Top left pic of Jesus holding a baby: Used with permission. Credit given to Jean Keaton, who graciously captures the Spirit of children who have passed and recreates what is believed to be their reception home. God bless you, Jean. Principal Web site: http://www.keatonprints.com. Related sites: http://auniqueperspective.fateback.com/jesussmiles.htm and http://www.ldsgames.org/wallpaper/images.asp?choice=keaton Top right pic from a hand-fan and of unknown origins.

The Passion is set to open in theatres nationwide Wednesday, 25 February 2004. (Film by Mel Gibson)

The Register has not reviewed this film, but we will provide you with other reviewers -and our best attempt at translating the meaning of "The Passion," based on our best knowledge.

Updated as of Wed 11 Aug 2004: I found other scriptures which verify my initial suspicion that Jesus' big "human" contribution was being an example for us, in addition to having authorized our entry into heaven. They are listed with the John 13:15 finding.
UPDATE: I have now seen the film, and my analysis below stands. It was correct -and the movie was even better than I had anticipated. (I had to get up to use the restroom right before the crucifixion scene, so I did miss a little bit, I do admit. I am so ashamed of myself. He did all this for us, and the least I could have done was chill out and watch the whole film. The next time, I hope to not drink a lot of soft drinks before I watch the movie and take care of my personal business right before entering the theatres. --Editor and Reviewer, Gordon Watts)
UPDATE #2: I was able to go out and see it a 2nd time, (this time in a different theatre, for Variety) --this time sitting through the whole movie; My conclusion stands: I liked The Passion of the Christ both times I saw it. Three (3) reviews below, mine first:

(.1.) The first reviewer is Register editor-in-chief, Gordon Watts:

** This review might just be the most important, so please pay close attention. **

I am told that this film depicts the last hours of The Christ, but just how could His involvement into the affairs of mere humans possibly "save" us?

How can He "pay for sins," or "be a Savior," by "dying on the cross?" ~~ If that was so important, then why didn't He die on the cross as a youth?

ANSWER: Of all the people on earth, only one showed me BY EXAMPLE that life is possible to live without sin or getting discouraged --and He also showed us BY EXAMPLE that we could resurrect, if/when it becomes necessary, and if He hadn't...well, we humans would all still be left wondering "Is it possible?"

I needed an example -to show me life is not hopeless -that we could live without sin. Only You, Jesus, could pull that off.

(I.e., this guy's example to us, one of a kind, was what made Him a savior, not a mere "dying on the cross" thing, which loads of prisoners did back in the day, under Roman rule.) In truth, it was His entire life that was the reason He is Savior, not just "dying on the cross & raising from the dead, or else He would have done all that at, say, birth, or, say, at age twelve! But, rising from the dead is something we needed because we needed someone (The Christ) to show us (by example) that is was possible. We have hope!

1. CREATOR: They made us ("Let US make man in OUR image," plural: Genesis 1:26) --I'm a Biology major, and even I can't make life de novo, such as a dinosaur. I can't even make a dinosaur by "cheating" with technology! (So, how'd it all get here -by itself?) "Plural": The Hebrew words used in Gen. 1:26 are a "3 or more" plural, meaning at least three participants created the worlds, implying at least the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit aka The Holy Ghost.

JESUS created ALL things: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1:3, Holy Bible, KJV; Verse 1 identifies Jesus as God, and this makes sense: Verses 1 and 14 of this chapter to clarify that it was Jesus who created all things, and since he created ALL things, this sounds like Jesus really is God and worthy of worship.)

2. FIXER and REPAIRER: They can certainly repair us (E.g., fixing), for fixing and repair are not more difficult that making (E.g., creating, manufacturing). (I.e., we CAN be repaired in answer to prayer.)

3. EXAMPLE and ROLE MODEL: The claim was made that it's possible to live a Holy life (Leviticus 20:7; 1st Peter 1:15-16). In order to prove this is possible, Jesus, our example and role model, was sent to "test drive" a body, to show us ***by example*** that it is possible. (John 13:15; John 14:12; 1st Peter 2:21) If the human genetic code had defective DNA in it, then Jesus would not have been able to live a sinless, holy life. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that we, humans, do NOT need to be recalled and destroyed like a bad, defective vehicle.

