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".

[oldfart]

I've been going to local theaters and asking the managers if they will be showing it. So far, none have admitted categorically that they will, but some have mentioned that there have been a lot of requests such as mine.

If everybody does something like that, they'll soon see the profit in showing it.

[NYer]

Mr. Harvey didn't say whether the final release version is in Aramaic with English titles or if Gibson changed his plan and had it done in English. Anyone know?

Raymond Arroyo, host on EWTN's The World Over Live, will show an exclusive interview with Mel Gibson, next Friday, January 23, at 8pm.

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.

[Antoninus]

Via Della Rosa

Uh, is this an alternate translation or what? I always thought it was "Via Dolorosa."

[Antoninus]

Well, I guess I shouldn't be so nitpicky.

FWIW, I have already ordered advance tickets for myself and 5 family members for this film. We can't wait to see it.

[Wright is right!]

Pardon, but how does that long quote answer my question about Aramaic or English?

Michael

[FourPeas]

That makes sense actually since I remember hearing a Paul Harvey commentary once comparing the greatness of Christ to that of Buddha. It prompted one local Christian station that carried Harvey's commentaries to drop him.

[betty boop]

The greatest right is the right to hear the truth.

Amen to that, Nick. Thanks for this wonderful post!

[Happy2BMe]

"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."

And Paul Harvey (one of my all-time heroes) has experienced much. For him to say this speaks volumes for me.

Wonderful job Mel Gibson!

It will open up very soon in my area. I am looking forward to something coming out of Hollywood not dripping with adultery, rape, murder, homosexuality, atheism, evolution, political correctness, glorifying hedonism or advocating sympathy towards any of the above.

[Fester Chugabrew]

"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."

The glory of God. That's how it is, plain and simple. Crystal cathedrals it ain't.

[Happy2BMe]

"Don't miss it for the world."

I got it.

[joeyGibson]

Can you explain why you attributed this to Paul Harvey when the linked article was written by Deacon Keith A. Fournier?

[PigRigger]

"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..."

In many ways those sentiments echo the very essence of Christ's message. He was a lamb among wolves; innocence murdered by man's evil desires. Even when suffering and being humiliated he prayed for our forgiveness.

To Jew and Gentile alike the gift of salvation was given freely; He laid down his life so we might forever live.

His story and message should touch one's soul; it should impact you emotionally.

I have never been the same since I accepted Christ as my savior.

[TNMountainMan]

Loved the article, but I'm a little confused. The link says the article was written by Keith A Fournier, a deacon. What gives? Is Harvey and Fournier the one and the same? Anyway, can't wait to see the movie.

[carton253]

I have mixed feelings about the film. Yes, I want to see it, and I can't wait. But... I don't know if I can bare to watch Jesus endure all that endured. It's hard enough to watch Jesus of Nazareth... Mel is going for realism and not symbolism.

It is going to break my heart...

[TNMountainMan]

Beat me by 3 seconds. :)

[beckett]

Gibson: "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"

With all due respect to Mr. Gibson, whom I admire immensely (I also intend to see The Passion), it's very easy to say you "don't care" about "ever work[ing] again" when you've got $100 million in the bank. Pardon me if I don't cry any tears for his wrecked career, if wrecked it is (which I doubt).

[beckett]

Was this written by Paul Harvey or Keith Fournier? What's going on?

[nickcarraway]

Last night, everythin, including the healine, said Paul Harvey. I have no idea what happened.

[Fledermaus]

I'm not a Christian, but I'll use my free speech and if any other group tries and stops me they better have good healthcare.

[Zechariah11]

ping