I thought Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ was a beautiful (though certainly flawed) movie. It was a bit gruesome in parts -- I, who have no serious problems watching violence in movies, had to turn away in one scene -- but so too was the actual event. A lot of people criticized the movie because the event, to them, is beautiful, and "Christianity is not about love, not violence."
But like much of Christianity, the crucifixion has a dual nature. It is not, as the great theologian Sam Donaldson said on ABC News, merely about love. It's about how that love was expressed: through suffering. Without the suffering, without the sacrifice, the event has no meaning. As the prophet Isaiah wrote, "by his scourging we are healed."
Accordingly, the song that follows (originally recorded by The Choir, then by The Lost Dogs) captures well the crucifixion's dual nature. Have a good Good Friday.
Go on up to the mountain of mercy To the crimson perpetual tide Kneel down on the shore Be thirsty no more Go under and be purified
Follow Christ to the holy mountain Sinner sorry and wrecked by the fall Cleanse your heart and your soul In the fountain that flows For you and for me and for all
At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree On that beautiful scandalous night you and me Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white On that beautiful, scandalous night
On the hillside you will be delivered At the foot of the cross justified And your spirit restored By the river that pours From our blessed Savior's side
At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree On that beautiful scandalous night you and me Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white On that beautiful, scandalous night
You carried the sin of mankind on Your back And the sky went black
Go on up to the mountain of mercy To the crimson perpetual tide Kneel down on the shore Be thirsty no more Go under and be purified
At the wonderful, tragic, mysterious tree On that beautiful scandalous night you and me Were atoned by His blood and forever washed white On that beautiful, scandalous night On that beautiful, scandalous night On that beautiful, scandalous night Miraculous night
