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I can’t even fathom what Christ’s suffering must have been like. When I think of His crucifixion, my mind harkens back to all the sins I’ve committed, even forgotten sins, and those I still commit. It was His Father’s will that He die to pay for those sins, and I have no desire to see a depiction of His murder.
Most Christians I know are looking forward to seeing “The Passion of the Christ.” Except me. Everybody’s blogged about it so I wanted to offer my view.
The main issue is shrouded in the anti-Semitic “controversy” of the film. I ask whether Christians should see the movie or even encourage other Christians to do the same in the first place. This is a conversation for believers, not the secular world, which couldn’t care less about the Gospel message. I just don’t like depictions of God in movies, even those which purport to be biblically accurate.
In my opinion, Hollywood films about Christ, well-made or otherwise, aren’t necessary. We already have the Gospels, which are as well-made as you can get. I’m in the minority on this, I think. At least I haven’t read or heard about other Christians who won’t see the movie based on similar reasons.
Pastors are encouraging congregations to see the movie, and all the well-known evangelists I admire give it a “thumbs up.” I visited a new church a few weeks ago, and the pastor was really excited about the movie and showed a preview clip, along with interviews of Mel Gibson and Jim Caviezel.
I couldn’t wait until it was over. I was very uncomfortable because it didn’t seem appropriate to “advertise” any movie in church, even one that purports to be true to the Gospels. As I said, until I read or hear other like-minded opinions, I’ll assume I’m in the minority.
I believe people are hungry for the truth, and “The Passion of the Christ” may very well draw souls to Christ’s message of redemption. No doubt that’s a good thing (understatement of the millennium!), but I still don’t think Christians should be pushing a Hollywood film.
I’m getting my thoughts together. More to come later.
