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"Take
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Cecil Andrews, PO BOX 13, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AL, Northern Ireland. Telephone/Fax 028 9756 5511. E-MAIL - takeheed@aol.com WEB-SITE - http://www.takeheed.net |
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Passion
Evangelism |
On Ash Wednesday 2004, The
Passion of the Christ premiered in
Among Christians, there is great excitement about the evangelistic
potential of this film. Millions of souls, who would normally never discuss
Jesus Christ, are now openly talking about this movie, and about Jesus – who He
was and why He died. However, as
this article will explain, endorsing the movie without explaining the gospel
can be dangerous. The first reason is quite clear: The Passion of the Christ, as the name indicates, focuses mainly on
the passion (the sufferings) of Christ. The movie does not adequately explain
the significance of these events. Many have died for noble causes, but Christ’s
death is unique. As Christians, we should springboard from discussions
surrounding the movie to explain the full meaning and purpose of Christ’s life,
death, and resurrection.
Not surprisingly, many Catholics are also using the movie as an
opportunity to evangelize. Ascension Press and Catholic Exchange have provided
a Catholic guide and witnessing companion to the film entitled, "A Guide to the Passion: 100 Questions
About 'The Passion of the Christ.'"
President and author Matthew Pinto shared with ZENIT
news agency how the book will “help
Catholics and non-Catholics understand the Eucharistic and Marian significance
shown in the movie, know the case for Christ, learn about the Church Jesus
instituted and respond accordingly in their faith lives.” [1][1]
In the interview, ZENIT asked author Matthew Pinto the following question – “Why
is a particularly Catholic guidebook important in order to understand the
movie?” Pinto replied:
A
Catholic guide is necessary because the Gospels are completely Catholic, as is
the movie. Even still, many will not see or understand the more sublime teachings
that the director and writers are putting forth through this epic film.
A
secular viewer, for instance, will probably not understand that the image of
the serpent's head being crushed is a reference to Genesis 3:15. Likewise, the
heavily Eucharistic and Marian emphasis of the film is something that a
well-catechised Catholic will easily see, but many un-catechised Catholics and
many Protestants will not deeply grasp.
As stated in the introduction to the book, understanding the profound Marian
and Eucharistic imagery and theology really requires a deep understanding of
Catholicism. Our Protestant brothers and sisters, who are to be commended for
their evangelical fervour and creativity in promoting this film, are generally
not schooled in these issues. [2][2]
Further, Matthew Pinto explained that this
“witnessing tool” would provide a “scene-by-scene commentary on the theological
and artistic aspects of the film” to help Catholics educate and evangelise
non-Catholics. When asked “Does the guide anticipate Protestant scepticism
about the Eucharistic elements?” he replied:
We
simply explain the connection between the sacrifice of
The
director uses a crosscutting technique in the movie that draws a parallel
between the Last Supper and the crucifixion, and we explore this connection in
the book. [3][3]
The interview finished with this question – “What
response have you gotten from [Catholic] parishes and the faithful?” Pinto
concluded his interview with these words:
We
were confident that the response would be strong, but it has been far stronger
than we expected. People love it. Someone proposed to me that this book is
likely the fastest selling book in Catholic history -- with advance sales of
nearly 140,000 in two weeks -- thanks to the power of the Internet and the
timeliness of the book in relation to this major Catholic cultural event. I
believe that the film presents one of the greatest watershed evangelisation
opportunities of our generation. [4][4]
The Goal and Effect
of The Passion of the Christ
Some have asked the
question: was it Mel Gibson’s intention for the film to focus on the Catholic
Eucharist and Mary? In an interview given on EWTN, while explaining the “very
moving and emotional and efficacious” aspects of the Catholic Latin Mass, Mr.
