Reply #4: I remember seeing this when it came out

[Xeric]

at a theater in Chicago. There was a pretty big crowd outside protesting. I asked a few if they had seen it or read the book. Not one answered yes. Some seemed to be working themselves up into a state of religious ecstasy, others just seemed to be there because they were angry. Lots of yelling and veiled threats at those lined up to go see it.
I felt it was a good effort by Scorsese. I certainly didn't see it as some work of blasphemy, but then I'm not a Christian.
Certainly it didn't make Paul out to be a sympathetic character. And from what I've read of early Christianity Paul was somewhat controversial, hence the various letters telling the Churches to "don't listen to them, listen to me". In essence he co-opted Christianity.
I also really liked the sound track by Peter Gabriel.