Jim Currin on why he'll be watching the BBC's Passion this Easter

|PIC1|As I understand it, the key reason the BBC drama department have spent millions commissioning The Passion, detailing the last week of Jesus' life, is simply because it is a good story. Nothing more. Having said that, though, the mere retelling of the Gospel narrative is a deeply moving experience which raises lots of questions in the mind of the viewer about the characters involved, especially Jesus and what he came to do.

So what are we to do? Worry that the BBC gets criticised for promoting the Gospel? Ignore the fact that millions of people will be challenged about Jesus? Complain to the Times about the colour of his hair? Debate the textual interpretation of Mark 16 verse 1?

A small representative Think Tank has been working with Andrew Graystone from the Churches Media Council to consider these questions for the wider church. First of all we recommend all Christians everywhere welcome this production and don't criticise the finer points. The small section of film we were privileged to see leads us to commend the BBC for an excellent piece of drama which clearly follows the Gospel narrative. It illuminates the power struggles, relationships, expectations and questions about the resurrection. It is very moving and may touch our nation. Certainly we need to be ready for a conversation.

To give you an idea of the drama production, think more Jesus of Nazareth with Robert Powell than Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. This superb BBC drama, with all the questions it raises, could be used in schools. The Bible Society is working on that, which gives you an idea that this production is aimed at prime time main stream audience, all of whom are going to be challenged about Jesus and whether he rose from the dead or not. Some churches may invite people to discuss what they have seen, or even set up a big screen showing (in the pub?), while others will advise on Notice Boards and websites the www.rejesus.co.uk/passion resource

Whatever we do, let's make good use of the opportunity being presented for public discussion. Ours is not a private religion and we invite everyone to have their own opinion. Evangelisation is about sharing the good news of Jesus in our own generation. What happened in Jesus' last week in Jerusalem is a challenge to all of us, and what better opportunity do we all have to stop and think about it? The discussion starts on Palm Sunday 16th March and ends on Easter Day. Or does it?

Jim Currin represents the Churches Co-ordinating Group for Evangelisation of Churches Together in England.

All advisory material for churches can be found at www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/passion. The public conversation is to be resourced by Rejesus, as it works on behalf of all the churches in Britain and Ireland. Go to www.rejesus.co.uk/passion for more information.