wfn.org | Commentary: Read Bible accounts, then see 'Passion'

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Feb. 27, 2004  News media contact: Tim Tanton7(615)742-54707Nashville, Tenn.
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NOTE: A photograph of Bishop Fritz Mutti is available at http://umns.umc.org.

A UMNS Commentary
By Bishop Fritz Mutti*

On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, the highly promoted film, "The Passion of the
Christ," opened for viewing at theaters across the United States. The
strategic timing aimed to attract Christians who already have increased
sensitivity to the Lenten season's focus on the last days of Jesus' ministry
on earth. The advertising also aimed to draw others who may have little or no
faith commitment. 

Not much was made of the ash smudges on the foreheads of thousands who
attended special services of penitence and commitment on Ash Wednesday. Nor
did the appeal to deepened disciplines during the six weeks leading to
Passion Sunday, Good Friday and Easter stir media agents to write significant
stories about the power of the season in the lives of faithful followers of
Jesus.

The movie, however, is embroiled in controversy.  Newspaper articles, radio
commentaries and television segments have reported that some people who have
previewed the film raise serious issues about it.

Some claim that certain scenes provoke anti-Semitism. For many years, the
United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns
has been in dialogue with the Jewish community. Those conversations have been
central in helping the United Methodist Church acknowledge complicity and
responsibility for anti-Semitism. They have resulted in a deep commitment to
work against anti-Semitism in all its forms. Viewers will want to be
sensitive to Jewish concerns regarding some scenes in the film.

Other critics have alleged that the film contains undue violence. In
particular, some have noted that the scourging and the crucifixion are
terribly brutal, and that the film deserves its R or even an NC-17 rating.
United Methodists call for critical viewing and analysis and warn against the
destructive impact of accumulating violence on viewers. We will want to judge
for ourselves whether the critique is valid.

I have not seen the film. Therefore, I cannot comment about these criticisms
out of personal experience. I can report on what I learned from inquiries of
family members and among friends in the ecumenical community. I have asked,
"Do you plan to see 'The Passion of the Christ'?"

First, I put the question to my wife, Etta Mae. She said that she wanted to
see the movie to see how director Mel Gibson interpreted the biblical story.
She suggested that people might want to read the biblical account before
viewing the movie. Then they can enter into a kind of dialogue with others
about the meanings conveyed. Is that not how we always interact with the Holy
Scripture? One proposes a possible understanding; another offers a different
point of view. Together, insight and discernment develop.

When I asked my colleague, Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, interim general
secretary of the Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns,
if he planned to purchase a ticket, he said, "Yes. I have heard it is a very
good film. Some have been deeply moved by the experience, even converted,
transformed. That is a strong recommendation."
	
Next, I invited several executives from other denominations to respond to the
question. I received a variety of comments. They noted that evangelicals
within their communions were urging whole congregations to see the movie.
They had heard that some congregations were buying all available seats in
local theaters. No one, however, wanted to see the response to "Passion" in
conservative-versus-progressive terms.	All suggested that the film could
have a powerful impact on viewers.

In light of these conversations, I want to encourage people to purchase
tickets. It might be helpful to see it with friends or a Sunday school class.
Beforehand, I urge group members to read the Passion narratives together.
Afterward, participants can get together again to reflect on feelings and
meanings. 

There is power in the Good News of Jesus Christ to change lives. The world
surely needs that kind of change.

# # #

*Mutti is president of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and
Interreligious Concerns. He also leads the United Methodist Church's Kansas
Area.

 
 

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United Methodist News Service
Photos and stories also available at:
http://umns.umc.org