Gibson stated his goal and intention for making this film:
The
goal of the movie is to shake modern audiences by brashly juxtaposing the
“sacrifice of the cross with the sacrifice of the altar – which is the same
thing.” [5][5]
This interview was broadcast around the globe on
EWTN – the world’s largest Catholic television broadcasting organization. Of
course, all Catholics are required by
Though the lasting affects of this movie will not be known for some
time, it has already had a profound influence on the cast and crew. Jim
Cavaziel – the actor, who played Jesus, explained how those involved in the
film were changed. In the following statement made by Carl Limbacher taken from
an article titled “Mel Gibson’s ‘Christ’ Reveals
Crucifixion,” written
In
his first media interview anywhere about his starring role in Mel Gibson’s much
anticipated film “The Passion of the Christ,” James Cavaziel – Gibson’s Jesus –
detailed on Friday the ordeal of filming the Crucifixion scenes, noting that
the overall experience prompted many in the crew to convert to Catholicism. [6][6]
Further, Cavaziel stated that the filming of Christ’s story “really
changed people’s lives.” [7][7] According to the interview, Cavaziel also
told Gibson, “I think it’s very important that we have Mass every day – at
least I need that to play this guy.” [8][8] Then one further statement that focuses
in on the heart of the issue. Cavaziel said: “I felt if I was going to play him
I needed the sacrament in me. Gibson provided that.” [9][9]
Of course, the “sacrament” Cavaziel was referring to, is the Sacrament
of the Eucharist. This is the heart and core of the Roman Catholic faith. As we
have shown in chapter 4 of this book, the Eucharistic Christ is not the
biblical Christ. We also know that having “the sacrament in me” is of no
spiritual value. Do these men understand the biblical gospel?
The “Mary” Connection
In an article written by Catherine L. Keefe called “Journey of an
Actor’s Soul,” Jim Caviezel shared how “Mary” prepared him to play this momentous
role. Keefe, writing about Caviezel’s spiritual journey stated:
[Jim’s]
faith has grown in fits and starts. Some of his spiritual awakenings revolve
around the Blessed Mother, the Rosary, and
The article explained what took place when Jim Caviezel prayed with
Ivan Dragicevic, a visionary from Medjugorje who travels the world speaking
about his encounters with “Mary.” At first Caviezel was doubtful about Ivan and
his visions. However his prayer with Dragicevic changed the actor’s mind.
Quoting from the article:
“I said to
Ivan, ‘Hey, I’m here, is she in this room?’ ” Dragicevic assured him that Mary
was there, so Caviezel prayed, saying, “I don’t know if I can believe you’re
here, but if you are, go ahead and microwave me. Go ahead and do whatever you
have to do to my soul.” He felt a sudden, encompassing peace. “It was one of
the most beautiful days of my life,” he says. [11][11]
Caviezel wears a gold medal of Our Lady of
Medjugorje on a gold chain around his neck, one of three medals. He also has a
cross-shaped scapular that declares: “I am a Catholic, please call a priest.”
The third depicts Pope John Paul II. [12][12] One more statement
from the actor who plays the role of Jesus Christ in Mel Gibson’s gives more insight
into what Caviezel believes:
Caviezel
grows animated as he explains how Mary brings him closer to her Son Jesus,
whose presence in the Eucharist is so meaningful to him. The Eucharist, he
explains, inspires him to turn away from sin. That, in turn, makes his prayer
life more sincere. [13][13]
Finally, in another interview recorded by the official Medjugorje
website, Mr. Caviezel reiterates how “Mary” at Medjugorje prepared him to play
the role of Jesus –
The
catharsis for me to play this role was through Medjugorje, through Gospa. In
preparation, I used all that Medjugorje taught me. Mel Gibson and I were going
every day for Mass together. Some days I couldn’t go for Mass, but I was
receiving the Eucharist. [14][14]
Cavaziel also has explained the role he believes the apparition of Mary
played in bringing the film to life:
This
film is something I believe was made by Mary for her Son. Because it was made
by her, it will be attacked by the enemy… [15][15]
The Catholic “Mary”
By searching the Scriptures, we know that the “Mary” of the apparitions
is of demonic origin, and that the Eucharistic Jesus is a false christ. As
Bible-believing Christians we must use every opportunity to explain who Jesus
is and clarify the gospel of grace to those who are confused.
