Evangelist Billy Graham took in a screening of Mel Gibson's "The Passion", and today has this to say (link not available):

"I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during those last hours before Jesus' death," Mr. Graham said. "After watching 'The Passion of the Christ,' I feel as if I have actually been there. I was moved to tears. I doubt if there has ever been a more graphic and moving presentation of Jesus' death and resurrection - which Christians believe are the most important events in human history.

"The film is faithful to the Bible's teaching that we are all responsible for Jesus' death, because we have all sinned," Mr. Graham continued. "It is our sins that caused His death, not any particular group. No one who views this film's compelling imagery will ever be the same."

It's hard to remember a film that's gotten anywhere near the buildup "The Passion" is getting, or the public response of people who have actually seen it - positive and negative. Expect the din to grow only louder until it's released to theaters next year.