On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 25, the highly promoted film, "The Passion of the Christ," opened for viewing at theaters across the United States. The strategic timing aimed to attract Christians who already have increased sensitivity to the Lenten season’s focus on the last days of Jesus’ ministry on earth. The advertising also aimed to draw others who may have little or no faith commitment.

Not much was made of the ash smudges on the foreheads of thousands who attended special services of penitence and commitment on Ash Wednesday. Nor did the appeal to deepened disciplines during the six weeks leading to Passion Sunday, Good Friday and Easter stir media agents to write significant stories about the power of the season in the lives of faithful followers of Jesus.

Some claim that certain scenes provoke anti-Semitism. For many years, the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns has been in dialogue with the Jewish community. Those conversations have been central in helping the United Methodist Church acknowledge complicity and responsibility for anti-Semitism. They have resulted in a deep commitment to work against anti-Semitism in all its forms. Viewers will want to be sensitive to Jewish concerns regarding some scenes in the film.

Other critics have alleged that the film contains undue violence. In particular, some have noted that the scourging and the crucifixion are terribly brutal, and that the film deserves its R or even an NC-17 rating. United Methodists call for critical viewing and analysis and warn against the destructive impact of accumulating violence on viewers. We will want to judge for ourselves whether the critique is valid.

I have not seen the film. Therefore, I cannot comment about these criticisms out of personal experience. I can report on what I learned from inquiries of family members and among friends in the ecumenical community. I have asked, "Do you plan to see ‘The Passion of the Christ’?"

First, I put the question to my wife, Etta Mae. She said that she wanted to see the movie to see how director Mel Gibson interpreted the biblical story. She suggested that people might want to read the biblical account before viewing the movie. Then they can enter into a kind of dialogue with others about the meanings conveyed. Is that not how we always interact with the Holy Scripture? One proposes a possible understanding; another offers a different point of view. Together, insight and discernment develop.

Next, I invited several executives from other denominations to respond to the question. I received a variety of comments. They noted that evangelicals within their communions were urging whole congregations to see the movie. They had heard that some congregations were buying all available seats in local theaters. No one, however, wanted to see the response to "Passion" in conservative-versus-progressive terms. All suggested that the film could have a powerful impact on viewers.

In light of these conversations, I want to encourage people to purchase tickets. It might be helpful to see it with friends or a Sunday school class. Beforehand, I urge group members to read the Passion narratives together. Afterward, participants can get together again to reflect on feelings and meanings.

There is power in the Good News of Jesus Christ to change lives. The world surely needs that kind of change.

*Mutti is president of the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns. He also leads the United Methodist Church’s Kansas Area.