However, many Christians are apparently unaware that the producer of The Passion embraces a false christ and
an unbiblical Mary. In fact, Mel Gibson endorses the Catholic notion that Mary
is “a tremendous co-redemptrix and mediatrix.” In an interview with Christianity Today, Mel told of his
amazement that evangelical Christians were among the most receptive to his film
depiction of Christ and Mary. Here are two excerpts from the interview:
“I’ve
been actually amazed at the way I would say the evangelical audience has –
hands down – responded to this film more than any other Christian group.” What
makes it so amazing, he says, is that “the film is so Marian.” [16][16]
Gibson
knows that Protestants don’t regard Mary in the way Catholics do. And Gibson
goes beyond many when he calls her “a tremendous co-redemptrix and mediatrix.” [17][17]
During The Passion, we see
much of Jesus’ agony through Mary’s eyes. The strong spiritual link between
Jesus and Mary is prominent throughout the movie. Her participation, her
“co-redemptrix” work, is also suggested in the film. Yet, many Christians do
not recognize the significance. Two more quotes from the Christianity Today article show that the response to the Mary of
the movie has been profound:
Gibson
says, “The way the film displays [Mary] has been kind of an eye opener for
evangelicals who don’t understand the reality of a mother and a son.” [18][18]
And
that is what I observed: After both of The
Passion screenings I attended, the Protestant women talked about
identifying with Mary as a mother who was watching her child suffer. From
whatever point in his spirituality Gibson’s treatment of Mary is springing, it
is touching deeply the maternal impulse in his viewers. [19][19]
Of course Mary did suffer during her Son’s passion. [20][20] However, the biblical narrative does not
focus on Mary. The focus of the Bible – from Genesis to Revelation – is the
Father’s great love for mankind. The eternal God and Creator demonstrated His
great love for the world by sending His only begotten Son to die for our sins.
While Jesus does call on the Father several times in the movie, Mary is given a
much more prominent role than the Bible gives her. Where did Mel receive his
inspiration to include these unbiblical scenes?
The Dolorous Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Mr. Gibson has publicly stated that his film is based, in part, on
visions and messages received by a 19th century Catholic mystic. The
revelations and visions of Sister Anne Catherine Emmerich are contained in the
book entitled – The Dolorous Passion of
Our Lord Jesus Christ. The book states, “she was accustomed to have divine
knowledge imparted to her in visions of all kinds, and was often favoured by visits
from the Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.” [21][21]
The back cover of
the book gives this description:
The
Dolorous Passion recounts with
incredible precision the horrendous sufferings undergone by our Savior in His
superhumanly heroic act of Redemption. Also illuminating is its description of
Mary’s participation in the sufferings of her Son, so that this book gives the
reader a poignant understanding of why Our Lady is often called our
“Co-Redemptrix” and “Queen of Martyrs.” [22][22]
The Dedication page reads: “To the Immaculate Heart of the Virgin Mary,
Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, Lady of the Most Holy Rosary, Help of
Christians, and Refuge of the Human Race.” [23][23] Because of the tremendous interest in The Passion of the Christ, this book has
become an instant best seller. Catholic bookstores rightly market it as “The
Book That Inspired Mel Gibson to Film The
Passion Of The Christ.” [24][24]The following quotes taken directly from Anne Catherine Emmerich’s book, will confirm that Mel Gibson received much of his unbiblical Marian and eucharistic scenes
from this Catholic visionary:
The
Blessed Virgin was ever united to her Divine Son by interior spiritual
communications; she was, therefore, fully aware of all that happened to him –
she suffered with him, and joined in his continual prayer for his murderers. [25][25]
I
soon after saw Mary and Magdalen approach the pillar where Jesus had been
scourged; …they knelt down on the ground near the pillar, and wiped up the
sacred blood with the linen Claudia Procles [Pontius Pilate’s wife] had sent. [26][26]
[at
the foot of the cross] the Blessed Virgin, filled with intense feelings of
motherly love, entreated her Son to permit her to die with him… [27][27]
She
looked once more upon her beloved Son – …the flesh of her flesh, the bone of
her bone, the heart of her heart. [28][28]
There are many other unbiblical inclusions in the film that come
straight from this book. For example, in the movie, after Peter denies Jesus,
he falls at Mary’s feet and says, “Mother, I have denied Him.” (This episode is
from page 174 of the book). The unbiblical character Veronica who wipes Jesus’
bloody face is taken straight from the book as well (pages 258-259). The manner
that Mary receives and cradles Jesus (Pieta style) is also directly from this
book (page 316).
