The question many Catholic parents and youth leaders are asking themselves today is, “Should I allow my teenagers to see The Passion of The Christ?” If they want their children, students, or youth group members to see the reality of Christ’s sacrifice, love, truth, and hope, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to see the film at a private screening in Los Angeles at Icon Productions, and I walked away a different person. I was so touched that I’m taking almost 200 of my high school students to see the film today. Why? Here are seven reasons why we should make sure the youth of our country see The Passion of The Christ.
1. Teens have heard the story, but they’ve never seen it portrayed like this. For years, teens have told me that they know Jesus died for everyone’s sins. They have trouble, however, believing that Jesus really died for them personally. This movie takes teens into an “up-close-and-personal” experience of the Passion of Christ in a way never before possible. Through a beautiful work of art, they have an opportunity to enter into the powerful and historic moments when Jesus actually paid for their salvation. Seeing those moments through Gibson’s realistic portrayal will give them more to reflect on and pray about than they have ever had before. This movie truly brings the Passion of Christ to life. It makes it real and unforgettable, as Christ’s sacrifice should be.
2. Gibson’s film teaches love, not anti-Semitism. Is it anti-Semitic? Not even close. In my opinion, Gibson goes out of his way to show that the Jewish people are not collectively guilty of Christ’s death. He clearly shows that some Jewish rabbis on the council thought Christ’s arrest and trial were unfair. When speaking to a leader of the Jewish Federation in New Orleans last week, I explained to him that he had nothing to fear from this movie. If anything, the Jewish people will benefit from this film! Why? When Christians see this film, it will undoubtedly inspire them to become better Christians, and that means that they will be more loving to everyone. This film will help teens to become better Catholics — more loving, not more hateful.
3. Is the movie too violent for teenagers? I don’t think so. Most parents don’t realize how much violence their teenagers see on television and in the movies. The first 35 minutes of Saving Private Ryan were intensely violent, but most of the teens I know were allowed to see it. What’s the difference? This movie’s violence happens to someone whom we love very much, and some of the violent scenes last a painfully long time. However, my appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice grew immensely as I watched, just as my appreciation for my grandfather’s military service in World War II increased after watching Saving Private Ryan.
It is true that teens should not see this movie alone, and they should absolutely be given a chance to think, pray about, process, and discuss the film. Because of the intensity and length of the violence, I recommend that parents or teachers go to see the film with teens. But teens really must see the movie. It will change their lives. For those under age 13, I would encourage parents to see the film first and then decide if it is appropriate for their children.
4. Our culture is saturated with relativism. This movie will help teens fight it. The Passion of The Christ shows that our Catholic faith is built on the power of Christ’s love. Our faith is about commitment, about holding fast to what is good, no matter the cost. Christ’s sacrifice was powerful because He willingly stood firm through extreme physical and emotional pain — He decided to love us and chose to sacrifice Himself for us. His sacrifice is the epitome of self-giving. Gibson’s film visually demonstrates to us that love is not real unless it is freely given.
This flies in the face of our relativistic and selfish society that tells our teens to do whatever makes them feel good and to avoid pain. We are called to love as Christ loved. The Passion allows teens to see and feel the love of Christ in a unique and powerful way.
5. Our culture is saturated with sin — and this movie is an absolute antidote to sin. When I left the theater in January, I had a much keener sense that my sins put Jesus on the cross. In an age where sin is rarely considered and barely recognized, this film sends a clear and challenging message to “go and sin no more.” I love the teens with whom I work. At times, this love needs to include some “tough love.” They need to be shown the reality of sin. This film does just that.
6. This is the perfect opportunity for faith education. Last week, 17 million viewers watched Mel Gibson’s interview with Diane Sawyer, and the media has been playing up the “controversy” surrounding the film for months. The curiosity of teenagers is now piqued, readying thousands who would not normally go to Mass, a youth group, or a campus ministry function to be touched by God’s grace in a new way. What will happen if these teens don’t see the movie? Nothing. Our teens will stay the same, which means that millions will continue to be more converted to the culture than to Christ. This opportunity to help their faith come alive will be lost. The movie has the potential to grip teens and drive them to consider new questions they had never really thought about. Teens want to know the truth.
7. Teenagers need hope. The Passion will bring it to them. While the film focuses on the death of Christ, the light of eternal hope shines through the eyes of Jesus and Mary. When teens see the stark depiction of evil and pain in this film, it only sets off more brilliantly the stark contrast of the amazing light of Christ’s love — a love that “shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). Though they might be disturbed by the graphic nature of the film, they will be haunted by the beautiful message it brings — that Jesus’ love is so real that He laid down His life for His friends.
This film could be a new Catholic generation’s first step in their search for truth about Christ and His Church. This is a golden opportunity to get our teenagers face-to-face with Christ and the reality of His love for them.
Brian Butler is the Director of Religious Formation at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie, Louisiana and the co-founder of Dumb Ox Productions, LLC www.dumboxproductions.com.
[Editor’s Note: Brian has prepared a free, ready-made plan entitled “Bringing Teenagers to the Passion.” This material is perfect for teachers, youth ministers, and parents. To get a copy, write him at [email protected]. He has a file ready to email you. Also, Brian took his high school students to The Passion of The Christ yesterday. Let’s pray for his students and all the teenagers around the world who will see this movie.]
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