The
visit of Pope Francis to the USA has sparked more interested in Jesus,
and the practical examples of His life. Jesus is honored among all major
religions as a teacher, ethicist,
prophet, or mystic. There are also many groups of
Christians who may not agree on all the details of this faith, and their
kids might be in your classes. It takes a delicate touch to provide
respect for all kids' beliefs during discussions of major religions.
We
respect the rights of all people to have beliefs. I am not recommending
showing films about Jesus or not showing them in your class; that is a
decision for your school.
But beginning in Middle
School, at least in the State of California, there are many passages
from the Bible, and the New Testament in particular, that are considered
worthy of literary consideration. The Book of Job, the Psalms, the
Sermon on the Mount, parables. The King James version, which recently
celebrated its 500th birthday, is considered a masterpiece itself. It is
said Shakespeare made a contribution to it.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authorized_King_James_Version
And
this is a pretty good time of year to show portions of the Jesus story
if you're going to. Even the History Channel, liberal bastion of cable
TV, frequently shows the television film of "Jesus of Nazareth" in
entirety, Jesus being a central person of historical interest. That's
why this is the year 2012.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Job
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sermon_on_the_Mount
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parables_of_Jesus
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psalms
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| Mary, the mother of Jesus in "The Passion of the Christ." |
Jesus, although He was Jewish, is usually portrayed
looking like a European, generally with a British accent, except for
"The Passion of the Christ," which was in Aramaic (the Hebrew spoken at
the time of Jesus) with subtitles. That's a pretty amazing idea and
accomplishment, if you can find it in you heart to forgive Mel Gibson
for being a flawed human and all after he produced that remarkable
movie. The production has accuracy in costuming, music, and portrays
basic Catholic theology, except possibly about Pontius Pilate, the Roman
who deserved no sympathy for his decision.
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| "The Passion of the Christ" 2004 |
"The Passion of the Christ," is bone crushing in the
accuracy of suffering. The perspective of Mary the mother of Jesus is
unique in this movie version, and serves to present why many Christians
have a special devotion to her. What age of child should see this? I
can't say, but it is
very intense, particularly when Mary flashes back to Jesus falling as a little boy as He carries the cross. Use your own judgement.
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| "The Kings of Kings" 1961 |
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| "The Greatest Story Ever Told" 1965 |
Several Bible-themed movies
came out in the sixties with blue-eyed Jesus actors quoting the King
James Bible. Jeffrey Hunter was in the "Kings of Kings," a remake from
the Cecil B. DeMille's 1927 version.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_Kings_%281961_film%29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Greatest_Story_Ever_Told
Max von Sydow played Jesus in 1965 in "The Greatest Story Ever Told."
The films are sympathetically presented, especially toward poor little
misunderstood Judas, who is frequently the most interesting character.
These films have a respectful mood if not accuracy, and for the viewer
who is looking to connect with the words of Jesus quoted in the Bible,
these films are very effective. Children who are familiar with the story
should be okay with the crucifixion scenes which are not too graphic,
but kids have to be prepared.
As children watch a film
about Jesus, it is very intense. Jesus is a lovable and sympathetic
character whether He is considered in a religious sense or not. Kids
really have to be prepared for the story to transpire. I was invited by a
friend to a theatre full of viewers from her Baptist church to see "The
Passion of the Christ." All adults, all in tears (both men and women)
by the end. It is just a really tough and sad story for both believer
and non-believer.
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| "Jesus of Nazareth" miniseries 1977 |
My preferred film about Jesus to view with
children is the television miniseries, "Jesus of Nazareth." (1977). It
is frequently on television at the Christmas and Easter seasons.
Visually, there are lots of references to famous works of art, and the
music is sort of mysterioso in a supernatural sense that a
good
something, maybe a miracle, is going to happen; that something
supernatural isn't always sinister. Jesus is compassionate, powerful and
somehow one-of-the-guys while being divine. Peter is great with his
bumbling, yet strong and sincere personality. Mary was a little young
being portrayed by Olivia Hussey. Judas was indecisive until he was
creepy and betrayed his best friend. I personally don't think Judas was
sorry after he did that. Laurence Olivier portrayed Nicodemus.
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| Nicodemus quoting Isaiah 53 as Jesus is on the cross. |
Being a miniseries, the important parts of the story
are portrayed because there is time for them. The Sermon on the Mount
is well worth sharing with kids, particularly since important modern
leaders such as Ghandi and Martin Luther King reference
this, and other portions of Jesus' statements. One of my very favorite
scenes from any film is this portrayal of Jesus giving a parable (which
are also part of the standards for literature.) Peter and Matthew the
tax collector also have a moment.
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| Jesus hangin' with His homies, for which He was criticized severely. |
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NKJV
Here is the Prodigal Son, put up on youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7c-XY695hk
The person who put up this video also included a little music, not from the film.
I
would like to share a song that I still find marvelous. This was
written during the Jesus Movement of the early 1970s and presents the
case for Christianity at its most basic and radical. Which pretty much
describes the Jesus Movement, and how Jesus happened in my life then,
too. Enjoy.
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| Good ole fashioned Jesus music from good ole fashioned Jesus People @1972 |
"Jesus Is All That We Need."
Gary Arthur
The Way
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_%28band%29
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDsH29I8vOQ