4. OUR LAWYER in HEAVEN'S COURTS: Jesus is the prosecuting attorney of the bad guys (Matthew 25:31-46, where He sends them to Hell for simply not giving His "brethren" a cup of water when they were thirsty), and Jesus is our defense attorney (1st John 2:1, where he is our righteous advocate, that is, attorney, if we sin, --not "when" we sin, but "if" we sin).

5. SAVIOR: You can't be saved by being righteous, but you can be righteous by being saved = We can't gain the "love of parents" by being "good kids," (even though they are pleased) ~~~ WE CAN become "good kids" through the love and support of our parents... including our Heavenly Father... How do you get saved? If He's a good Father, you must conclude that all you need to do is ask.

We always want to talk too much, but God gave us two ears and only one mouth, so listening to God is more important:

1- "God the Father" gave us humans a brain: We should use it to think with reason, logic, and intelligence. Sometimes, we can get an answer from God through this simple means. (God didn't just give us our head as a hat rack, so we should use it.)

2- "God the Son" was an example for us humans. Intellectually, this is educating. Emotionally, this is encouraging. So, Jesus (a human) represents other people (humans), who sometimes are a means for God to speak to us.

3- "God the Holy Spirit, AKA Holy Ghost" represents Himself: He speaks to us through the still small voice of gut feeling and intuition, different and distinct from intellectual reasoning and intelligence.

4- "God's Holy Word" is a way for God to speak to us. Those of the Jewish faith generally hold to what Christians call the Old Testament as authoritative and divinely inspired writings. For Christians, however, this is the Holy Bible, both Old and New Testaments. For Christians of the Catholic faith, this includes Deuterocanonical books, the Apocrypha. The Jehovah's Witnesses have their own translation, and the Koran (sometimes spelled "Quran") is the holy book for Muslims, the followers of Islam. ("Deuterocanonical" means "Second Cannon" or the second set of authorized Holy writings.) Other religions have holy writings as well.

5- "Large Miracles" include, but are not limited to, the following: Dreams, Visions (waking dreams), Visitations by Angels and/or God, Extraordinary Coincidences, Out of Body and Near Death Experiences, Miraculous Healings, etc.

6- "Small miracles" include, but are not limited to, the following: Ordinary Coincidences, Daily Circumstances, Standard means of assistance, like the normal process of healing.

7- "The last method" is when the first six (6) methods above say the same message at the same time. Be careful - not all messages are from the Almighty. therefore, carefully weigh and consider the messages that come to you.

Jesus, who is depicted in this Mel Gibson film, "earned" my respect the old fashioned way: He worked for it. So, that's why when Jesus says that we will do *greater* works than He did (John 14:12), I am encouraged. Other writers, under the inspiration of Jesus Himself, tell us that it is possible to live a life without sin. (Romans 6:1-2 and I John 2:1 -- careful, that's First John, near Revelation and Jude, not the Gospel of John. See also Mark 14:15-18: We are asked to preach the Gospel and told that lots of signs follow those that believe. See also II Timothy 1:7: We should not fear. See also: James 1:17: If it's good, it's automatically from God.

For those religions who believe miracles, dreams, and visions are gone (namely certain Baptists and Jehovah's Witnesses), please see: Joel 2:27-32 and Acts 2:17-21. Can your salvation "die?" See Revelation 3:2, which makes one wonder. I don't know, but I don't want to take any chances.

HERE's a scripture many won't like: Matthew 17:21. Here, the disciples ask Jesus why they were unable to case out a certain demon. In addition to faith, Jesus tells them that this type of fallen spirit/angel *ONLY* is case out through prayer and fasting. (Fasting, when done properly, cleanses the body and saves money otherwise spent on food, but you might want to flush your system of toxic wastes with a laxative first, however, don't proceed without proper medical direction and advice first.) ~~ Many people regularly fast for up to a week, as have I, on occasion, and suffered no ill effects, and were, like myself, able to continue with our daily routine.

