I am neither a movie critic nor a theologian, so maybe myopinion of “The Passion of the Christ” doesn’t count for much.

I am a believer, so I wanted to see this movie for myself. I’mglad I did.

The greatest movie ever? I don’t know; probably not. A goodmovie? Yes, a very good movie.

Much was written and said — both good and bad — about MelGibson’s film a long time before it was released on Ash Wednesday.The debate will probably continue for many more weeks, but thatdoesn’t interest me. I paid my $4.75 (twice) to make up my ownmind. I suggest you do the same.

Violence, yes, there is plenty, but it is not gratuitous, and Idon’t think it was as bad as some critics have indicated. Mostmoviegoers over the age of 12 have probably seen worse.

Many believe the scourging of Jesus as depicted in the movie isa realistic portrayal. Other movies, such as “Saving Private Ryan”and “Schindler’s List,” also used graphic details to portrayhorrific events. There is big, big difference between these filmsand the genre of Hollywood “slasher movies.”

The first time I watched “The Passion,” some of the symbolismwas lost on me. I found a Web site, thelife.com, that explains somethings. If you haven’t seen the movie but plan to, I hope thisdoesn’t spoil anything. If you have seen it and have somequestions, maybe this will help.

Of course, the Tempter, the black-robed being seen only byJesus, embodies evil. So does the snake, which appears from out ofthe Tempter in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The flies that surround Judas just before his suicide symbolizethat he has been overcome by Satan. The Hebrew word for Beelzebub,one of the names for Satan, literally means “lord of theflies.”

The mutilated lamb, the last thing Judas sees before he hangshimself, signifies what the Bible tells us: the Lamb of God wasslain as the ultimate sacrifice for sin.

According to the Web site, the evil child carried past Jesus bythe Tempter as Jesus is being tortured likely represents ananti-Christ. The scene is believe to be based on Genesis 3:15 whereGod speaks of the enmity, or hatred, that would exist between theevil serpent’s offspring and the Messiah, who was the offspring ofa human woman.

The actors are good, but I can’t say that I’ve ever heard of anyof them before this movie. Was that one of the points Gibson wastrying to make? Would a big-name star in the role of Jesus havetaken away from the subject matter?

The movie is beautifully photographed from beginning to end. Themusic, while also beautiful, I thought was a little too obvious andalmost distracting at times.

Those willing to look past the violence and the blood — andobviously there are some who won’t — will find that beauty aboundsin “The Passion.” This is a story of love, tolerance, forgivenessand redemption. All are beautiful.

“The Passion” has stirred a lot of talk, debate and questionsamong those on our staff who’ve seen it. This is a story I thoughtI knew by heart, but some details — like the Jewish man who helpedJesus carry the cross — were forgotten.

For me, more than anything else, “The Passion” is a reminder tospend more time reading the book.

Write to Nanette Laster at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven, Miss.39602, or send e-mail to news@dailyleader.com.