A timeless controversy

On screen, in print, on the air and by word of mouth, the media and the public have been screaming controversy since Passion trailers first hit the web almost a year ago. Somewhere along the line, speculation about the film's content evolved almost unconsciously into a discussion about people's perceptions of the content; transforming anticipation into anxiety. How were people likely to react?

The Freeman Center for Jewish Life began preparing an action plan several months in advance of the film 's Ash Wednesday release, anticipating a reaction on campus, but uncertain as to what form the reaction would take. FCJL director Ari Dubin explained how expectations of the film's impact have become more optimistic in the past few weeks. "Six month ago, the media was portraying this as a Christian vs. Jewish problem. Now, many Christians and Jewish people have come together to demonstrate that this is not true."

Reactions to the film have been personal, and not as polarized as previously feared. Dubin continued, "Jews see the film and see what affects them. Christians see the film and see what affects them. They're reacting to their experience with the film, and not just to the film itself."

In conjunction with campus administrators, religious leaders and campus life orgazations (including the Catholic Student Center), the Freeman Center is sponsoring a series of lectures and panels during the month of March. Dubin hopes to encourage open discussion addressing both the film's content and context. "I think it would be a tragedy," he concluded, "to walk out and only talk about whether this film is anti-Semitic or not."