The Eucharist in the Film and Book
Another major theme of The
Dolorous Passion is its repeated references to the Eucharistic Jesus. In
the book, as in the movie, Jesus refers to the “cup” as the “chalice” both in the
Jesus
was seated between Peter and John, the doors were closed, and everything was
done in the most mysterious and imposing manner. When the chalice was taken out
of its covering, Jesus prayed, and spoke to his Apostles with the utmost
solemnity. I saw him giving than an explanation of the Supper, and the entire
ceremony, and I was forcibly reminded of a priest teaching others to say Mass. [29][29]
The book is replete with references to the “Sacrifice of the Mass”, the
“Real Presence”, and the “Blessed Eucharist”. Not surprising, during the movie,
when you see the bread unwrapped, the camera flashes to a scene of Jesus being
stripped. As Jesus’ blood is dripping from the cross, the camera flashes to a
scene where wine is being poured into a chalice during the Last Supper. In the
movie, when accusations are being hurled at Jesus at his trial, John 6 is
quoted by an irate Jew saying that this man said we must
“eat his body and drink his blood for eternal life.”
This scene is also straight from the book. [30][30] Of course, this accusation is not
recorded in the Bible, but the film’s implication is clear – The stubborn false
accusers deny transubstantiation, while those faithful to Jesus know this is
the key to eternal life.
Here is one last
excerpt from the book that concurs with Mel’s Catholic beliefs:
It
was made known to me (Emmerich) that these [evil manifestations] were all those
persons who in divers ways insult and outrage Jesus, really and truly present
in the Holy Sacrament. I recognized among them all those who in any way profane
the Blessed Eucharist. [31][31]
Understandably, many Christians are unaware of the Catholic references
in the movie. The extra-biblical scenes are seen as simply artistic license or
harmless Catholic affinities. However, this is clearly not the case.
Mel Gibson has stated that the movie “reflects my
beliefs.” [32][32] He also has said, “There is no salvation
for those outside the [Catholic] Church…I believe it.” [33][33] Though Mel has flip-flopped on this
since, it is clear that Mel is a Catholic director with Catholic theological
advisors, producing a Catholic movie, intended to evangelise people into the
Catholic Church. According to the Catholic website, Catholic Passion Outreach:
The
Passion of the Christ offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to
spread, strengthen, and share the Catholic faith with your family and friends. [34][34]
Michael Brown, a Catholic author and provider of the website Spirit Daily, has written and reported
on The Passion of the Christ
extensively on his website. In his
Granted,
it’s only a movie, but it could help unite Christians. I have never seen a
better possibility for popular ecumenical dialogue. We all have common ground –
and though Gibson is Catholic (a traditionalist at that), his most fervent
support so far has come from Baptists, Pentecostals, and Evangelicals. [35][35]
Besides the films potential
for uniting Christians and spurring ecumenical dialogue, Mr. Brown notes some
other potential results of the movie:
Another
[effect] involves Mary. This movie presents the Blessed Mother in a way that
reintroduces her to Protestants. They are able to see her as someone they can
relate to. She is down to earth. They will laugh with her. They will cry with
her. They’ll more fully appreciate (as will everyone else) what she went through. Hopefully, they’ll
grow to love her…During the Last Supper scenes, they may also gain a better
understanding of the Eucharist. [36][36]
Our Commission
There is no doubt that Mel Gibson is sincere. He and the multitudes of
Catholics who have embraced the Catholic “Mary” and the Eucharistic Jesus are
earnest in their desire to lead souls into the Catholic Church. However, though
sincere, they are also deceived. Not all Catholics are aware of
Preach the word!
Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all
longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure
sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears,
they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away
from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. But you be watchful in all
things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil your ministry.
[37][37]
As Christians, we must be equipped to present the truth in love. Often
this requires that we expose deception with the light of God’s Word. Remember
also that there is much good resulting from this controversy. Many Christians
have been given a unique platform to give public testimony of why Jesus died
and rose from the dead. Many other Christians are using the movie as an
opportunity to witness at theatres and other venues.
People are searching for spiritual meaning, purpose, and satisfaction.
May the Lord enable each one of us by His Holy Spirit to be faithful witnesses
to this generation. May we testify of the Word of Truth [38][38] and point souls to the Word of Life –
Jesus Christ. [39][39]