Should children see "The Passion of the Christ"?

By Thomas Sanders

The story of Christ's death and resurrection is the most powerful story ever told. It is a story that has changed all of life and history. It is to this end that the gospel writers put the story in written form so that many could hear of the sacrifice of the Christ. The story as told in scripture is as powerful as any presentation and it has transformed lives for centuries. The written word for two thousand years has gripped the hearts of people of all ages and cultures. As other mediums of communication have developed, faithful followers of Christ have desired to tell the story in new ways in order to spread the good news. The most recent is The Passion of the Christ. Heralded by many as the most powerful visual telling of the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christians are enthusiastic to experience this story and to have the story impact their neighborhoods and world.

This same motivation can impact boys and girls in a variety of ways. The desire to help children experience this powerful story and the excitement of being a part of this historic media event can cause parents to overlook the developmental and individual needs of their children. The biblical account of the passion of the Christ in its written form is appropriate and necessary for boys and girls kindergarten and elementary. However, each child is different and parents and teachers should consider their needs and personality when telling or reading the Easter story. It is important that the Easter story be told in a way that creates hope and trust for boys and girls not despair and fear. An over emphasis on the brutality in the early years can create unnecessary fear and confusion. These details can be best left for later years as the child develops. It is essential that boys and girls focus on the resurrection and life rather than death and pain. First impressions are lasting impressions and misconceptions can be difficult to correct especially if they are born out of an emotional experience. The details of Christ's death should develop as the child develops in his ability to understand and deal with issues.

A paramount issue for parents and teachers to consider before taking children to see this movie is that the movie is a visual representation of the story. When a child reads the biblical account or is told the story, he can create images in his mind that are easier to handle. A visual and truly graphic representation of this story can be very different for the child. Torture and pain that is beyond a child's experience can shock them and cause them a great deal of anxiety. It is for this reason that The Passion of the Christ is rated "R." This means that it is not recommended for children 17 and younger and that parents should know their child or student and know the content of a movie before they go with them to see it. The rating "R" or "PG-13" is a great tool for parents in gauging the content appropriateness for children and students. In all cases parents must consider the implications of a Christian parent breaking secular guidelines for the under-aged. When viewers with a non biblical worldview rate a movie "R" or "PG-13" parents should have seen the content and have good reasons for breaking this guidance. Too much, too soon is a trap that parent fall into all too easily. This accounts for a culture when boys and girls are all too accustomed to nudity, violence, and profanity. In this case, the story of the Christ is known and the main issue is graphic violence.

For this reason, parents should know the personality and sensitivity of their child. They should discuss the child's desire and interest in seeing the movie.

Parents of 14-17 year old students should view the movie with their students.

Parents of 11-13 year olds should see the movie first before taking their child or student.

Parents of 10 year olds and younger should purchase a copy of the movie for them to see at a later date.

Gauging a child's or student's readiness requires parents to be informed of the visual content and know their child. This movie should move all people to a closer understanding of the gravity of Christ's death, but it should not leave a child in emotional despair.

Another issue for parents and teachers to consider is that this movie is presented in the original languages. It contains English subtitles which the child should be able to read on his or her own in a quick fashion. In a crowded theatre is not the time to have lengthy discussions about what a word means or about phrases missed. Parents who desire their child to view this movie may wish to wait and purchase a copy. This will allow them to show the movie on a smaller less intimidating screen where volume can be controlled, where the movie can be stopped at any point for questions, or where the child will also be able to say, "I have seen enough." This lowers the pressure.

The Passion of the Christ offers Christians an immense opportunity for personal growth and commitment along with evangelistic opportunities. This well told story of God's love speaks the visual language of today's culture. As parents and teachers we must think of our children and what is best for them. The key question is not if this movie is appropriate, but when is it appropriate?

(Editor's note: Sanders is Minister of Childhood Education, Park Cities Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas.)