Spartan Daily - Serving San Jose State University since 1934

Issue date: 3/4/04 Section: Campus News

"The Passion of the Christ," a movie that depicts the last 12 hours in the life of Jesus, is one of the biggest blockbusters of the year.

With an initial budget of $25 million, the movie has raked in more than $125 million. Here at San Jose State University, students are talking about the film's impact.

The SJSU Catholic Campus Ministry held a discussion on Sunday evening to get a better understanding of the movie from multiple viewpoints.

Moderator Sister Elizabeth Avalos guided a group of about 30 visitors, consisting mostly of students, through the film's portrayal of Jesus and its effect on personal faith.

"Movies, if used correctly, are just another vehicle to get ideas across," she said. "I'm very interested in younger people's thoughts on faith and different cultures' views on this."

The group discussed the use of violence in the film and whether the realism of it added or detracted from the film.

The movie shows Jesus nearly beaten to death before his crucifixion, when nails are driven through his palms. In much of the film, Jesus is covered in blood from exposed wounds.

Also discussed was the film's relationship with various cultures and the relationship of Christ specifically to Filipinos and Latinos who were at the meeting.

Avalos asked individuals about the movie's accuracy in relation to various Christian cultures.

John Devasia, a graduate student majoring in electrical engineering, said he came to the discussion to distinguish the movie's creative license from reality.

"I wanted a few things clarified, mainly from a historical perspective," he said. "It's mainly aesthetics."

The movie's stylistic use of flashbacks, along with the use of an androgynous Satan, sparked debate. The group discussed the balance of the movie as art and as a visual representation of history.

The group agreed the movie is not a word-for-word biblical account.

Tom Wagner, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, said he was interested in studying the film's message as it relates to his beliefs.

"I came for a more in-depth perspective from a theological standpoint," he said. "It's a great help for interpretation."

Sister Marcia Krause, the director of the SJSU Catholic Campus Ministry, said the discussion was as much for social interaction as for learning.

"All of our events are intended to be friendly for all," she said. "It's an alternative place to come."

Krause said the recreation area of the campus ministry, known as the Omega Lounge, is a place that all students can enjoy, featuring $18,000 in upgrades this year including a big-screen television. Plans for wireless Internet access are in the works, she said.

The campus ministry offers outreach and many social activities. Krause said everybody is invited to check it out.

"It's a home away from home," she said.

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