Point-of-View

A few weeks ago, I received an invitation to a premiere showing of Mel Gibson’s new movie "The Passion of The Christ" in Chicago. I watched this much talked about movie. Mel Gibson was also there for a time of questions and answers.

Probably like you, I have read or heard many different analyses of the movie–some good and some critical. So I actually went to this premiere with several questions on my mind: "Is this an accurate account of the life of Jesus or just another Hollywood’s version of Jesus?" "Does the movie promote anti-Semitism as suggested by some?" "Are the sufferings of Christ portrayed appropriately or inappropriately?" "Will this movie impact my life as some have said after watching it?"

After returning from Chicago, the number one question people were asking me is "What did you think of the movie and would you recommend it?" Yes, I would recommend the movie, but with a caution. Before going to see this movie, which opens on February 25, there are three things you may want to know.

One, the sufferings of Christ are portrayed very realistically. Roman crucifixions were very violent and Gibson doesn’t try to hide the pain Jesus endured. After studying the Gospels, along with historical and medical records for three years, he is true to detail in showing this cruelest form of execution.

Two, there are a few things in the movie that are not in the Bible. I would estimate that about 90 percent of the movie is consistent with what the Bible tells us. However, there are a few places where Gibson adds his interpretation of how things might have been. For instance, when Mary saw Jesus fall down while carrying the cross, she reflects back to a time when he was a young boy and had fallen down. It was a stirring moment of what Mary might have been thinking. The Bible doesn’t tell us that she had a moment of reflection back to His childhood, but maybe she did.

Third, the movie has been given an "R" rating due to the graphic scenes of Christ’s physical sufferings. Personally, I do not go to "R" rated movies, but this one will be an exception for me. Parents need to know that even though this is a movie about Jesus, some scenes make the movie inappropriate for young children. Even Mel Gibson told us that he would not recommend this movie for anyone under the age of 13.

So, why would you want to see this movie? Here is the biggest reason I could give you: It is a movie that will move you. Whether you are a religious person or not, you won’t leave the theater thinking the same about Jesus as when you went in. Billy Graham said after watching this movie, "I have often wondered what it must have been like to be a bystander during those last hours before Jesus’ death. After watching The Passion of The Christ, I feel as if I have actually been there. No one who views this film’s compelling imagery will ever be the same."

Although the movie focuses on the last twelve hours of the life of Jesus, His message of love, reconciliation, and peace is also shown, which is something we all need to hear.

Lastly, you should want to see this movie because it has a great ending that will give you one more thing we all need–hope.

I recommend this movie to all adults, along with the caution mentioned above, because the Gospel, according to Mel Gibson, is about the one Person who has changed our world and can change any life. To find out more about this movie you can visit their website at www.ThePassionofChrist.com.

Jerry Waugh is senior pastor of Northcliffe Baptist Church in Spring Hill.