The first story, naturally, appeared only in our local paper.

The Palm Beach Post reported today that "the money went fast, while the guilt and paranoia remained" after James Anderson robbed a bank of $25,000 more than two years ago in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He surrendered because "he was stirred deeply after watching The Passion of the Christ and felt compelled to come clean."

Strong Word of Mouth

"He said, 'I saw The Passion, and that made my decision,'" said Paul Miller, a spokesman for the sheriff's office. "And he sort of urged [the detective] to see the movie too."

Palm Beach Gardens police Sgt. Richard Geist was more skeptical. "He's looking for medical attention he doesn't have to pay for. That, and he's probably tired of living out on the streets."

Meanwhile, in Statesboro, Ga., Melissa and Sean Davidson got far more publicity for getting into a violent post-movie debate over whether God the Father in the Holy Trinity is human or symbolic.

After a fight that included Davidson being stabbed with scissors, they called police on each other. Both were charged with simple battery.

"It was the dumbest thing we've ever done," Mrs. Davidson said.

Gene McDaniel, chief sheriff's deputy, said: "Really, it was kind of a pitiful thing, to go to a movie like that and fight about it. I think they missed the point."

Editor's note: