Not Another Passion Review

14 March 04

Dear Friends,

Last week our Monday evening Bible study group viewed Mel Gibson's "Passion of Christ." And I don't really wish to plague you with yet another review of the movie. But I am stimulated by some of the reviews I have read.

If this film is written, directed and produced by a committed Roman Catholic, we should expect to discover Roman Catholic influence. Yes, it is there, as many have pointed out.

Some of the events depicted are not recorded in the gospels, but are based upon the visions of medieval mystics. And Gibson portrays all fourteen stations of the cross, including the legend of St. Veronica, even though this devotion is of modern invention.

The "Passion" has been roundly criticized for depicting Jewish leaders as hostile to Jesus, and bent on his destruction. Yet in this, Gibson is only being faithful to the gospel texts. In fact having filmed Matthew 27:25, Gibson chose to cut this episode from the picture, before its final release.

Jesus, his disciples, and his enemies, were all Jews. Of course Jesus would not condone anti-semitism, and I do not find such in this movie. We Christians know that we are each responsible for the death of Jesus. Gibson has pointed out that the hand which holds the nail is his own.

Yes, the film depicts shocking and almost continuous brutality. But wasn't that the whole idea behind Roman scourging and crucifixion? The Romans had crucified thousands after the Spartacus rebellion, and would later crucify Jews by further thousands.

Some have condemned the film by invoking the second commandment, which forbids the worship of images. Having given the commandments, God went on to direct the decoration of the tabernacle with figures of angels, and even specified two graven images for the lid of the ark. The book of Leviticus scripts religious drama in minute detail. So has God really forbidden all religious art or drama?

I have wondered how the "Passion" might be different if it were produced by a Seventh-day Adventist like me. Would I stick strictly to the biblical text, or would I be tempted to include extrabiblical material from my own tradition? Of course I would not include the visions of medieval mystics, but might I reveal my appreciation for Ellen White?

The Bible does not mention that Satan came personally to Gethsemane to tempt Jesus. But Mel Gibson does. And in The Desire of Ages, so does Ellen White.

"Now the tempter had come for the last fearful struggle." And the book goes on to quote Satan's specific arguments. (DA 686, 687)

The Bible does not mention that Jesus clung to the ground as he prayed. But Mel Gibson does.

"He clings to the cold ground, as if to prevent Himself from being drawn farther from God." (DA 687)

The Bible does not mention that Jesus was drenched with dew. But Mel Gibson does.

"The chilling dew of night falls upon His prostrate form, but He heeds it not." (DA 687) "From their leafy branches dropped heavy dew upon His stricken form, as if nature wept over its Author wrestling alone with the powers of darkness." (DA 689)

The Bible does not mention that Jesus staggered as he approached his sleeping disciples. But Mel Gibson does.

"Rising with painful effort, He staggered to the place where He had left His companions. (DA 688)

Some have condemned Gibson's film as excessively brutal, arguing that no one has ever been treated that badly.

"Never was criminal treated in so inhuman a manner as was the Son of God." (DA 710) "Then came the third scene of abuse and mockery, worse even than that received from the ignorant rabble. In the very presence of the priests and rulers, and with their sanction, this took place. Every feeling of sympathy or humanity had gone out of their hearts." (DA 714)

The Bible does not dwell on the mob's unrelenting fury, but Mel Gibson does.

"When the condemnation of Jesus was pronounced by the judges, a satanic fury took possession of the people. The roar of voices was like that of wild beasts. The crowd made a rush toward Jesus, crying, He is guilty, put Him to death! Had it not been for the Roman soldiers, Jesus would not have lived to be nailed to the cross of Calvary. He would have been torn in pieces before His judges, had not Roman authority interfered, and by force of arms restrained the violence of the mob." (DA 715)

The Bible does not depict the physical effects of the crown of thorns, but Mel Gibson does.

"Occasionally some wicked hand snatched the reed that had been placed in His hand, and struck the crown upon His brow, forcing the thorns into His temples, and sending the blood trickling down His face and beard." (DA 734)

The Bible does not depict the active role of Satan in stirring up the crowd, but Mel Gibson does.

"Satan led the cruel mob in its abuse of the Saviour." (DA 734)

The Bible does not depict the personal response of the Cyrenian Simon, as he confronts the suffering Jesus, but Mel Gibson does.

"He stops in astonishment at the scene; and as he expresses his compassion, they seize him and place the cross upon his shoulders." (DA 742)

The Bible does not show Jesus' mother following him along the Via Dolorosa, but Mel Gibson does.

"The mother of Jesus, supported by John the beloved disciple, had followed the steps of her Son to Calvary." (DA 744)

The Bible does not depict great violence as the cross is erected, but Mel Gibson does.

"As soon as Jesus was nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong men, and with great violence thrust into the place prepared for it." (DA 745)

The Bible does not depict the dripping of Jesus' blood, but Mel Gibson does.

"From His hands and feet the blood fell, drop by drop, upon the rock drilled for the foot of the cross." (DA 760)

Yes, it is clear that Mel Gibson did not stick to the gospel accounts. He not only used his imagination, but included many pieces of extrabiblical material. And some of these might have come from The Desire of Ages.

If my prime concern is that I not witness the shock of inhuman brutality, I should skip this film. And of course for the same reason, I would have skipped the actual flogging and crucifixion of Christ.

Our responses to this movie will differ, because of our differing backgrounds and previous understanding. And certainly no movie watching can substitute for a personal experience with our risen Lord. Still....

"It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit. If we would be saved at last, we must learn the lesson of penitence and humiliation at the foot of the cross.

"As we associate together, we may be a blessing to one another. If we are Christ's, our sweetest thoughts will be of Him. We shall love to talk of Him; and as we speak to one another of His love, our hearts will be softened by divine influences. Beholding the beauty of His character, we shall be 'changed into the same image from glory to glory.' 2 Cor. 3: 18." (DA 83)

When I told a friend that I was planning to attend this film, he said, "Enjoy the movie!"

No, I didn't enjoy it at all. But I'm glad I went.