Our High Priest, feels our pain, knows our temptation, yet without sin: Hebrews 2:18; Hebrews 4:15.

Please see Joshua (Jesus), the High Priest, or did you not know that "Joshua" (pronounced something like "Yeshua") in Hebrew literally translates to Jesus in the Greek and now in English: Zechariah 3:1-10 must be perhaps the most moving passage of all scripture, even more so than (and with all due respect), John 3:16. ~~~ From Zechariah, chapter 3: "...Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD,...clothed with filthy garments [our sins]"

NEW: (John 13:15 is perhaps the best scripture in all the Bible, even besting John 3:16. John 13:15 verifies my claim that Christ's main role of Savior was that of example: Even as He loved us, so He wants us to love others! John 13:15, in general; John 13:34, in specific.)

This is the update mentioned above: John 13:15 says the Christ is an example for us to follow, but there are verifications in other places, and shall simply be quoted, and let the words speak for themselves:

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, is also an example for us humans in day to day life.
John 13:15 For I [Christ speaking] have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. (KJV here and below, if not otherwise indicated)
1 Peter 2: 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

We, in turn, are supposed to follow suit and be an example for others -a positive one, I might add.
Philippians 3:17 [Paul the Apostle, speaking to the Philippian peoples] Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.
1 Timothy 4:12 [Paul speaking to young Timothy] Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

I hope to God that I am a good example of Jesus to others, because if I am not, then I am not showing gratitude for all that Jesus has done for me in His long and hard, thirty-three and a half (33 1/2) year life here on Earth --and beyond. Jesus help me follow Your example in case someone decides to emulate and follow my example. Help me not lead someone to danger, including myself.

I have not even seen the film, The Passion, and yet I am touched --by the accounts below. May God help us all.

(New: I have now, and my recommendation remains the same: VERY Good Film. --Editor, Watts)

Be blessed.

Gordon Watts

These two (2) images of The Christ on either side: Graciously provided by Sylvie: http://HomeTown.AOL.com/SylvieTBI

(.2.) The second reviewer is KTVT-CBS-TV-11 (Dallas, TX) anchor, Jody Dean:

From: http://www.religiontoday.com/faith/1242963.html

(Used with permission as indicated by the "Email This Page To A Friend" link suggests you can do.)

A News Anchor's Perspective on "The Passion of the Christ"
Jody Dean
Dallas/Ft. Worth anchor, CBS News

There have been tons of e-mails and forwards floating around recently from those who have had the privilege of seeing Mel Gibson's The Passion Of The Christ prior to its actual release. I thought I'd give you my reaction after seeing it last [week.]

The screening was on the first night of "Elevate!” a weekend-long seminar for young people at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano. There were about 2,000 people there, and the movie was shown after several speakers had taken the podium. It started around 9:00 and finished around 11:00...about two hours in length. Frankly, I lost complete track of time - so I can't be sure.

I want you to know that I started in broadcasting when I was 13-years-old. I have been in the business of writing, performing, production and broadcasting for a long time. I have been a part of movies, radio, television, stage and other productions - so I know how things are done. I know about soundtracks and special effects and make-up and screenplays. I think I have seen just about every kind of movie or TV show ever made - from extremely inspirational to extremely gory. I read a lot - and have covered stories and scenes that still make me wince. I also have a vivid imagination, and have the ability to picture things as they must have happened - or to anticipate things as they will be portrayed. I have also seen an enormous amount of footage from Gibson's film, so I thought I knew what was coming.

But there is nothing in my existence - nothing I could have read, seen, heard, thought or known - that could have prepared me for what I saw on screen last night.

