The controversial Mel Gibson biblical epic "The Passion of the Christ" has opened to sellouts, tears and pleas for tolerance.
Movie theaters across the country are reporting long lines and sold-out showings of the film which graphically depicts Jesus Christ's final 12 hours of life.
In Plano, Texas, Arch Bonnema -- a financial planner who had previously seen the movie in a special screening --spent $42,000 of his own money to book all 20 screens at a local theater complex to share the movie with 6,000 people.
Bonnema said that the movie makes him feel like he should do something better with his life.
One New Hampshire theater manager says it's the first movie to sell out at his theater in 11 years.
Many viewers say the movie affirmed their faith and brought tears to their eyes.
A group of religious leaders in New Mexico is urging people not to glean anti-Semitic feelings from the film.
People who have seen "The Passion of the Christ" in McLean, Va., say the film is an overwhelming, if less than enjoyable, experience.
The Rev. Ken Baugh is a pastor at McLean Bible Church, which pre-purchased 11,000 tickets at theaters around Washington, DC.
While Baugh praises "The Passion of the Christ" as a film, he admitted that "you don't want to sit through it" because of the graphic violence of Jesus' scourging and crucifixion.
The church's Denny Harris says it's conceivable that some might experience "The Passion of the Christ" as little more than a "gory, bloody" movie.
He and Baugh say the film's brutality only makes sense if viewers recognize that Jesus went to the cross willingly to die for their sins.
Meanwhile, in Burlington, Va., the Rev. John Yonkovig, of St. Peter's Church is also recommending the movie to his parishioners.
"It's part of the story and we need to hear the full story. It was a painful and agonizing death," Yonkovig said. "I am extremely grateful to Mel Gibson for putting out something like this and getting us to talk about the death of Christ."
However, the Rev. Robert Fry, of Bible Baptist Church, won't be seeing the movie. He said that focusing just on the death of Christ is not the main message of Christianity.
"That will leave us with a defeated, humiliated, beaten, mangled individual, and the message of Christianity is one of hope and victory. We see that in the resurrection of Jesus," Fry said.
Fry said Christians can get the whole story by reading Scripture.
"I'm not one for seeing someone suffer," Fry said. "The Bible doesn't go into explicit detail of the suffering of Christ."
Jewish, Christian Leaders React
Reactions remained varied concerning the release of the "The Passion of the Christ." Two prominent clergymen -- a rabbi and an evangelical Christian -- made a joint appearance Tuesday to share their concern that Mel Gibson's film about Jesus could be used to stir anti-Semitism.
Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center and Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, disagree about the film itself.
Hier told reporters in Los Angeles the film, with no scriptural basis, puts thousands of Jews at Jesus' trial -- every one portrayed as bloodthirsty, dirty and unthinking.
Hier said Pontius Pilate could have saved Jesus' life, but decided to execute him in the traditional Roman way -- crucifixion.
Haggard doesn't see the film itself as anti-Semitic.
But, like Hier, he's concerned that viewers unfamiliar with Jesus' life may overlook the reason for his sacrifice and use the film to justify anti-Semitism.
The release coincides with Ash Wednesday and thousands of people will be watching early screenings.
Commenting on the graphic portrayal of Jesus' torture and death, The Rev. Jack Graham, president of the Southern Baptist Convention, said it's "rated 'R' for reality."
Jewish Senator Praises Film
In Minneapolis, Sen. Norm Coleman says "The Passion of the Christ" got him and his son talking about God and the meaning of Jesus' sacrifice.
The Minnesota Republican, who's Jewish, says if others who see Gibson's film are as moved as he was, it will be "a very good thing."
Coleman said his wife is Catholic, and now he has a deeper understanding of her strong faith.
The Minnesota senator adds that as a public official, it's important to him to have people with faith and values "speaking their mind and being involved."
Rooney Under Fire For Calling Gibson, Robertson 'Wackos'
"60 Minutes" commentator Andy Rooney is getting flak from viewers who don't like what he said about Mel Gibson and Pat Robertson.
Rooney's commentary on Sunday's broadcast was about Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" and Robertson's comment that God had told him that President George W. Bush would win re-election in a "blowout."
Rooney said that God had spoken to him, saying, "I wish you'd tell your viewers that both Pat Robertson and Mel Gibson strike me as wackos."
"They're crazy as bedbugs, another earthly expression," Rooney also said, quoting God. "I created bedbugs. I tell you, they're no crazier than people."
Viewers phoned and e-mailed complaints to CBS.
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'Passion' Ticket Sales Strong
