wfn.org | Commentary: Debate about 'Passion' reveals media shortcomings

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Feb. 24, 2004	News media contact: Tim Tanton7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.
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NOTE: A photograph of the Rev. Larry Hollon is available at umns.umc.org.

A UMNS Commentary
By the Rev. Larry Hollon*

The voice on the telephone explained that the movie "The Passion of the
Christ" is generating great interest around the country. Surely, the male
voice said, the United Methodist Church would want to be a part of a
remarkable event - the showing of the movie during Lent. If we would enter
into a marketing agreement with his company, we could sell out theaters
around the country and share in the benefits, including a portion of the
take. 

He said he was sure we would want to be a part of this event, and his offer
was so generous there was no reason to refuse.

His closing remark was ominous. If we failed to take a stand in support of
the movie, the world would know.

"The world would know what?" I wondered. That we are less than Christian if
we do not sell the tickets? Or more faithful if we do? How silly.

I do not believe this movie is a litmus test of faith, or a precursor to
sweeping religious revival, as some claim. But it is a cultural event. The
debate swirling around it reveals both a frustrating and disturbing element
of our culture. That element is the tendency to reduce an issue to
black-or-white simplicity and to choose sides to debate either/or
propositions. As I watched CNN recently, I saw two men debate the content of
the movie.  Superimposed on the screen was the caption: "Faithful to the
Gospels or Demonization of Jews?"

This is an example of the mainstream media doing what it does so well:
framing a story by its polar extremes, selecting people on the extremes to
debate each other and generating heat but precious little light. 

Framing issues large and small into polar opposites has become a common
practice among journalists. This practice makes it difficult for the audience
to comprehend stories fully and in-depth. We deserve better. In the case of
"The Passion of the Christ," commentators limit our options on how we can
feel about the movie. We have been told it will be a powerfully moving
experience illuminating the sacrifice of Jesus, or it will lead to bashing
Jews.  

Understanding that this is how journalism is practiced today, the movie's
marketers have exploited it from the beginning. It has been an effective
arrangement for both the commercial media and the moviemakers because it has
brought eyeballs to the tube and has sold tickets to the movie.

It does not advance the public dialogue, and I believe it is dangerous. When
the gatekeepers of commercial media frame the issues in polar opposites, they
allow the agenda to be set by those at the extremes, where division,
alienation and anger reside. In a frightened and divided world, the middle
ground between the extremes could be the place where dialogue occurs, leading
to understanding, sensitivity and respect, all of which are necessary to help
us build community.  The voices in the middle are rarely heard, and the
issues are framed between irreconcilable opposites.

The movie, of course, is Mel Gibson's vision of the Passion. As with every
work of art, it will represent his understanding. Therefore, as the scholars
on the link
http://www.bc.edu/research/cjl/meta-elements/partners/CSG/passion_guide.htm
suggest, it is important to understand the context in which this work is made
and in which it appears.

It does make a difference that the movie is as faithful to the gospel
accounts as possible, and that it will not be a pretext for latent
anti-Semitism. For many in the audience, this may be as close to Bible study
as they will ever get, and the movie will leave an indelible impression upon
them about a central issue in the Christian faith. We have a right to expect
an accurate portrayal of Jesus' sacrifice.

Moreover, we must take care to understand how cultural expressions affect us.
The role of Passion plays in contributing to anti-Semitism, which led to
genocide in Europe, is no small concern. We would do well to remember that
barely three years ago, "hate radio" in Rwanda stirred rampaging gangs of
Hutus to seek out and destroy Tutsis by the hundreds of thousands. 

We must have reasoned and informed discussion.	The manipulation of cultural
icons by those bent on destroying the human community is too great a threat
to leave to the pandering producers of television talk shows, some of whom
seem to lack even the most basic understanding of respect for human dignity.

Civil discourse is fundamental to a free society.  It is possible for an
intelligent, thinking person to be both moved and inspired by this portrayal
of Christ's passion and at the same time be concerned about the anxiety this
film raises among Jews.
 
The United Methodist tradition calls us beyond an "either-or" logic. It calls
us to have open hearts and open minds. Ours is a tradition that melds faith,
experience, reason and Scripture. I believe we are called to inhabit the
middle ground between the extremes and to probe more deeply than the
superficial coverage of much of the mainstream media.  

This movie event is about more than what you are currently hearing. It can be
about how it is possible to feel both deeply moved and deeply concerned. It
is about thoughtful, faithful study of Scripture. It can be about how people
of faith inhabit the middle ground of sensitivity, respect for others,
faithfulness and reconciliation. Do not look for that on CNN.
# # #
*Hollon is general secretary of United Methodist Communications.

 
 

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