Religion and Theology: Similarities Between Mere Christianity and the Passion of the Christ

Running head: RELIGION AND THEOLOGY

Religion and Theology: Similarities between Mere Christianity and The Passion of the Christ

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RELIGION AND THEOLOGY Religion and Theology: Similarities between Mere Christianity and The Passion of the Christ It is interesting to compare religious and theological books and films, in analyzing how writers and directors decide to illustrate the meaning inherent in faith and spirituality. Mere

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Christianity by Lewis (2001) is a book which aims to describe the backbone of Christian beliefs, centering on the poignant themes of the Christian experience in being called to know and love the Trinitarian God. The Passion of the Christ written by Fitzgerald and Gibson and directed by Gibson (2004) is a film which aims to place focus on the actual life of Christ as he is experiencing his Passion here on Earth, also known as the Stations of the Cross or the Sorrowful Mysteries, before his crucifixion and resurrection. By comparing the Mere Christianity and The Passion of the Christ, one is able to identify the religious and theological similarities between the two works. There are certain similarities between Mere Christianity and The Passion of the Christ, which are highlighted even more starkly by their differences. Both works center on the central meaning and importance of the Christian experience. While Lewis places focus on explaining the backbone of Christianity by way of a guidebook, such as noting that the “whole of Christianity… (is) putting on Christ” (195), Fitzgerald and Gibson highlight the significance of the Passion of Christ, his actual experiences and actions before his crucifixion and resurrection. Both works demand an acknowledgement and adherence to the will of God. Lewis calls the reader to understand the natural law as being governed by God himself, God being the omnipotent and loving universal force which is perfectly expressed through his Son Jesus Christ, even going...