AGTS News: What does AGTS have to say about "The Passion of the Christ"?

A Message from PresidentByron Klausabout "The Passion of the Christ" Chapel Series, March 16-18, 2004

The Pentecostal heritage carries with it deep roots in the Holiness movement. These Holiness roots have influenced many of us as it relates to attendance at movies. That is a conviction that many Pentecostals hold and those values are firmly held by various members of the AGTS community. Those values must not be disparaged.

An additional challenge faces us as 21st century leaders of the Church. Film is arguably the most powerful literary genre of our times. It carries significant influence worldwide and if we are to continue as effective participants in evangelism we must understand film's influence on the world where we are attempting to communicate the Gospel.

Mel Gibson's film, "The Passion of the Christ," provides an unprecedented bridge to people in our community by which we may discuss the claims of Christ. We would be remiss if we did not seize this opportunity with enthusiasm and skill.

So that we can be stewards of this opportunity for Christ's witness, we planned this chapel series. The chapel experience will be most effective if you have seen the film. The impact of the film will be thoroughly discussed and guidelines for usage of this film as a discussion doorway to the claims of Christ will be provided. We will formally respond to the larger issue of anti-Semitism which this film calls us to address.

We welcome the entire AGTS community to join us in The Passion of the Christ chapel series. It is an activity that seeks to "study to show ourselves approved, workmen that need not be ashamed." (2 Timothy 2:15)

Listen to the services below.

• "A Community Responds to 'The Passion of the Christ;" (10MB Windows Media Player file,Download Help, Download Time Calculator), Tuesday, March 16, 2004, A review/critique from the AGTS equivalents to Siskel and Ebert, Dr.Ben Akerand Dr.Earl Creps.
  • Download Dr. Crep's "Questions about ‘The Passion of the Christ’” (small PDF, Download Help)
  • Download Dr. Aker's review: “A Review of ‘The Passion of the Christ’". (small PDF, Download Help)
• On March 17 and 18, 2004, Dr.Ray Gannonpresents a scholarly lecture from his recent dissertations.
  • "Christ's Passion: Anti-Semitic or 'Jewish-friendly'?;" (9MB Windows Media Player file,Download Help, Download Time Calculator)
  • "The Provisional Pentecostal Romance with Israel;" (9MB Windows Media Player file,Download Help, Download Time Calculator)

Resources

• Stroble, Lee & Poole, Gary. Experiencing the Passion of Jesus. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004.
• Steffen, Bonne. The Passion. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale, 2004.
• The Passion: How to Share Christ. A/G Evangelism Commission, 2004

Official Websites

• www.thepassionofchrist.com (movie site)
• www.passionmaterials.com (promotional materials)
• www.thepassionoutreach.com (church resources)
• www.studentshavepassion.com (student website)

Updated: Wednesday, April 7, 2004 9:32 AM