Excuse me!

Jason Hannagan has this on the Mel GIbson interview:

As I was watching Dianne Sawyer's interview of Mel Gibson this past evening, I became increasingly more ashamed over my failure to live up to Christ's teachings conveyed in the Bible. That is why my personal conviction precludes me from keeping silent over what Mel Gibson communicated halfway through his interview whether he meant to or not.

(paraphrasing) Dianne Sawyer asked Gibson if he thought that Christianity was the only way to get to heaven. Gibson responded with a hesitant "no."

In that one word answer, Gibson underminded exactly what I believe he attempted to accomplish with his film. He deminished the point of Christ's sacrifice by implying that Christ did not die to save the world because there is more than one way to get to Heaven according to Gibson or at least according to what he portrayed on television.

Jason points out that this is very troubling. Scripture is very clear that Christ is the only path to his heaven. That's what his death, burial, and resurrection were all about. This remark by Gibson would seem to undermine all his very brave work.

Jason does point out that he could have been taken out of context and that he wasn't given a chance to elaborate. I'd further point out that he may have just been worn down by the constant attacks he's had to endure since he began filming. Still, this is the how his answer will be remembered. It's a very damaging response.

Update: OK, people, let's try to cool off here. I posted this to talk about the specific doctrinal issue of salvation through Christ. I'd appreciate it if people would lay off the personal attacks on Gibson and any discussions of specific exclusivity doctrines of the Catholic church as perceived by Gibson or anyone else. Otherwise I'll have to close the comments.

If you want to talk about that stuff, do it on your own blog. Hate to be so blunt, but I don't want this getting out of hand.

OK. You were warned. I specifically said to lay off the personal attacks on Gibson. That is not what this is about. I don't agree with the guy about lots of stuff, but this thread's not here to heap abuse. I'm deleting the last comment and closing the thread.

Comments

[Drew]

I was unable to catch all of the interview with Mel last night, unfortunately. However, I would like to ask a question and make a distinction here. If the question that Ms. Sawyer asked of Mel is "Is Christianity the only way to heaven?", then I can see how his response would be a cagey "no". I believe that he was differentiating Christianity (the religion) with Christianity (the relationship).

Remember that this man has been under heavy fire from many angles for the entire life of this project, and for the most part it will probably only get worse. He's been accused of anti-semitism. I think that he was well aware of how important this interview is and yet he's probably also not wanting to ignite a whole new religion-vs-religion debate. He very clearly laid out the fact that Jesus died for all of us, and that we're all responsible for killing him. If that doesn't imply that Jesus is the only way, I dunno what does.

And, for the record, I agree that the interview was probably edited and is not a true representation of the conversation in it's totality. I just wish I had been able to catch the whole thing.

[Jeffrey Collins]

I unfortunately didn't see any of it and am having to rely on second hand reports. I'd have to say that it was probably edited and he has definitely been under constant attack.

Of course, it's not Christianity per se that gets you to heaven; it's Christ and Him crucified.

However, in a forum such as this, if Gibson was trying to make such a distinction, the probability that any nuance would be lost was substantial.

[LT]

(Saw the whole thing)

After his hesitent 'no', Gibson went on to say that it is possible for non-believers to get into heaven, just that they would have a harder time. That it was *easier* for believers to get into heaven. Dianne made a joke about him having a 'non-stop' ticket. I'm not saying this is exactly what Gibson believes, but he could have done without the 'non-believer' comment.

[MarcV]

I saw the interview but don't recall the original question or answer. I do remember the part about the non-stop ticket. It was difficult to catch some of what he was saying since he seemed to talk too fast at times and other times mumbled.

I would have to think that he knows what Jesus said about getting into heaven and believes it. I can imagine myself getting some answers twisted if I was in that type of situation.

[John]

Lets be clear on some things. Gibson is of a super conservative sect of Catholicism that actually thinks non catholics are not christians.

christianity is surely not the only way to heaven. Christ is. Otherwise we have the whole "someone on a deserted island" question.

I think the correct question to the "is christianity the only way to heaven" question is...."Only God knows who goes to heaven, but I know I have Gods promise that I will go"

[William in Texas]

Regarding the above comment: "Gibson is of a super conservative sect of Catholicism that actually thinks non catholics are not Christians."

Please stop believing everything you read or hear about Mel Gibson's conservative Catholic beliefs. There is no evidence that he believes "only Catholics are Christians," other than some quirky quotes floating around, mostly written by people who don't like him in the first place.

Everything he said last night, and indeed the thrust of the movie itself, would indicate that he believes all who accept Christ as savior and embrace Christ's saving Passion are Christians, Catholic or not.

His wife is not Catholic but he certainly knows she is Christian .

[Lisa K]

Mel Gibson was interviewed by the Herald Sun in Australia, and the reporter asked the star if Protestants are denied eternal salvation. “There is no salvation for those outside the Church,” Gibson replied. “I believe it.” He elaborated: “Put it this way. My wife is a saint. She’s a much better person than I am. Honestly. She’s, like, Episcopalian, Church of England. She prays, she believes in God, she knows Jesus, she believes in that stuff. And it’s just not fair if she doesn’t make it, she’s better than I am. But that is a pronouncement from the chair. I go with it.”

What is he talking about? If his wife has accepted Christ as her savior, she is a born again child of God, no matter if she's Catholic or Episcopalian. We can only hope this interview was done before he had learned what God's word actually says. He is definitely on his way and we all need to pray that he continues to learn God's truths because Mel's gospel may be the only gospel that some will ever hear. And for that we all need to be accountable for what we say and be sure it is the truth and nothing but the truth.