THINKING about the Passion

“Have you seen the Passion yet?”

To be honest, I have been so busy with raising support, that I haven’t even had the time to go. But the controversy surrounding this movie has caused me to think about WHETHER I should see it.

At first, all I heard about the controversy were the questions raised about the movie being “Anti-semitic” – blaming the Jews for the crucifixion of Christ. My initial reaction was irritation at the liberal leaning media. Without thinking much about it, I was glad that Mel Gibson produced and directed this movie. I figured our Christian leaders (James Dobson, Rick Warren, Billy Graham, et.al) knew what they were talking about in supporting and encouraging me to go see it.

However, I recently have come across a few pastors and commentators who have a different view of the movie. They raise some significant questions about the theological content Some even go so far as to challenge whether the movie breaks the 2nd Commandment (….you shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth – Exodus 20:4 – italics my emphasis).

Interesting stuff! How are we to approach this movie? Should we go or not?

I believe this is a matter for individual conscience. We must not judge others on whether they go to the movie or don’t. However, I do believe that as believers living in a post-modern age we are obligated to prepare our hearts and minds to critically approach this movie. The following are some suggestions (for doing just that).

First, before going to see the movie we should read and review the Gospel accounts of the suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection of our Lord to be reminded of what God has revealed to us in the inspired Word. This will first allow us to keep the images and message of the movie in perspective. It will also allow us to discern what aspects of the movie are “extra-biblical”.

Second, we need to THINK critically about the movie. Just because several Christian leaders have “approved” and “endorsed” this movie does not mean that it is for everyone. We need to consider whether this movie breaks the Second Commandment. Living in a post-modern world, the Church (and its people) need to be very careful to consider how much of the world we are allowing to creep into our thinking. We need not give “knee-jerk” approval to endorsements from our “leaders”. We need to think through the issues in light of Biblical teaching.

Third, we need to be aware of the Catholic slant of this movie. Mel Gibson is unashamedly Catholic in practice and theology. He has stated that he was very careful to consult Catholic theologians to ensure accuracy in the script. This is not to criticize Catholicism, but rather to point out that although we (Catholics and Protestants) have a lot of common ground, there are differences in our understandings of justification, sanctification, and regeneration. Thinking Christians need to be aware of these differences.

From what I understand there are several scenes where Mary, the mother of Jesus, shows up in events and has dialogue that is not directly found in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). This could easily be passed over as poetic license of the director, except when you consider the importance of Mary in Catholic theology. Also, there is (again, from reviews of the movie) a high proportion of time committed to the suffering of Christ in the floggings, but lesser time on the Crucifixion, and even less time on the Resurrection. Again, this could be passed over as “artistic license”, unless consideration is given to the Catholic context.

Finally, we, as thinking Christians, need to be ready to give answers about this movie. Does the movie answer this question, “why did Jesus need to suffer like this?” Although Mel Gibson has answered this question in interviews, it is not obvious from movie itself. Also, one needs to be ready to answer (or at least bring up) the question of why so little time is given to the resurrection. The resurrection, not the suffering, is the key to Christ’s final victory over Satan, and what gives believers the power and assurance of eternal life in Jesus.

After wrestling with the above issues, I think I am going to see the movie. I do want to be careful to prepare my heart and mind for the message and images of the movie. I want to be ready to give answers to believers and non-believers about what is and is not accurate and important about the contents portrayed in the movie. And finally, I want to be careful not to worship the “images” presented on the screen as “my Jesus”, but rather the holy, wonderful, loving life-giving Jesus of Scripture.

Comments

[k3]

I don't think I could watch it. Some friends who have seen it say it was personally very powerful for them, as Christians. That is all well and good, but perhaps it is only because I am more squeamish, but I don't think I could bear to watch even a historically and Biblically accurate re-enactment of the death of the most important Person to me... especially knowing that He died because of me, not because the Jews said He should.

I think it's odd that we should be so heavily promoting an R-Rated movie just because it's got an actor playing "Jesus" in it. Ratings aside, I've definitely seen reviews from Christians that seem to indicate that seeing this movie is a Christian duty. That's baloney. Nor will it become the next major witnessing fad. If, like me, you need a tool to help you witness to people, hey! Consider the Bible. ;-)

Christianity can be so fad-ish and I think this movie is one example.

[Tim]

I agree that the movie is not for everyone. That is my point. We, as individual believers, need to think through our motives and be prepared for such a movie. I agree that it is completely ridiculous to suggest that Christians have a "duty" to see it to support a "Hollywood" effort to produce a "Christian" film. I also agree that this is not the "missing link" to assist in evangelism. That is one of the reasons that I think we need to consider the theology presented in the movie. Thanks for your "thoughtful" remarks.

[Alan Hutchison]

As a Minister, I make it a point to visit with the youth of the Church during their school lunches. I believe it helps me to bridge a perceptual gap between the youth and the pulpit. Earlier this week I ate lunch at a local high school. This movie was all the buzz. I got their opinions of it and was able to dialog with them about it. While I agree with all of Tim's assessements in terms of preparing oneself for the movie and critically analyzing it, I am also thankful for this opporunity to talk about Christianity to a group of young people I would otherwise be unable to begin a such conversation without (a) being viewed as a "Bible Thumper" or gettting sued for violating the almighty "separation of Church and State" clause. Just a thought. --Alan

[Jim Burchel]

I have to say I am a HUGE advocate of the movie. I have been an evangelical Christian for all of my adult life (now 33) and have been a youth pastor for 12 of these years. I feel it would be unfair of us to critisize "Hollywood" for the making of this movie. While I am the first to admit that a good deal of filth and garbage come from Hollywood, I also note that we (evangelicals) have been complaining about it for as long as I can remember. Why not give some props when they finally make a positive step in the right direction to try to produce an honest movie about the faith we all love so dearly. The truth is much of our beloved Bible is R rated just as Mel Gibson has been quoted as saying. If an honest portrayal of King David's life were ever told we would be outraged by it's treatment of his sexual exploits. I know the movie is very graphic and difficult for many. I don't recommend it for everyone, and even suggested my own mother who has not witnessed such graphic violence consider not seeing it. She, however, did see it out of a desire to deepen her understanding of what Jesus endured for us. While I agree with Tim that the Crucifixion is critical to our Theology, I have to point out that His death and suffering are equally significant. Withouth His having paid the penalty in death, our eternity would be hell. This was also so vividly portrayed in the garden scene at the beginning of the movie. I believe this scene is truly one of the most significant scenes in the movie. He had to decide to take on the sins of the world...WOW... It is an individual decision...my vote is for Believers and non-believers alike to see the movie. As to the idol issue... Sorry...I just don't see it... I feel very strongly the message will never change, but the method MUST...we must adapt our methods of presenting the gospel to our Post-Modern culture...I just believe this VERY strongly!! Anyway...I've babbled too much already...I hope it's helpful