Politics, Religion, and Power in The Passion of the Christ

Introduction: Universal Themes in The Passion of the Christ

Mel Gibson's 2004 film The Passion of the Christ contains universal and timeless motifs, symbols, and themes. Among the themes that most viewers will easily relate to are the love between mother and child, the nature of human suffering, and the nature of devotion. However, one of the most poignant topics addressed in the film — one that also pertains to the modern era — deals with the nature of government, the ways politicians function in their public and private lives, and the interface between religion and politics.

Political Persecution and the Threat to Established Authority

In the film's depicted time period as well as in the modern era, politics cannot be separated from many business or judicial decisions. Jesus of Nazareth was deemed a threat to the existing state and religious hierarchies. His teachings undermined the authority of the Jewish priests, who were in informal collusion with the Roman government. Although no exact parallel can be drawn between the situation depicted in the film and the modern era, any political dissident who amasses a large following would be likewise persecuted by the government or by whatever organization felt threatened.

Viewed as a political and religious insurgent, Jesus' presence especially irritated the upper echelon of Jewish priests, who pressured the Roman consul to officially prosecute and execute him. Nowadays, individuals are still being persecuted for their beliefs. Although people are not being crucified literally, many have been figuratively condemned for espousing beliefs that threaten the establishment. Jesus was, in essence, a political prisoner. Likewise, in the wake of September 11, the United States government kept many individuals in custody for interrogation regarding their political allegiances and supposed links to terrorist groups.