Jesus-Nonviolence In The Film 'The Passion Story'

The movie progresses to depict the imminent threat of war and the monks are forced to decide whether to leave the community they love or to flee and seek safety elsewhere. The head monk, Christian, initially decides that the entire convent will stay and refuses to enlist an army for protection. St. Benedict summarized Christian’s decision to stay as a nonviolent presence in the community as “Let the leader strive to be loved rather than feared” (Article 8 (2472)). Another factor in Christian’s decision is his belief that Christ endured the ultimate persecution and rejection without violence, aggression or condemnation of his persecutors throughout the Passion Story (Mathew [26:67], Mark [15:16-20], Luke [23:35] and John [19:1-3]). Thus nonviolence …show more content…
Jesus’ refusal of violence and weapons in all situations clearly exemplifies how to love. Thus, when the monks are threatened with persecution and violence, they respond by following Jesus’ example of love. As the terrorists approach the monastery, the monks emphasize the key principle of Jesus-nonviolence. Nonviolence as an embodiment of the virtue of love is represented by the monks meeting the terrorists outdoors, thereby preventing guns from entering into the monastery. The monks’ action upholds an important ideal of Jesus as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah [9:6]). Ironically, this occurs on Christmas night, when the innocent Prince of Peace entered a world where many would hate Him. Despite the interruption, the monks follow the strict instructions of prayer and meals, which dictate that proper Christmas mass must occur two hours after their meeting with the terrorists (Doyle). Now dad, As you watch the movie, do not be deceived that the monks are merely embracing a deontological Jesus ethic with obeying rules as the ultimate