Austin Chamber Music Center
The Passion of a Believer: Mel the Redeemer
RECEIVED Tue., March 30, 2004
Dear Editor,
One can only imagine what kind of "catechetical damage control" the Rev. Frank Sabatte refers to in his recent letter ["Postmarks," March 19] applauding Ventura's piece on the Passion. I dare say that Mel Gibson has done more in one fell swoop to bring people to true repentance and Christian conversion than the Rev. Sabatte can ever imagine doing. Quite frankly, the Paulists are well known for having fallen away from their historical mission, orthodox Catholic belief, and sound catechesis. His idea of "damage control" is probably more accurately termed "controlled damage" to basic Catholic theology and practice. Gibson's cinematic preaching of Christ crucified is the best sermon that most Americans will ever see or hear, and far more faithful to the Gospel and its message than the so-called catechesis of many contemporary priests and ministers.
One can only imagine what kind of "catechetical damage control" the Rev. Frank Sabatte refers to in his recent letter ["Postmarks," March 19] applauding Ventura's piece on the Passion. I dare say that Mel Gibson has done more in one fell swoop to bring people to true repentance and Christian conversion than the Rev. Sabatte can ever imagine doing. Quite frankly, the Paulists are well known for having fallen away from their historical mission, orthodox Catholic belief, and sound catechesis. His idea of "damage control" is probably more accurately termed "controlled damage" to basic Catholic theology and practice. Gibson's cinematic preaching of Christ crucified is the best sermon that most Americans will ever see or hear, and far more faithful to the Gospel and its message than the so-called catechesis of many contemporary priests and ministers.
Thomas Tucker
