Easter: The Passion of the Christ and Preteens
Mel Gibson’s film, The Passion of the Christ brings the best of Hollywood – the creativity, the cinematography, the special effects – to a film about the Lord. “Amazing” is the word I continue to use to describe it. Mr. Gibson has captured visually that which we believe in our hearts must be true of our Savior. This is a film adult believers should see and own.
However, I do not believe The Passion of the Christ is a film for preteens or young teenagers. The scourging, the horrible walk to Golgotha, and the crucifixion are multiple times more graphic than any previous portrayal we have ever seen. The visual images of His torture will replay in your mind for a long time.
We tend to rush children into adulthood. Perhaps parents think that because their child is taller or more developed that they are ready to process adult issues such as innocent people suffering, unbridled hatred, or the horrors of evil. The truth is many children are into their teens before they fully process the distinction between fantasy and reality.
The visual images of The Passion of the Christ vividly present the worst this fallen world can deliver. I do not believe children need to see that much horror unleashed on the One we have tenderly and patiently taught them to love.
My deepest concern though is that well meaning adults will take fifth and sixth graders to see this film in an evangelistic effort. Those children will be deeply, deeply moved. And in the emotion of that moment pray a prayer similar to a sinners’ prayer and miss the fact that a relationship with Christ is more than an emotional experience, more than being sorry for Jesus.
Excellent alternatives are available to parents concerned about their children seeing The Passion of the Christ. The Jesus film, produced by the Genesis Project follows the Gospel of Luke word for word. Campus Crusade has released The Story of Jesus for Children (www.jesusforchildren.org) that our children’s pastor is showing at church. We can encourage children to watch these and talk through the most difficult scenes relating to the Lord’s suffering.
I am thankful for Mel Gibson. I pray the unparalleled commercial success of The Passion of the Christ will absolutely shock the industry. As fine as it is though, this film is not for preteens. Let them continue to imagine. Soon enough the harsh realities of a world in need of the Savior will claim their innocence. In the meantime, protect them, nurture them, and allow them time to be a child.
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From Time to Time Bible Study
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