SUBMITTED BY Timbo

February 18, 2004 — Moviegoers who have seen "The Passion of the Christ" are not sitting on the fence about the film -- one thing is for sure, it provokes strong reactions.

Although the general public can't see the movie until its release Feb. 25, about 3,000 people attending the National Religious Broadcasters annual convention saw a sneak preview, one of a number of special showings arranged for faith-based organizations to drum up grass-roots support for the controversial film.

Most viewers described The Passion as powerful and thought-provoking.

Many cried.

"It took my breath away," said BethAnn Plummer of Southfield, Mich., who described The Passion as the best movie she has ever seen. "I was humbled and overwhelmed at the same time."

Most conservative Christians said they were profoundly moved. They praised the film's intensity, realism and faithfulness to the Bible, even as many were disturbed by graphic depictions of torture and sadism.

"It was like being at the foot of the cross," said Lois Spragg of Mason, Ohio. "It was very hard for me to watch. After seeing the Crucifixion, you're just spent."

Read the rest at the link below.