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Passion of the Christian: Literal Thinking and Violence Portrayed

© Arthur C. Ruger

This week America will have its long-anticipated opportunity to view The Passion of the Christ. The film does not seem so much to be a presentation of the gospel according to Mel Gibson, but rather Mel's graphic interpretation of the original Roman Catholic version of Christ's passion. Christ's passion equates to His physical suffering while carrying out the redemptive sacrifice required by God.

I have no doubt that the presentation and feelings evoked by the film will reflect Gibson's tremendous talent and skill in creating a visual portrayal that impacts our perceptions of the real agony of crucifixion. In this regard the industry's evolving ability to create a greater realism in film combined with Gibson's giftedness will succeed in presenting the Christian story in a manner entirely beyond previous efforts out of Hollywood.

And you know what? I consider this one of those "It's about time!" moments when Hollywood uses its tremendous assets to actually convey something deep and meaningful that is part of our religious psyche.

I have always found myself moved by movies much more than any other medium of expression. Many movies have brought me to tears over the years. What kinds, you ask? Well, suffice to say, a good example was when Willie cleared the barrier and landed in open ocean.

Free Willie brought me to tears. The whispering of a spiritual truth - Willie's finding freedom by one death-defying leap of faith - is what moved me.

Many will and have already reacted to Mel's movie in the same way. We've already seen news broadcasts in which The Passion of the Christ has prompted tears in folks, particularly macho males who never cry - who didn't cry when they saw Free Willie - but were crying openly as they exited the theatre after viewing The Passion of the Christ.

How can one argue with that?

How can one resist the idea that the film will truly be the wonderful impetus for a renewed interest in Jesus, Christianity, spiritual thinking, morality and ethics that has evangelicals excited?

I grant you that vicariously and visually experiencing the intensity of Jesus' suffering is a profound learning opportunity. However, I suggest also that understanding that He underwent his ordeal willingly is bound to evoke in us a sense of our sinfulness, ingratitude and need to plead with God for forgiveness.

I'm reminded of the closing scenes in the old film, The Cross and the Switchblade, where David Wilkerson's (played by Pat Boone) physical description of the suffering of the crucified Christ brings Nicky, the warlord of the Mau Maus, to tears.