This is not a movie that anyone will "like". I don't think it's a movie anyone will "love". It certainly doesn't "entertain". There isn't even the sense that one has just watched a movie. What it is…an experience - on a level of primary emotion that is scarcely comprehensible. Every shred of human preconception or predisposition is utterly stripped away. No one will eat popcorn during this film. Some may not eat for days after they've seen it. Quite honestly, I wanted to vomit. It hits that hard.

I can see why some people are worried about how the film portrays the Jews. They should be worried. No, it's not anti-Semitic. What it is, is entirely shattering. There are no "winners". No one comes off looking "good" - except Jesus. Even His own mother hesitates. As depicted, the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day merely do what any of us would have done - and still do. They protected their perceived "place" - their sense of safety and security, and the satisfaction of their own "rightness". But everyone falters. Caiphus judges. Peter denies. Judas betrays. Simon the Cyrene balks. Mark runs away. Pilate equivocates. The crowd mocks. The soldiers laugh. Longinus still stabs with his pilus. The centurion still carries out his orders. And as Jesus fixes them all with a glance, they still turn away. The Jews, the Romans, Jesus' friends - they all fall. Everyone, except the Principal Figure. Heaven sheds a single, mighty tear - and as blood and water spew from His side, the complacency of all creation is eternally shattered. 

The film grabs you in the first five seconds, and never lets go. The brutality, humiliation, and gore are almost inconceivable - and still probably does not go far enough. The scourging alone seems to never end, and you cringe at the sound and splatter of every blow - no matter how steely your nerves. Even those who have known combat or prison will have trouble, no matter their experience - because this Man was not conscripted. He went willingly, laying down His entirety for all. It is one thing for a soldier to die for his countrymen. It's something else entirely to think of even a common man dying for those who hate and wish to kill him. But this is no common man. This is the King of the Universe. The idea that anyone could or would have gone through such punishment is unthinkable - but this Man was completely innocent, completely holy - and paying the price for others. He screams as He is laid upon the cross, "Father, they don't know. They don't know..."

What Gibson has done is to use all of his considerable skill to portray the most dramatic moment of the most dramatic events since the dawn of time. There is no escape. It's a punch to the gut that puts you on the canvas, and you don't get up. You are simply confronted by the horror of what was done - what had to be done - and why. Throughout the entire film, I found myself apologizing.

What you've heard about how audiences have reacted is true. There was no sound after the film's conclusion. No noise at all. No one got up. No one moved. The only sound one could hear was sobbing. In all my years of public life, I have never heard anything like that.

I told many of you that Gibson had reportedly re-shot the ending to include more "hope" through the Resurrection? That's not true. The Resurrection scene is perhaps the shortest in the entire movie - and yet it packs a punch that can't be quantified. It is perfect. There is no way to negotiate the meaning out of it. It simply asks, "Now, what will you do?"

I'll leave the details to you, in the hope that you will see the film - but one thing above all stands out, and I have to tell you about it. It comes from the end of Jesus' temptations in the wilderness - where the Bible says Satan left him "until a more opportune time." I imagine Satan never quit tempting Christ, but this film captures beyond words the most opportune time. At every step of the way, Satan is there at Jesus' side - imploring Him to quit, reasoning with Him to give up, and seducing Him to surrender. For the first time, one gets a heart-stopping idea of the sense of madness that must have enveloped Jesus - a sense of the evil that was at His very elbow. The physical punishment is relentless - but it's the sense of psychological torture that is most overwhelming. He should have quit. He should have opened His mouth. He should have called 10,000 angels. No one would have blamed Him. What we deserve is obvious. But He couldn't do that. He wouldn't do that. He didn't do that. He doesn't do that. It was not and is not His character. He was obedient, all the way to the cross - and you feel the real meaning of that phrase in a place the human heart usually doesn't dare to go. You understand that we are called to that same level of obedience. With Jesus' humanity so irresistibly on display, you understand that we have no excuse. There is no place to hide. 

