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Christians have truer picture By Frank "Buzz" Trexler If you're wearing a cross when you go to see ``The Passion of the Christ,'' take a look at it when you leave the theater. You will probably notice that it's lost much of its luster -- quite possibly for good. For Christianity, that's probably a good thing. The cross should have never shined so brightly to begin with -- for it was covered with the blood of the Savior. The cross was the executioner's tool of cruelty and shame. As one pastor told me, it is only because of time and culture that we Christians are not walking around with little electric chairs around our neck. Isn't it the irony of ironies that it took a Hollywood icon to remind us of that? The buildup to the nationwide premiere promised that the film would offer a realistic look at what Jesus suffered in the last 12 hours of his life on earth. Evangelicals hope that unbelievers will find their hearts turning, while pastors in lukewarm churches hope believers will find their hearts burning. It would seem the film fulfilled the promise of realism: ``The Passion'' details a familiar portion of the greatest story ever told, but it's definitely in a league of its own when it comes to depicting Christ's suffering. Placed beside such classics as ``The Greatest Story Ever Told,'' ``Jesus of Nazareth,'' ``King of Kings'' and, most certainly, ``Jesus Christ Superstar,'' the others appear passion-less. Christians who are drawn cinematically into the scourging and beating of Jesus may no longer hear the Holy Communion pronouncements of ``This is my body ... This is my blood'' with the same ears again. No, ``The Passion of the Christ'' is not for the faint of heart nor weak of stomach, but then neither were the last 12 hours of Jesus' life. If you have ever heard a medical description of what the Messiah experienced in terms of physical torture, you are somewhat prepared for the visuals. However, the written and spoken word pale in comparison to the sights and sounds of Roman torture. If you have ever taken part in a worship service where someone -- perhaps even you -- hammered a nail into a wooden cross ... well, this time you experience the sight and sound of metal piercing flesh, not just metal and wood. The film, which is rated ``R'' for violence, is not for young children. However, there is a part of me that believes anyone who is prepared to make a commitment to Christ should see the film, regardless of age. It would do all believers well to consider the price paid by Christ before counting the cost of discipleship. As to Scriptural accuracy, be aware that there are some extra-biblical moments in the film; for instance, Satan's presence in the Garden of Gethsemane at the very beginning of the film, telling Jesus that taking on the sin of the world is more than any man can handle. Such moments are forgivable, though. After all, this is a dramatic production that allows for interpretation. Some have claimed the film is anti-Semitic given the obvious complicity of the Jewish crowds. If it were to be classified as such, then it would also have to be considered anti-Roman, and even anti-humanity. In reality, no one gets off of the hook with this film -- unless your heart is made of stone. But then, no one gets off the hook when it comes to the reality of the Gospel message: While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. It reminds me of the time my 7-year-old son asked me this question concerning his Jewish baseball coach. ``Dad, is Alan one of those who killed Jesus?'' I let the question sink in before answering. ``No, son,'' I said. ``Alan wasn't alive then.'' As he grew a little older, he came to realize we all played a role in this film.
The Rev. Frank "Buzz" Trexler is managing editor at The Daily Times and pastor of Green Meadow United Methodist Church, Alcoa, Tennessee. You can e-mail him at PastorBuzz@nxs.net. |
