Semper Ubi Sub Ubi

More Thoughts on Images

As time goes by, as more folks have gone to see Gibson's "Passion", the need for resources to talk with people about the film continues to grow. As I think about the film, the most critical resource to have with us as unbelievers ask us about the movie is, of course, the Gospel. While I cannot confess the movie's warrantability, there is no question that God can use such instruments for good in putting the issue of the Christ on people's minds.

In addition to this clear call upon believers, to be ready with the Gospel (aren'at we ALWAYS to be ready with the Gospel?), there is another task at hand. For professed Christians who have seen it, it seems to me that an enormous need is to ask "WHY images?", in the face of the Scriptural prohibitions, and the conclusions that reasoned, diligent reflection on the Scriptures have produced. A number of Christians that I have talked to can't even fathom the fact that I would have an issue with seeing the movie that is based on the second commandment. I have been told more than once that such an issue would never in a million years have occurred to them. I get the sense that I am thought to be a nitpicky legalist in holding my position that the movie's use of images is absolutely unwarrantable.

I have found a wonderful collection of reflections on the issue of images of Christ and the second commandment on my good friend Andrew Webb's church website. Please, if you are undecided about the issue of images and "The Passion", or if you are convinced that they are warranted in this case, please take a look at Andrew's collection.