Feb 19, 2004

Passion Play
Local churches anticipate impact of Gibson film

By Candy Richter
Staff Writer

Brilliantly scheduled for a Feb. 25 release date—Ash Wednesday to the Christian world— “Passion,” the latest epic from Oscar-winning director Mel Gibson, chronicles the last 12 hours of the life of Christ, leading up to his crucifixion.

With the exception of the controversial “The Last Temptation of Christ,” released in 1988, mainstream films focusing on the life of Christ have been few and far between.

Delving into a subject typically relegated to a “Christian-only” market, what marks this latest venture as unique is as much who is behind the camera as the subject itself.

Known for his accurate, emotional, and often violent portrayal of historic events (“The Patriot” and “Braveheart”) Gibson has brought to national prominence his vision of the core events that make the basic tenets of the Christian faith.

"People often ask me why I wanted to make a film about the Passion of Our Lord,” wrote Gibson. “My usual response is that I've wanted to make this film for over 10 years, which is true. That seems to answer the question for most.”

“The reality, of course, is more complex, and had its genesis during a time in which I found myself trapped with feelings of terrible, isolated emptiness. It was during this period of meditation and prayer that I first conceived the idea of making a film about The Passion.”

Although the movie garnered an “R” rating for violent content, it was received with unprecedented cross-denominational support from Christian leaders across the nation. In fact many churches, including The Journey of south San Jose, have reserved theaters for private screenings for their congregation, followed by, in many cases, discussion groups or questions and answer sessions.

“This is big,” said Jeff Wenke, pastor of The Journey, “This is a wonderful opportunity and [the film] will have a significant impact on both the Christian and non-Christian community. We are excited for this opportunity to engage faith by utilizing a tool as impacting as the media. But we also have a huge responsibility to follow up. This film can be a good starting place. We need to offer the “sequel, ” the next step in exploring faith.”

At Almaden’s South Hills Community Church, with a congregation of nearly 1,200 members, Director of Evangelism Paul Dumesnil sees “Passion” as an opportunity for Christians to introduce non-believing friends to Christianity. “Although our staff will be going to a screening on Ash Wednesday, as a congregation we’ve elected to go out in small groups, as an outreach event,” said Dumesnil. “It’s a great opportunity to reach out to others.”

Dumesnil further pointed out the significance of the mainstream Hollywood endorsement of a Christian theme. “Because it’s by Gibson, not a Christian organization, it adds credibility for non-believers. Whether it’s out of curiosity, speculation, or whatever, it’s ‘safe’ to go and not believe, not agree. But because it’s so powerful, and not canned or cheesy, it can have a real impact on a person’s life, and may just open them up to start asking questions.”

In lieu of dedicated discussion groups created specifically for “Passion,” South Hills has elected to align its Alpha Program start dates with the release of the movie and the Easter season. “The Alpha Program is a discussion group in its own right,” explained Dumesnil. “[Participants] can bring any and all questions. Atheists, agnostics and believers, all are welcome, so it offers a perfect dove tail for [the movie].”

One of the questions that have come up in some congregations has been the much-talked about violence depicted in Gibson’s “Passion.” Having not seen the film himself, Dumesnil looked to Gibson’s advice for guidance. “In an interview I saw with Mel Gibson, he used his own 13-year-old son as an example, saying that he would not let him see it, because it accurately depicts the violence of a crucifixion,” said Dumesnil. “I think it’s an individual choice for parents with 14- to 17-year-old children, but they should definitely go with them if they do decide to let them see it.”

Regardless of how local Christian groups decide to approach “Passion” and the issues it produces, one thing is universal—that this event offers a chance for new perspective and growth for all members of the community.
“Too many things start and stop,” said Dumesnil. “This is a chance to continue to grow, to offer [people] the next step.”

For more information on Mel Gibson’s “Passion,” visit the official Web site at www.Passion-movie.com.