First of all, you really should go see the movie. Probably every Christian should. For at least two reasons:
1) it is easily the most visually powerful presentation ever of the crucial chapter of the Christian story.
2) it is also becoming a significant cultural phenomenon and if we as Christians are to have anything to say about it, we need first-hand information.

I saw the movie on Tuesday of this week. I'd already read much of the commentary beforehand, from the breathless exclamations that this is "the greatest evangelism tool in history", to the shrill denunciations of the movie as "virulent anti-Semitism"; also the more thoughtful, and helpful comments in-between, from Frederica Mathewes-Green's reflections on how different (and less bloody) the doctrine of atonement is from an Eastern Orthodox perspective ("The Meaning of Christ's Suffering,"Books and Culture, March/April 2004) to a non-believer's critique (David Anson, "So What's the Good News?" Newsweek, March 1, 2004) that the movie was simply another example of glorified Hollywood violence.

I don't let other's opinions make up my mind about anything- but I don't ignore them either. So, I'll have to admit, I entered the theater both expectant and prepared to be ... well, "critical" would be too strong ... how about, "discerning." That's how I watched the movie, too; receptively and reflectively. And I cried, and flinched and was surprised and gasped and closed my eyes and cried more, like nearly everyone else in the completely packed theater. And I'll say again, you really should go see the movie. And as you go, let me
offer some perspective for you to consider.

First, it is a movie. Second, it is a "Catholic" movie (or more accurately, a movie from one Roman Catholic perspective). Neither of those is a bad thing and they are both worthwhile noting. The fact that this is a movie should be a reminder that it presents a particular perspective of the crucifixion, in this case Mel Gibson's perspective. As a person of deep faith, and as a careful and talented film maker, Mel Gibson does that beautifully and brilliantly, powerfully and provocatively. You will be surprised like I was, and see things and ask questions and consider meanings you hadn't thought of before. It is an interpretation, and like every faith-full interpretation, which is able to stretch and strengthen faith, it deserves to be considered. The fact that it is also deeply moving doesn't hurt that one bit.

The fact that this movie is from a Roman Catholic perspective is perhaps a more subtle, but no less significant distinction. I already knew Jesus died for my sins before I went, and so obviously, his was the most crucial role in this drama of redemption and where our focus rightfully rests,but Mary definitely went up a notch or two in my estimation. She, and all the other women are the true believers, the first among the disciples and the only fearless followers of Jesus in this telling. That's worth thinking about. And this is the first time it struck me that Mary was not only the "Mother of our Lord," but that she was Jewish! (It is perhaps no coincidence that the actress who played Mary is actually Jewish) Also, the next time you walk into a Catholicchurch, you probably (hopefully) won't be able to walk past the Stations of the Cross as casually as we Protestants typically do. And that won't hurt one bit either.

With the understanding that "The Passion of the Christ" is a movie from a Roman Catholic perspective, it is fair to say, as ThePassionOutreach.com does, that this is "the most authentic film about Christ ever made." Is it anti-Semitic? Only if you really want it to be (and there are those who do. You can read anti-Semitism into the movie if you like, just as people have been reading all kinds of agendas into the Scriptures for as long as the Bible has been around. I've even heard Jesus and the Gospel of Matthew described as anti-Semitic, which makes about as much sense as calling John Wayne or John Kennedy un-American. Is it the most powerful evangelism tool ever? It could be, but be careful, the person who gets "converted" could be you, should be each one of us.

So, I'll say one last time, you really should go see this movie. Watch it with discernment, but watch it with the kind of openness that will allow the Lord who endured the cross for our sake to touch your heart- however God chooses to do that. This may be the most significant Lenten discipline you undertake this year.

Humbled and grateful to Jesus,

Erwin