A Deacon's Comments on Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ

Catholic Exchange ^ | 1/16/04 | Keith A Fournier

[nickcarraway]

I really did not know what to expect. I was thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Mel Gibson's film "The Passion," but I had also read all the cautious articles and spin. I grew up in a Jewish town and owe much of my own faith journey to the influence. I have a life-long, deeply-held aversion to anything that might even indirectly encourage any form of anti-Semitic thought, language or actions.

An Encounter

I arrived at the private viewing for The Passion held in Washington DC and greeted some familiar faces. The environment was typically Washingtonian, with people greeting you with a smile but seeming to look beyond you, having an agenda beyond the words. The film was very briefly introduced, without fanfare, and then the room darkened. From the gripping opening scene in the Garden of Gethsemane, to the very human and tender portrayal of the earthly ministry of Jesus, through the betrayal, the arrest, the scourging, the way of the Cross, the encounter with the thieves, the surrender on the Cross, until the final scene in the empty tomb, this was not simply a movie; it was an encounter, unlike anything I have ever experienced.

In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph, The Passion evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same. When the film concluded, this "invitation only" gathering of "movers and shakers" in Washington, DC were shaking indeed, but this time from sobbing. I am not sure there was a dry eye in the place. The crowd that had been glad-handing before the film was now eerily silent. No one could speak because words were woefully inadequate. We had experienced a kind of art that is a rarity in life, the kind that makes heaven touch earth.

Unanimous Praise

One scene in the film has now been forever etched in my mind. A brutalized, wounded Jesus was soon to fall again under the weight of the cross. His mother had made her way along the Via Della Rosa. As she ran to him, she flashed back to a memory of Jesus as a child, falling in the dirt road outside of their home. Just as she reached to protect him from the fall, she was now reaching to touch his wounded adult face. Jesus looked at her with intensely probing and passionately loving eyes (and at all of us through the screen) and said "Behold I make all things new." These are words taken from the last Book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation. Suddenly, the purpose of the pain was so clear and the wounds, that earlier in the film had been so difficult to see in His face, His back, indeed all over His body, became intensely beautiful. They had been borne voluntarily for love.

At the end of the film, after we had all had a chance to recover, a question and answer period ensued. The unanimous praise for the film, from a rather diverse crowd, was as astounding as the compliments were effusive. The questions included the one question that seems to follow this film, even though it has not yet even been released. "Why is this film considered by some to be 'anti-Semitic?'" Frankly, having now experienced (you do not "view" this film) The Passion it is a question that is impossible to answer. A law professor whom I admire sat in front of me. He raised his hand and responded "After watching this film, I do not understand how anyone can insinuate that it even remotely presents that the Jews killed Jesus. It doesn't." He continued "It made me realize that my sins killed Jesus." I agree. There is not a scintilla of anti-Semitism to be found anywhere in this powerful film. If there were, I would be among the first to decry it. It faithfully tells the gospel story in a dramatically beautiful, sensitive and profoundly engaging way.

The Right to Hear the Truth

Those who are alleging otherwise have either not seen the film or have another agenda behind their protestations. This is not a "Christian" film, in the sense that it will appeal only to those who identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. It is a deeply human, beautiful story that will deeply touch all men and women. It is a profound work of art. Yes, its producer is a Catholic Christian and thankfully has remained faithful to the gospel text; if that is no longer acceptable behavior than we are all in trouble. History demands that we remain faithful to the story and Christians have a right to tell it. After all, we believe that it is the greatest story ever told and that its message is for all men and women. The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.

We would all be well advised to remember that the gospel narratives to which The Passion is so faithful were written by Jewish men who followed a Jewish rabbi whose life and teaching have forever changed the history of the world. The problem is not the message, but those who have distorted it and used it for hate rather than love. The solution is not to censor the message, but rather to promote the kind of gift of love that is Mel Gibson's filmmaking masterpiece, The Passion.

It should be seen by as many people as possible. I intend to do everything I can to make sure that is the case. I am passionate about The Passion. You will be as well. Don't miss it!

