Are you Passion'ed out?

I know I am, but I beg your indulgence as I recap the intense --and ongoing–experiences of the past weeks surrounding this cultural moment.

First, some caveat and confessions: 1) I generally dislike and avoid first-run Hollywood-type films; 2) I abhor violent images in film, television, and print media, and 3) I've never seen a Mel Gibson film. Or, I should say, not until now.

Along with about 600 viewers, I saw Gibson's latest at a special screening organized by the Institute for Christian and Jewish Studies at The Senator theater, in Baltimore, the day prior to its commercial release in February. Thank God for the ICJS! By introducing the film with very brief yet powerful remarks, and setting up a panel of scholars and clergy to respond to it, Reverend Chris Leighton helped frame what was a truly painful film-going experience.

For the first time in my life, I was actually grateful for myopia. I slid my glasses down my eyes, or averted my gaze altogether, for a good chunk of the move. Given the extensive media coverage the film has received, by now you must know what I am referring to, so I will not even allude to the content of those gory images.

The one (and perhaps only) redemptive aspect of those scenes was that they laid to rest the primary concern that had prevailed prior to the film's opening, that of its presumptive anti-Semitic bias. The scholars, my colleagues and friends, and virtually all media commentators agreed that the scenes with the Jewish priests and mobs were utterly "over the top," caricature-ish, and only vaguely related to the scenes as recorded in the Christian gospels. Perhaps, as some have suggested, the movie-maker's strategies with regard to the script during the film's production was indeed a ploy to generate controversy, attention, and, eventually, greater profit.

All four panelists who offered comments following the screening – two Jews and two Catholics – were highly critical of the film. Both the Jewish and Catholic scholars of the ICJS, Rabbi Charles Arian and Dr. Rosann Catalano articulated a similar concern, paraphrased as follows: "What do I do with this experience? How am I now to regard my faith/Christian faith, and how should I act with my Christian neighbors/as a Christian?"

Most of the audience comments following the film were also highly critical. It was noteworthy, however, that the only positive comments were offered by two African-American viewers, who attested that the film affirmed their faith by accentuating that Jesus suffered for their sins, and that all – then as now – are guilty of putting him on the cross. The smattering of applause in that audience, and the AME church buses that I see parked outside the Senator as the run continues, confirm my own concern that here in Baltimore, the film will perpetuate, and perhaps deepen, the divide between black and white faith communities, not just liberal or Catholic vs. Evangelical churches, or Christian vs. Jewish faith communities.

Many other rabbis and columnists in the Anglo-Jewish media have written and posted statements that posit a, or the, "Jewish" response. The only stance I can heartily suggest is one of engagement, regardless of whether or not you wish to see, or have seen this film. Engage in purposeful dialogue with your Christian neighbors and co-workers. Use the confluence of Easter and Passover observances to open up conversations. Speak of your own faith; ask them about theirs. Ask them what they do with their faith. And consider what you do with your own.

And then, and then … this film will be redeemed.

Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton