My Personal Views on Mel Gibson's "The Passion"

02/14/04

by Mitch Battros (ECTV)

Perhaps this is as good a time as any to clarify my beliefs, hope, and vision regarding the release of "The Passion". From this point on, news will be coming out fast and furious. Unfortunately, there can be mis-understandings, mis-directed passions, and un-checked judgments as a consequence of warp speed technology. Therefore, let me state ever so delicately my stance regarding the emotional quake Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ" is about to unleash.

First - my belief...I believe there is a difference between religion and spirituality. One might say religion is man made, hence the so many varied disciplines of rituals, traditions, and understandings. And one might say spirituality is God made. Perhaps it can be said this way. The essence of spirituality is involved in all religions, but not all religions embrace spirituality. This is to say, when speaking on a spiritual level, all languages are transformed, but to speak in religious terms, not all spirituality can translate. Why? Because when you make the jump from spirit to religion; language, and the meaning of that language, are used. It's what makes this dimension, this dimension. A sort of linear understand absent of depth. When the spoken word is used, regardless of the language, a history of positive and negative surmise always is accompanied. It really could be no other way. It is what makes humans, humans.

I am told, Mel Gibson was keenly aware of this quandary. This is why he used two ancient languages in the movie. Of course Aramaic (the language of Jesus), and Latin. Yes, folks it will be sub-titled. But wait, perhaps this was the perfect way to present the essence of 'spirit' without getting weighted in 'religion'. Not only did Mel Gibson implement this wisdom of ancient language, I am told very little language is used at all. "It is the graphic scenes themselves which tell the story". Visuals without words. Meaning without dialogue. A story of events without description. The absence of an actor coming forward in the way of a sports commentator saying "now let me tell you what you just saw".

Second - my hope...My hope is that man's need to describe what was meant, will be set aside. Even if only for one month. The hope that 'religious' prejudice will be set aside, allowing for the discussion of "ones truth", not "the truth" which so many of us are conditioned to do. Maybe this movie will put preachers, rabbi's, priest, and ministers out of business. Why? so commentary will not enter into the making of "your truth". So the mantra of "now let me tell you what you really saw" will be left out. That all conversations will begin with "okay, now let me speak from the perspective of "my truth" not "the truth". Will this happen? I seriously doubt it. But maybe it could for just the first 20 minutes after the movie. Maybe for that time spent in the lobby of the theater. Maybe for just the time it takes to drive home. Maybe for a least that one phone call you make telling someone you just saw "The Passion". Yes folks, remember it is just 'my hope'.

Third - my vision...In my interview last night with Rich Anders, author of "End of the World; Then What?", he mentioned his belief about this movie could be "the shift of consciousness, can change in the blink of an eye". He was suggesting that Mel Gibson's movie could in some way, usher in what Christians describe as "the second coming". Now perhaps this on its own may not be enough to change a world, but when coupled with Mayan prophecy .... and it will happen this year. No-no, this is not the end of the world, but as the Hopi's say, it may be "The End of The World...As We Know It".

And finally, I am hoping and maintain in my vision, this is not a Christian movie, or a Catholic movie, or a Jewish movie, or a Islam movie, or a Buddhist movie. No, my hope and vision is that this will transpire all religions and present as a "Spiritual Movie". Now will somebody out there get this article to Mel Gibson. I sure would like to have him on the show. Wouldn't you!

In the words of Mel Gibson himself: ""I hope it inspires introspection, and I think it does," Gibson says. "I want to inspire and make people feel."

You can see ABC's article about his interview with Diane Sawyer here:
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Primetime/Entertainment/mel_gibson_passion_040216-1.html