Passion evokes passion

March 19, 2004
by Jaclyn McDonald
Contributing Writer

Stillness followed my viewing of The Passion of the Christ, which opened in theaters worldwide on Feb. 25. I emerged from the theater silent and speechless— numb from the brutal scenes and touched by the depiction of Jesus’ sacrifice. Among Christians and non-Christian viewers alike, one theme resounded: no one had words.

The story of Jesus’ last 12 hours and brutal crucifixion has been the subject of much discussion. Charges of anti-Semitism, Biblical inaccuracy and over-the-edge violence have incited great controversy. I see these controversial issues as an invitation for everyone to dig deeper into the movie and the Bible. The Passion provokes questions that we must search our own souls to find: who, to me, is this Jesus guy?

It is important to note that while The Passion is highly attractive to Christians, it has been affirmed that it isn’t a movie only for Christians. Chris Trott, Canton junior and an atheist, was at the movie opening night.

“It was an unbelievable movie that is not directed specifically toward Christians,” Trott said. “It is a movie for all humanity and [it] reaffirms people’s value and belief systems.”

As a movie, it was excellent; as a depiction of Jesus’ sacrifice, it was excellent.  As art, it was heart-wrenching and emotional. It added a new dimension to my relationship with God and put reality to seemingly mythical Biblical stories. While the violence and brutality were horrifying, supposedly it tamed down the violence from what Jesus really went through.

However, it wasn’t the violence that affected me most.  I think it’s important to not be consumed by the violence of The Passion. I think Jesus’ words and actions were the most powerful components of the film. After being lashed, having the skin ripped from his back and the crown of thorns embedded into his skull, Jesus declares, “Behold, I make all things new.” I believe that this is the message of the movie and the most important thing to take away from the film—Jesus’ complete mission, not merely how the mission was fulfilled in his brutal death.

Jesus also said, “No one comes to the Father but through me.” I think that this movie’s mission, as intended by Mel Gibson, the director, and held by Christians everywhere, is to tell the world that this truth is the only truth.

For some people, this movie will confirm their beliefs, and to others, it will oppose them.Still, to Christians and non-Christians alike, the images of the suffering of Christ will be ingrained in our memories because of this movie. And we can be sure that this won’t be the last time we’re faced with the question: who is Jesus? The movie opens April 2 at the Bohm—go see it and decide for yourself.