The Passion in Our Business

For some time now I have been struggling with whether or not I wanted to see the film, The Passion of the Christ. Since it's release last month I have been reading reviews, and talking with colleagues and friends who have seen the film. At first I thought I needed to see the film as your pastor. My thinking went something like this. In my pastoral role I need to see this film so that I'm better equipped to talk with parishioners and help process their reactions to the film. This line of thinking was challenged further when a casual acquaintance approached me during one of my workouts at the YMCA asking what I thought of the film. She had seen an article in the newspaper about area clergy previewing the film and had assumed I'd attended. She was genuinely curious about my reaction to the film. When I told her I wasn't sure that I wanted to see it she looked puzzled and said, "Well it is part of your business, isn't it?" Caught off guard in my sweaty gym clothes, I sheepishly said, "I guess it is."

Several conversations later, with others who have seen The Passion, I've decided not to see the film. I have never been one to gloss over the crucifixion of Jesus but I've decided not to subject myself to this particular portrayal of it. From what I've heard and read, I think the graphic violence will not be helpful or healthy for me. However, I do want to talk to folks who have seen the film, and hear others thoughts and reactions to it.

Through this struggle what I've realized once again is that it is "my business" as a pastor to challenge and help people explore the meaning of Jesus' life, his death, and resurrection. And the emergence of this film may be a catalyst for all of us to examine our theology and the theologies of the Christian faith. Reviewers of The Passion, Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat have said,

"What's clear to us upon seeing the film is that The Passion of the Christ is a consistent and very well constructed statement of the director's beliefs…. What Gibson has done is create a personal testimony. His Jesus is fulfilling a prophecy set out in the opening frame of the film ("He was wounded for our transgressions"); Jesus has chosen to give his life out of love for his friends; he is by his suffering making all things new. Theologians call this understanding of Jesus' death and mission "atonement theology." It is not the only way that Christians understand the cross, as Marcus Borg points out in his recent book The Heart of Christianity, but it is the one Gibson obviously believes."1

As Christians it is "our business" to walk together on a journey of faith that provides us opportunities to share and discuss what we believe. Anybody interested? Perhaps we could start with a look at Borg's book. Let's me know if you're interested.

Getting down to business,

Bonnie

 

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