Perspective on The Passion
James R. Fuller, Ph.D.
Pastor, Calder Baptist Church, Beaumont, TX

Those who have seen Mel Gibson's movie in special pre-release screenings invariably share a common reaction. The violence graphically portrayed during the last twelve hours of Christ's life permeates the theater and leaves an indelible impression upon the audience. Animated moviegoers become quietly somber as the written word is translated into scene after scene of horrific fury toward Christ.

Last night, I sat with two other Christian pastors and a Jewish attorney in the green room of our local ABC affiliate. We watched Diane Sawyer interview Mel Gibson about his soon-to-be-released movie, The Passion of the Christ. Immediately following the interview, a reporter asked each of us individually for a brief (he emphasized BRIEF beforehand) response. What we said was not particularly memorable. The movie appears to be both an interpretation and recitation of history based on the gospels. Gibson will likely earn a lot of money, but obviously also has a fervent faith. The movie is causing a lot of conversation about the main characters (most of whom were Jewish) in the final hours of the life of Christ. The conversation will probably be within rather than between or among faith traditions.

As is almost always the case, the most interesting interchange took place off camera. The reporter immediately apologized to us for the hastiness of our meeting and for the painfully brief interview. He asked us if we would all be willing to return for a more extended interview after we had viewed the movie. Only one of the pastors had seen a screening, which will vary somewhat from the final edit. All three of the pastors indicated that we will see the movie, but the attorney was more hesitant. He stated that he would probably not see the movie. Although he was very sensitive in the expression of his comments, he shared that it was not a movie that held a compelling interest to him.

I immediately found myself liking this Jewish gentleman who seemed comfortable in his own skin. Honest without being offensive, he carried no airs and intended no harm to others' perspectives. He also illustrated the fatal flaw in Gibson's and many others' evangelical strategy. Graphically portraying what humanity did to Christ, though important historically, will never by itself win the hearts of men and women. People have to know that Christ makes a difference in the lives of followers. As long as we content ourselves with telling the story instead of allowing His story to become our story, the world will just see so much smoke and mirrors.

So see the movie, but just don't let the movie become the message. God in Christ has chosen our lives to be the message. As we allow Christ to transform us into the new creation that Paul envisions, then the suffering of Christ will have redemptive value for us and, perhaps, for those who wait and watch to see evidence of the Savior in those who claim that Jesus is Lord.

April 2004