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
Page 4 ' Friddy, Ma)hh S', 2004 Gibson’s film grips Gardner-Webb community Jared Smith Pilot Staff Over the past two weeks the controversy created by the film “The Passion of the Christ” has been one of the number one topics of discus sion all over the world. Producer Mel Gibson has received much criticism, yet he has also received praise from a large audience, included in that audience is Alice Cullinan, professor of religious education, among others at Gardner-Webb. Some classes have been in serious discussion about the film, yet for the most part Cullinan has met with students outside of class to discuss the film. “I have spoken with a number of students on an individual basis or in small groups, and they all have been deeply impacted by the film, as was I,” said Cullinan. Cullinan has used references to “The Passion of the Christ” in her Psychology of Religion class. “We talked about the way he (Mel Gibson) used music to set the mood for the movie,” said Cullinan. “It relates to class in a more tan gential way.” One of the biggest discussion topics on the film is how Gibson uses histori cal references to show how some Jewish leaders played a part in the actual crucifix ion. In reference to the topic of anti-Semitism, Cullinan remembers Mel Gibson stat ing in an interview with Diane Sawyer that, “It’s our sins that put him there, not the Jewish leaders.” The film has also received criticism for the brutality that it shows in depicting the final hours of Christ, mostly from people of other religion than Christianity. There has been talk about what the best thing will be that could come from making such an intense film about the biggest figure in society. By hearing the sto ries on the radio about churches and schools rent ing out theaters for “The Passion of the Christ” shows that a lot of people want to get the most realistic visual message of the passion out in the open. “I see the main benefit of the film to be for Christians,” said Cullinan. “I really think the movie will have more impact for believers in helping them to remember how much it cost Christ to die for us.” The initial intention by Gibson was to create a movie that would be backed factually to create a large room for debate by people of different religions. “My intention in bringing it to the screen is to create a lasting work of art and engender serious thought among audi ences of diverse faith back grounds,” said Gibson (www.cbsnew.com, June 16, 2003). The overall impact of “The Passion of the Christ” may have no limits, said Cullinan. “None of the movies out really do a whole lot about the suffering at the cross,” said Cullinan. “I think the visual images of the cross will last, and I think after seeing this movie I will pon der what happened on Good Friday more than just think ing about the resurrection.” As for the marketing companies backing away from being linked to such a controversial film, Gibson had to put up his own money to advertise for the film and all worked out well. Gibson’s film has accumu lated $125.2 million in the first week. The figure is the most ever by a film opening on a Wednesday, even sur passing “Lord of the Rings.” Some say the mes sage of the “The Passion of the Christ” is fairly accurate in reference to the message of the Bible. “I thought it was very powerful, and it was por trayed very well,” said stu dent Heather Young. “For those that see it they will gain more of an appreciation for what Christ did for us, to see what he went through is very powerful.” Because of the impact the film has had on the media, and the attention it is receiving, doors have been somewhat opened now to talk about religion more freely. “I think it’s made it easi er to talk about the crucifix ion; which is really good for people that are not from the bible-belt or Gardner-Webb, places where it’s something that is not talked about as much,” said student Matthew Dimick. The Town of Boiling Springs Town manager answers parking questions Jacob Conley Pilot Staff Boiling Springs town manager Brian Alligood took time to answer stu dents’ questions and con cerns about parking regula tions around Boiling Springs. These concerns centered around the increased number of parking tickets given to students. Alligood said that these regulations aren't new, but instead the town has become more stringent in enforcing the existing laws. "We decided that instead of having a sworn officer for just parking enforcement, a non-swom position would be cheaper and better for everyone," he said. Gardner-Webb student Freddie Sparks holds one of these non-swom poshions. He says a lot of students have complained about not getting a warning before they receive a ticket. "Its not like we're stand ing out there waiting to write someone a ticket as soon as their two hours are up. We try to wait 15 to 30 minutes before writing the ticket. I think that is plenty of warning," said Sparks. Alligood agrees with Sparks. "We're not trying to cause any trouble. We're just trying to enforce the parking laws," he said. If a student does happen to receive a ticket, they have to pay a fine of $ 15. The fine is increased to $25 if a stu dent does not pay within a month's time. Alligood says that there Photo by Scott Holstein GWU freshman Justin Ellis patrols the time limited parking spaces on main street. Ellis marks the time on the tires with chalk so that he can keep track of how long the cars have been there. are many ways people can avoid getting tickets. "There is a parking lot behind town hall that stu dents can park in free of available for them to use." charge with no time limits," Also there is no time said Alligood. "They may limit for the parking spots in have to walk further than to™ , ,,, . dents may utilize the spaces they want to, but the space IS f at that time without fear of receiving a ticket.
Gardner-Webb University Student Newspaper
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 5, 2004, edition 1
4
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75