Keith A Fournier is a constitutional lawyer and a graduate of the John Paul II Institute of the Lateran University, Franciscan University and the University of Pittsburgh. He holds degrees in Philosophy, theology and law. He has been a champion of religious liberty and appeared as co-counsel in major cases at the United States Supreme Court. He is the author of seven books and, along with his law practice, serves as the president of both the "Your Catholic Voice Foundation" and "Common Good".

[nickcarraway]

ping

[Fledermaus]

The thing that strikes me the most is the constant dicussion of whether or not Gibson even has "the right" to make and show this film.

When it comes to religion (and this movie isn't religious as much as it's history) I guess free speech is dead.

Wake up people!

[Sockdologer]

Thanks for the article. It's nice to see Mr. Harvey supporting The Passion.

[sfRummygirl]

I can't wait to see it!!!! I am so excited!! When is it coming out??

[sfRummygirl]

He wrote a very touching article, didn't he?

[chicagolady]

Great Read Ping!

[nickcarraway]

Ash Wednesday. I think February 25th.

[sfRummygirl]

YES!!! I CAN'T WAIT!!

[nickcarraway]

Yes. Paul Harvey is one of the rare resons I turn on KGO.

[Sockdologer]

Aye, touching, but very practical as well!

[sfRummygirl]

I also like Dr. Bill Wattenburg, although he gets old sometimes. Only because I wish he would just have a show teaching stuff, instead of just answering the questions all night long.

[nickcarraway]

Yes, I don't dislike Dr. Wattenburg. Gene Burns used to be okay, but I'm not as fond of him anymore.

[AnimalLover]

Ping

[Johnny_Cipher]

My aunt is 74 years old and hasn't set foot in a movie theater since 1956. The last movie she saw on the big screen was "The Ten Commandments." She called me today and told me to come pick her up and take her to the local theater to see this one the day its released.

Boy is she going to be annoyed when she finds out she can't light up in the theater any more :)

[Luke FReeman]

Here's a link to Mel Gibson's film THE PASSION.

Don't miss it for the world.

[prairiebreeze]

Thanks for the ping CL, but I just can't read the article. I'm attending an invitation-only screening here in the area on Tuesday. (Long story as to how I came into the invitation). Man, am I excited!

I've read a lot about the film, many reviews and articles on the controversy. But I am trying to be a sponge when I walk into the film and experience it without having any recently introduced perceptions. I'm glad the film has gotten another good review. I'm looking forward to the opportunity. BTW Mel Gibson will be there on Tuesday for a Q&A.

Prairie

[rapture-me]

I have already told my entire family (kids, grandkids, etc.) that when it opens here I will pay for everyone to join me and see it together. I pray frequently for their eyes to be opened. I just hope that this movie is an answered prayer.

[NYer]

In addition to being a masterpiece of film-making and an artistic triumph, The Passion evoked more deep reflection, sorrow and emotional reaction within me than anything since my wedding, my ordination or the birth of my children. Frankly, I will never be the same.

Catholic Ping - let me know if you want on/off this list

Mel Gibson - Friday, January 23 - EWTN
A new exclusive second interview regarding "The Passion of the Christ"

In the interview, Gibson breaks his silence, speaking for the first time about charges that his film, The Passion of the Christ is anti-Semitic. He talks about his bold vision for the project and his motivation for making the film. Gibson tells Arroyo, “It reflects my beliefs-I’ve never done that before.”

He also candidly comments on the controversy surrounding the movie, his resistance to altering the film, and his personal commitment to press forward: “I don’t know if I will ever work again. I’ve said that this is a career killer and it could well be, but that doesn’t matter because I don’t care,” Gibson says in the interview.

Based on biblical accounts, the movie, "The Passion of the Christ," depicts the last 12 hours of Christ’s life on earth and will be released in the U.S. on Ash Wednesday, February 25th.

EWTNews Director, Raymond Arroyo was on set, in Italy during the filming of “The Passion of the Christ” last year, and is the only broadcast journalist to conduct an extended interview with Mel Gibson about the project.