The Passion

Why is it that I somehow thought that seeing the Passion would answer my questions about it and I would come down either on the side of adulation or hatred for the film?

I guess that things just don’t seem that simple for me.

On the positive, it was artistic, reasonably accurate, emotive, and most of all a successful film about Jesus. I mean, I was rejoicing to see bible texts on display in my local cinema. Was it anti-semitic- no not really- Jesus states he is giving HIMSELF up to death in the film. Was it grusome? Well yes and no- it was probably fairly accurate. Yes I cried, and yes I left feeling grateful for what Jesus had done for me- but I was a Christian before I went in.

But, I didnt embrace the film in its entirety. The very concept bothers me a little. The very portrayal of the violence of the crucifixion continues to bother me somewhat. Did the bible refrain from describing crucifixion because it didnt have to (ie its readers at the time knew all about it) or because it didnt need to. Does seeing the violence serve any purpose. I am not sure that a film alone without someone to explain it will save anyone. The word must be preached (or at least gossiped) to you for you to believe. People need to understand that it is not the physical but the spirtual suffering of Jesus in experiencing the full wrath of God against sin that was the most severe thing Christ went through.

This sunday I will be preaching on ‘A Passion for Preaching’ and restating my committment to this ancient art as the primary means of us encountering Gods grace.

Also, some of the imagery I found disturbing. I was puzzled by some of the demonic images. I found some of the emphasis on Mary uncomfortable (is that because I tend to downplay her roll too much?). There was a hint of a love for the actual blood of Jesus which slightly bothered me also.

But all in all I am glad I went to see it, and glad it was made, and glad so many are seeing it.

I just hope that the people who leave wondering what on earth it was all about will find someone helpful to explain it all to them.