"The ecstatic reception that's been given to Mel Gibson's sacralized snuff film is disturbing to say the least. Is this just another meaningless media frenzy -- like the Titanic, Blair Witch Trial, Matrix, etc. -- or does this exceptionally sordid movie indicate that we have devolved to a distinctly lower level of society? I get the feeling more and more that rationality itself is in retreat, certainly in the US."
When my son was very young (4-6), we lived in Plattsburgh, New York, a small town with some relatively old and pretty churches. I'm not a church goer myself, but I thought it would be interesting to just go in and see the architecture and the stained glass windows. But not my son.Oh, no. He resolutely refused to enter any church. Being respectful of the wishes of children, I didn't press the issue. I was curious about his reasons, but he was too young to verbalize his feelings. A few years later, he could, and he basically told me that he was scared witless of the crucified Jesus, and even more scared about what might be done to him (my son) if it was OK to do this to god.
This incident comes to mind in thinking about Gibson's gore-fest. Because I do take it that the main message (other than what seems to be actual anti-semitism) is "if God was willing to suffer this, what would you be willing to suffer to prove your righteousness? Would you be willing to sacrifice yourself? Would you be willing to sacrifice your children?" Depending on what percentage of the population this resonates with, it could be very, very scary.
Of course, there is an obvious conflict-of-message in pursuing a massochistic program in a hedonistic, comfort-oriented society driven by consumption. For right now, that seems like the only ray of hope. When the economy crumbles though, watch out.
Joanna