"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

– John 3:16

Most of the criticism over Mel Gibson's "The Passion" is based on concern over who is portrayed as killing Jesus in what is certainly the most controversial movie ever prior to release.

Some have expressed the worry that the film might blame the Jews, inciting pogroms and anti-Semitism as some passion plays of the past have.

Some of those fortunate enough to have seen the movie in early screenings have defended it by suggesting Gibson's masterpiece blames the Romans, rather than the Jews.

This is a knee-jerk response from well-meaning Christians who don't mind pointing the finger at a group of people who, for all intents and purposes, are extinct, shifting any responsibility from a group of people who are alive.

The church has been doing this for years. But this blame game is completely misguided.

Yes, it's true that crucifixion was a distinctly Roman form of punishment. Yes, it's true that Pontius Pilate has a special, personal kind of responsibility for the decision. But it is a mistake to shift responsibility away from anyone – including Jews.

There's no question that Jesus' death on the cross was an unimaginably horrible experience. If anyone doubts the suffering Jesus went through, "The Passion" will set you straight – and then some.

But the finger-pointing is strange, indeed. It's not Christian to shift blame to the Romans any more than it would be to shift it to the Jews. Followers of Jesus believe we are all responsible – all human beings, alive, dead or yet to be born – for crucifying Jesus.

That may sound weird to non-believers, but it is an absolutely essential tenet of our faith.

Even weirder is this: We celebrate Christ's agony on the cross. It's a good thing. He did it for us – all of us. He bore our sins and they were nailed to that tree the day He died. We don't blame anyone but ourselves. To do so would miss out on the grace He offered with His shed blood.

Do all people who call themselves Christian understand this? Of course not. Not all people who call themselves Christian are believers – not even saved by His sacrifice.

As Jesus Himself said in Matthew 7:21-23 (KJV):

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Many people – mostly non-believers – mistakenly believe the death of Jesus on the cross was only a tragedy. They miss the point that it was the greatest thing that ever happened in the world. They think, perhaps, that if He had lived beyond his 33 years, He might have gone on to do great things.

In fact, His death on the cross was the greatest thing He could have done for humanity. It was the greatest gift. And His influence on the world could not be greater than it is today as a result of His death and resurrection.

To be a Christian, by definition, you have to accept that Jesus died for your sins. You have to accept that He shed His blood willingly for you.

The truth is that Jesus died as the result of a heavenly plan. He died with the approval of God. His death not only allowed for an escape from all sin – but all blame and guilt, as well.