MyInwardJourney

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February 25, 2004 2:53 PM

[The.Passion]

My wife and I just got back from watching a pre-release screening of "The Passion of the Christ" for local church leaders. I have to say that I wasn't sure what to expect. I've felt compelled to watch it - not because Mel wants me to, or because it's the new 'in' thing with churches (so it seems), but because I wanted to identify with the Christ on the screen. I remember a few years back when I went to an Easter pageant at a local church. It wasn't the most dramatic presentation, and it certainly wasn't the most realistic, but it still moved me to tears because I could identify with the Christ on the stage - even if it was an imperfect glimpse into the Christ whom I live for/with.

I wanted to go, but part of me wanted to boycott the whole thing. I don't know whether Mel's intentions were pure or not when he began rounding up so much support from the Christian sub-culture. I do know that it has detracted some from the story being told. However, I felt like I needed to see it for myself and take from it what it had to offer on its own merits.

The film, in my opinion, is a good one. I enjoyed the liberties that Mel took filling in extra details that we don't necessarily see in the biblical account of the last days of Christ. The Satan vignettes woven throughout the movie were confusing at times, but I appreciated the artistic view into some of the inner struggles of the characters brought out by his presence. Very bloody - and yet I doubt that it was even as terrible as the real account. I did find it difficult to sit and watch some of the scenes - especially the flogging sequence. My wife sunk in her chair so she could rest her tense neck on the seat back. I felt the same throughout - eventually leaving with a head and neckache. Even with the tense nature of a few scenes, however, I found myself relaxing a bit toward the end as I knew the crucifixion story was coming to an end. I was even a little excited waiting in anticipation for some of the events (such as the earthquake post-crucifixion) to take place.

I'd recommend it with one clause: if you want to use it for evangelism, just invite someone to go see it with you. My church has just jumped on board with buying out two showings & selling tickets for church members to invite others to come to our 'exclusive' showing. I really don't know who would want to come to a 'church' showing of a movie that has gotten so much political backing from the Christian sub-culture that it is scary! Talk about feeling like you're walking into a bear trap! I think our pastor is even going to get up at the end of the showing and talk for a minute or two (although I don't think the theater will allow an altar call - thank God!). Invite a friend or a couple to go to the movie and then out to eat or for dessert/coffee afterwards. Don't worry about having a ten-question "follow-up guide" prepared or a pocket full of "The Passion of the Christ" tracts in your pocket. Believe me, the movie will be easy enough to have discussions about without any fake apologetics material getting in the way. Or, better yet, just talk about it when someone who knows you are a Christian asks you about what you think about the movie, whether you've seen the movie, etc. - all without you instigating a thing.

Posted by Kristo on February 25, 2004 at 02:53 PM | Permalink