The truth is this: Is it just a "movie"? In a way, yes. But it goes far beyond that, in a fashion I've never felt - in any forum. We may think we "know". We know nothing. We've gone 2,000 years - used to the idea of a pleasant story, and a sanitized Christ. We expect the ending, because we've heard it so many times. God forgive us. This film tears that all away. It's is as close as any of us will ever get to knowing, until we fully know. Paul understood. "Be urgent, in and out of season."   

Luke wrote that Jesus reveals Himself in the breaking of the bread. Exactly. The Passion Of The Christ shows that Bread being broken. 

Go see this movie.

Jody Dean is the Dallas/Ft. Worth anchor for CBS News.

Buy the Official "Passion of the Christ" Soundtrack & Book from Integrity Music - FREE Shipping.  Click here for information.

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(.3.) The third reviewer is Keith A. Fournier, a constitutional lawyer:

From: http://www.christianity.com/partner/Article_Display_Page/0,,PTID5339|CHID14|CIID1615818,00.html

(Used with permission as indicated by the "E-mail to a Friend" link suggests you can do.)

Movies Passionate About the Passion By Deacon Keith A. Fournier Founder Viewing "The Passion" is an encounter with Love Incarnate

Catholic Way - Passionate About the Passion

By: Deacon Keith A Fournier
( c ) Third Millennium, LLC

I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson’s film “The Passion” but I had also read all the cautious articles and spin.

I grew up in a Jewish town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I have a life long, deeply held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions.

I arrived at the private viewing for "The Passion", held in Washington D.C. and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words. I moved out of Northern Virginia over three years ago and realized at that moment that I did not miss this kind of approach at all. I live in southeastern Virginia now, among people who are neither geographically nor constitutionally close to "the beltway" mindset or manner. The film was very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened.

From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced. In addition to being a masterpiece of film making and an artistic triumph, "The Passion" evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same.

When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington, D.C. were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth.

One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road out side of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face.

Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelations. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne voluntarily for love.

At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be "anti-Semitic?"

Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) "the Passion" it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus"

I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the Gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way. Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their protestations.

This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the Gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and that its' message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.

We would all be well advised to remember that the Gospel narratives to which "The Passion" is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed a Jewish Rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of the world.

The problem is not the message but those who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, "The Passion". It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case.

I am passionate about "the Passion." You will be as well.

Don't miss it!

Keith A Fournier is a constitutional lawyer and a graduate of the John Paul II Institute of the Lateran University, Franciscan University and the University of Pittsburgh. He holds degrees in Philosophy, theology and law. He has been a champion of religious liberty and appeared as co-counsel in major cases at the United States Supreme Court. He is the author of seven books and, along with his law practice, serves as the president of both the "Your Catholic Voice Foundation" and "Common Good".

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Here is new information on selected major religions:

Because this page focuses solely on a movie review of “The Passion of the Christ,” it necessarily touches only on the Christian religion from a historical perspective of the Jewish witnesses back in the era in question.

However, it does not compare of contrast the various religions, and this is unfair, because in other religions, the followers are people too.

I shall try to briefly mention the high points of some of the main religions, but this review is not meant to be comprehensive, and if I miss mention of your religion, know it is not intentional, but based on time and space restrictions, so here goes:

Ranked alphabetically:

Buddhism is based on a man believed to have lived around 500 BC, and many, if not all, followers hold him to be a sage and wise man, not a deity. This religion is known for the fat Buddha statue, which is a symbol for its founder, a prince named Siddhartha Gautama, who was from northern India. Zen Buddhism focuses the follower to find enlightenment within himself, practiced by seated meditation, however earlier traditions focused more on addressing poverty and humans needs.

Christianity is based on the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, which is savior or liberator, one who sets free. While some Christian religions vary in details, most hold Jesus to be worthy of worship and maintain that a belief in Him is necessary for salvation, but also hold that good works are evidence of salvations, even if not necessary to obtain salvation. Since this religion is discussed in the movie review here, it need not be explored any further here.

