Jesus on Film

I figured it out!!! I think...

2005-02-04T05:37:48Z

Ok everyone I think I worked it out... I doubt anyone is reading this since class just ended but oh well... see you around everybody!!

Jesus Musical Smackdown

2005-01-29T19:12:18Z

We have watch two Jesus musicals in the class, both telling very different stories. Both very different is the type of music and format that they employ.
Which do you prefer, Jesus Christ Superstar or Godspell?
To Much Heaven On Their Minds or Prepare Ye The Way of The Lord?
I Don't Know How To Love Him v. Day By Day?
You'll Get The Power and The Glory v. It's All For The Best?
Superstar v. Long Live God?
Rock Opera v. Hippie Musical?

Cast Your Vote Now:

View Poll: Jesus Musical Smackdown

My Rant About the Passion - Do you have one?

2005-01-27T07:25:53Z

We ran out of time last night in our discussion about the passion and there were some things that I didn't get a chance to say, so here goes. After last night, I'm sure you are aware of my problems with the movie as a Biblical Scholar. The abandonment of the text, the invention of unbiblical material in order to make a theological point which then masquerades as the "real" story is what I don't like from a scholarly perspective. In some ways, Gibson does to the passion story what the gospel writers did themselves. The gospel writers clearly had a few facts at hand. The sentence of Pilate, the crucifixion itself, the betrayal of Judas, the denial of Peter, and from that they each spun their own story which aligned perfectly with their own theological agendas. When necessary they added new material (like Luke's story of Jesus trial before Herod) or they got rid of things they didn't like (No "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" in John). Gibson actually does the same things. He takes a handful of sentences from the text and then weaves his own story adding and subtracting as he wants to make a passion narrative that perfectly represents his theology. Of course, that means it doesn't represent history (contrary to Gibson's protestations), but that didn't bother the gospel writers either. Had Gibson's movie started like Last Temptation with a disclaimer - "This is not based on the gospels but based on the writings of Catherine Anne Emmerich and is an attempt to create a spiritual reflection on the nature of suffering" no one would have any problem with it. But it is the bait-and-switch aspect, where you think you are getting the real deal, and then get Gibson's (and Emmerich's) own imagination that troubles me. As an academic I demand more honesty than Gibson will give.

But that's not where I want to go here, because my real problem is not as an academic it is theological. I am offended by Gibson's theological vision. Part of the reason I'm offended is Gibson pretension that his theology is historically authentic. But even if that was not the case, I would still oppose this movie because I think his brutally violent theology is offensive. The notion of substitutionary atonement has been one which has an important place in Christian theology, but in Paul where it is first developed the emphasis is always placed on the actual death of Jesus, not his scourging or his incredibly difficult stumble to Golgatha. The scandal of Christianity (as Paul calls it) is not of the whip but of the cross. And in Paul, as well, the emphasis is almost always on the cross AND the resurrection. In the cross sin is conquered, but in the resurrection new life is created. An emphasis on the Suffering of Christ before the cross misses the point.

But even more than that, I am not comfortable with the whole idea of substitutionary atonement. The idea that God's justice demands punishment and that Christ's death is payment for that is, I think, a problematic understanding of God. But Gibsons film highlights the suffering of Christ precisely in order to have Jesus pay a even greater price than in the text. But historically it has not been the scourging or the painstaking journey to the cross which has been understood as the payment, rather it is the separation from God that comes on the cross, eliciting the cry "My God, My God, Why have you forsaken me?" The whipping of Christ was not payment for our sins, it was rather the sadism of men that lead to the sourge. But Gibson has fetishized the abuse of Christ making it into an object of reverence. Apparently Gibson feels that his sins are bad enough that Christ's death on the cross is not payment enough, he must up the ante. That, I fear, is idolatry, it is the worship of the acts of men, rather than God. Jesus' death would have been just as effective had Pilate taken a sword and stabbed him, or a solider shot him with an arrow. That Gibson moves the focus away from the death of Christ to the suffering of Christ is what I have the problem with. This movie makes me angry every time I watch it because, as Paul says, it exchanges the worship of the creator for the worship of humanity's creation -- and a horrific creation it is.

Will The Real Jesus Stand Up?

2005-01-26T00:09:29Z

We have now seen films that are strictly derived from the gospel texts, and those which are an interpretive approach to the gospel text. What are some insights that you have gleaned from watching these films? What new understandings of Jesus did you get? How much license is ok, when dealing with the Jesus story? Where do we draw the line?

What's the Difference

2005-01-17T22:47:39Z

We have now watched two Jesus Films, The Gospel of John, and the Jesus Film. What are the differences and similarities between these two portraits of Jesus? How do their visions of Jesus mission and life differ and how are they similiar? Which do you like better and why?

What is your favorite Jesus Film

2005-01-07T03:39:38Z

I'll be finalizing the list of films we'll be watching for Jan term and I'm interested in other people's perspectives. Do you have a favorite Jesus film? Make a case for why its best and maybe I'll put it on the list.

Getting to Know You

2004-12-31T18:11:07Z

Welcome to all the new members. Post to this entry a little introduction about yourself. Your name, your major, your year and if you already have a favorite Jesus film say what it is and why you like it. Thanks for helping me with this. All comments to this post are extra credit.

And So It Begins

2004-12-29T20:06:28Z

This a web-log for the Jesus on Film class. Students are expected to post to the log at least 3 times per week. Acceptable entries are reflections on the films and responses to other peoples posts. Please remember that courtesy is always expected. It is not acceptable to post derogatory comments about other peoples perspectives. Flames will not be tolerated and such posts will be deleted. Positive and negative comments about the film are welcome as long as they are well reasoned and thoughtful. Have fun and I look forward to your comments.