Before proceeding further, however, I want to disclose my own perspective, which is somewhat ambivalent. Yet it is precisely these two claims–often assumed by viewers–that need to be subjected to careful scrutiny. Even the Pope’s reported comment, “It is as it was,” suggests both historical verisimilitude and theological accuracy. These are important questions in light of the film’s realism. My primary concerns are these: what does the film teach about the nature and character of Jesus’ death and its saving significance, and how will this film shape the piety and theological assumptions of its sympathetic viewers? This essay will offer some observations intended to contribute toward just such a theologically focused conversation. But within the Christian community I am aware of strikingly little theological discussion concerning this film. Among Christians, evangelicals have embraced the movie even as moderates and liberals have been more critical. All the culture wars and disputes about the role of religion in public life have come to the surface in the debate surrounding this film. Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ has stirred up more than its share of controversy.
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