Confucianism, like Buddhism, is based on a man who lived around 500 BC, and it is less interested in metaphysical theology and more concerned with human suffering and right moral conduct, with an emphasis on relationships. This religion originates from China and is known for the wise sayings attributed to its founder, many of which begin with “Confucius say…,” such as “Confucius say: ‘Man who stand in rain is all wet’. And Confucius say: ‘Man who cut self while shaving lose face’.” However, in reality, Confucius’ sayings were of a more serious nature: "An oppressive government is fiercer and more to be feared than a tiger," and "A ruler should…love his fellow men.”

Hinduism originates from India and has many religious and metaphysical belief systems, some monotheistic (believe in one God), some polytheistic (many Gods), and some even atheist (don’t believe in a God). Some followers practice yoga and meditation, and most believe in the concept of “karma,” whereby moral behavior on earth allows the next life to be on a higher plane, and one gains salvation by works. Many relate karma with a sense of payback or justice as in “what goes around, comes around,” not unlike a major theme of the old American Twilight Zone TV series. The bad guy always got punished because of indirect consequences of his action. This sense of karma is not totally unlike that in the Hindu religion, and the goal is to escape the cycle of death and rebirth and enter into liberation, “moksha,” or sometimes called nirvana.

Islam was founded by Muhammad, slightly after 600 AD, revered to be the prophet of God, and its followers are called Muslims. Its followers comprise many ethnic backgrounds and are known for their daily prayers and pilgrimages to Mecca. Muslims believe that performance of good deeds is rewarded by salvation, and the “Five Pillars” of faith are belief in Allah with obligatory witnessing that Allah is God and Muhammad His messenger, daily prayer at least 5 times a day, mandatory charity or almsgiving to the poor and needy, fasting during daylight hours during the holy month of Ramadan, and a pilgrimage or journey to Makkah (sometimes spelled “Mecca”) for all those who are able. The self-purification through fasting involves denial of food, water, and even sexual relations, if it does not interfere with health and with exceptions to menstruating or nursing women. There is a wide variety of beliefs in Islam, with some hoping to destroy all nonbelievers and many, if not most, others very peaceful and accepting of other belief systems.

Judaism is the religion of the Jews, but anyone can theoretically become a follower and believer voluntarily. Followers believe what Christians call the Old Testament to be the Holy Scriptures, and, like Christians, believe in “One God,” but many Jews do not accept the ministry of the historical Jesus of the New Testament Bible as anything more than a great teacher. While a few Jews accept Jesus as the Christ and Messiah and a few outright reject Him, contrary to widespread prejudices, most Jews either do not hold a strong opinion or believe that Jesus was at least a very wise religious leader and teacher. Judaism has its roots in a “covenant” or contract that God made with Abram, who was later renamed Abraham and who lived about 2,000 years BC. The followers of the One God, Yahweh, sometimes called Jehovah, nowadays have at least three main variations: Orthodox (strict observance of ritual in keeping the Sabbath and a kosher or clean diet), Conservative (same as Orthodox except flexible in need to evolve and change traditions to meet current contemporary needs), and Reform (do not believe the Talmud, the oral law, to be divine but instead emphasize moral ethics in worship of God). The Jews, unlike most Christians and many other religions, do not place a high emphasis on proselytizing or preaching, seeking coverts to their faith.

Taoism, a major religion of China, is sometimes called “the way,” and holds the humans need not strive to accomplish virtue or attainment, because that would be unnecessary and even counterproductive. The person is taught to merely accept what happens and deal with it in the accepting way of Tao, simplicity that the universe transcends reality and is the source of change, being, and non-being. Breathing exercises and attempts to regulate the energies of the body are methods used to help the Taoist accept the spontaneity of the moment and fit in with the larger universe and the principles of yin and yang, the balance of forces in the universe.

The above pic of Jesus receiving His own home: Used with permission. Credit given to Jean Keaton, who graciously captures the Spirit of children who have passed and recreates what is believed to be their reception home. God bless you, Jean. Principal Web site: http://www.keatonprints.com. Related sites: http://auniqueperspective.fateback.com/jesussmiles.htm and http://www.ldsgames.org/wallpaper/images.asp?choice=keaton

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