LAWTON: Is it weird when you say things like, "Well, when they were nailing me to the cross"? Is it strange for you just to even be using language like that?

Mr. CAVIEZEL: You know, my point in being an actor is to get people to believe that this is not about me, but something else. I want the work to speak for itself -- to transcend whatever I'm doing. And so, I pray. I don't think you can play a role like this and not.

LAWTON: There's been a storm of controversy surrounding THE PASSION, particularly from some Jewish leaders who say the movie portrays Jews negatively and could reignite discrimination and persecution against Jews. The actor says that controversy has been deeply painful for him.

Mr. CAVIEZEL: I wouldn't want to go down a slide on a razor and land in a pool of alcohol. But on a level, it's even worse than that -- inside your heart. I know I'm not an anti-Semitic person. Mel is not the only one that's had to go through this, even though he's going to bear a lot of the burden for it.

LAWTON: Caviezel says THE PASSION is not just for Christians.

Mr. CAVIEZEL: I believe this film is going to be great for all Jews, all Muslims, and anyone in America and the world. This is not just a religious film.

If you go to the Vatican and you look at Michelangelo's art, the "Pieta" -- of the Virgin holding the Son -- you don't have to be religious to understand that.

LAWTON: Still, Caviezel acknowledges that THE PASSION does raise deeply spiritual issues about the meaning of Jesus' suffering and death.

Mr. CAVIEZEL: This is my truth that I believe in. I'd ask people to respect that. I just want people to go and watch it, and whatever they come away with, whether they believe in it or not, they can still watch the film and take it as art, or whatever they want to do. To me, it's the greatest love story of all time. They may have a different angle on it.

LAWTON: Just what that angle is -- or should be -- has provoked an intense national debate. I'm Kim Lawton reporting.