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The Passion – a way to start people talking

by Moshe Saks

Much has already been written about Mel Gibson's new movie The Passion of The Christ, concerning its violence, theology, accuracy, intent and the like.

As I sat in the theatre last Wednesday, I tried to be attentive both to the movie and to the reaction of those in the theatre. As the show ended and the audience emerged (to a cascade of television lights and reporters), I had the distinct impression that for the overwhelming majority of people, the mood was one of awe and deep reflection - mostly everyone was profoundly moved by the movie.

As a Jew, and especially as a rabbi who has been engaged in interfaith dialogue for my entire 25 year career, I found the movie both moving and deeply troubling. It was very clear to me that the movie is aimed specifically at Christians, especially those of faith. The film follows the general tenor of the Gospels (albeit with Mel Gibson's own artistic viewpoint), and forcefully shows (some would say too forcefully) the pain and suffering of Jesus during the last hours of his life.

However as someone who does not believe in the divinity of Jesus, I could not help focussing on the clear message of the movie that the Jewish community of that day (mot notably the high priest and the large crowd that he brought with him) was responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Pontius Pilate is largely characterized as a weak, unwilling bureaucrat.

My concern is not with those of the Christians faith whose primary theology concerns the sacrifice/death of Jesus.

In this theology there is no concern for the actual perpetrators; the point of the Gospels (and the movie) is that Jesus died for the sins of humanity.

However, for those who do not share this view, there is ample opportunity to vilify those behind His death, namely (according to the movie, and many would say, the Gospels) the Jews.

Rather than decry the possible negative repercussion, I believe that Gibson may have indeed done a great service to the cause of interfaith dialogue.

On one level, this movie has provoked a great deal of theological discussion, not only in the media, but around the office water cooler, as well.

Here, then is an opportunity to learn and grow together as faith communities. The issue is not the movie - it is the Christian Scriptures, and the relationship of Christianity to Jews and Judaism both in history and in the present.

We need to study and to talk to each other, not about the movie, but about why Christians and Jews see the movie so differently. Only with dialogue, learning and faith can we use this movie, this opportunity, to understand even more about each other.

Christians need to learn about the history of the church and the Jews, and the persecution which was supported by a narrow retelling of the Gospels.

The Jewish community needs to trust - not to see an anti-Semite under every rock and behind every tree.

Both groups need to learn and dialogue about the great stride the church has made toward reconciliation in the past 50 years, and to see that the seeds of a resurgent anti-Semitism are sometimes being sown, most notably in Europe.

Only together can we effect permanent change in attitudes and behaviour. It is especially important now, as we see the effects that religious fundamentalism has in promoting violence and hatred.

I'm sure Gibson had a vision in mind when he conceived of making this movie.

Let us use this opportunity to reaffirm our own vision - one that speaks toward a greater understanding of each other, as together, we repair the world under the kingship of God.

Rabbi Moshe Saks is spiritual leader of the Beth Tzedec Congregation in Calgary and a member of the Canadian Council of Christians and Jews in the city. The article first appeared in The Calgary Herald.