I know this is a grand editorial clich?, but I am a little concerned that so many Latter-day Saints are talking about seeing Mel Gibson's 'The Passion.'
In a story that is somewhat common in LDS culture, Joseph Smith once said, 'I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.' We also learn in LDS scripture that 'it is not meet that I should command in all things' (D&C 58:26). Is seeing 'The Passion' justified self-governance for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? The only person I can speak for is myself.
With regards to R-rated movies and movies with violent content, the principles Latter-day Saints have been taught are very clear. The 'Strength of the Youth' pamphlet states, 'Do not attend, view, or participate in entertainment that is...violent...in any way.'
We have also been counseled again and again by our leaders not to see R-rated movies. And yet in the current debate, faithful Saints still seem to think there is a loophole or exception if the violent content is about Christ! Personally, I see no loophole. To me, ratings matter -- especially when they are for violence (see Moses 8:28-30).
In an article written by Kieth Merrill about six months ago (Merrill directed 'The Testaments' currently playing at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in downtown Salt Lake City), he explained that when he was making this film about our Savior, the First Presidency of the church specifically requested him to tone down the violence of Jesus' last hours. He wrote, 'For all the care and caution , the First Presidency requested additional editing to lessen the intensity of the suffering Christ. It was appropriate to do so.
In my view, it is and always will be appropriate to show restraint when depicting the Savior's passion for one crucial reason: The purpose of His atoning sacrifice is not about how hideous it was. When viewing the aforementioned 'Testaments' I closed my eyes in pain and in respect, as I believe many did who were actual witnesses 2000 years ago, because I could not bear to see Him suffer. I am not sure He, out of love, would even want me to watch what He went through -- would even want me to have those horrific images indelibly imprinted in my mind.
For some reason, there are people in modern society who seem to think they have to see history on the big screen before they can fully understand the event. This is so not true. What is depicted on screen is but a fragment of real life, depth and breadth. The actual occurrence was filled with sights and sounds, yes, but also with atmosphere, culture, smells, physical feelings, raw emotions and time that can never be captured on film.
In the case of 'The Passion,' this is all the more true. No one, no matter how noble the attempt, will ever be able to portray the true meaning of Jesus' complete atoning experience in a mere movie. We cannot completely comprehend it in our minds, let alone on film.
The significance of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is incomprehensible. This is one reason I believe the First Presidency asked for restraint in the movie 'The Testaments.' Its true meaning transcends the R-rated bloody brutality. His atonement is about a sacrifice and a love that is so holy and so sacred that no words or pictures or movies can fully represent it. To make any kind of movie about this infinite act of love that spotlights the cruel viciousness and the subsequent agony Christ endured gives complete emphasis to the wrong thing. Under the direction of the First Presidency, 'The Testaments' focused on the beauty of His sacrifice, not the ugliness.
While I admire Mel Gibson's effort and believe he has created a movie that depicts his limited understanding of Christ's passion, I cannot patronize his effort. For me there are no exceptions in the clear principle, 'no violent movies of any kind.'
Gibson's lack of understanding can be excused for he does not know there is a living prophet on this earth. I do. Should I judge a movie I have never seen? You bet! I know what I need to know -- it is violent and rated R. It is by this principle I have decided to follow the prophet. I know some of my fellow Latter-day Saints will not agree, but I will not be joining them to go see 'The Passion.'
Deena King
Graduate Student, Sociology
Provo