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Why we shouldn't sell the Passion

| 4 Comments

By Jeb Renquist, found through Jordon Cooper:

So after the movie is done, there was a minute to reflect and meditate. And then host came out and with him, the promotional tools. The tools you can use with this movie to reach non-believers and evangelize them, for a minimal price. And all I could think was...they just don't get it.

They just don't get it. They don't get the fact that most people who see this will still see it as a film, and within the context of a film. I've read reviews for this film from different authors some being noted atheists and no where along the line was there a moment of relevation, an "ah-hah" where it hit them just what this story truly means and how it could change their life personally...

You know what, people aren't stupid. They can smell a pitch a mile away. And worst of all, they know how Christians like to operate.

Well said.

4 Comments

so... boycott it? avoid all conversation about it? i'd agree to not turn it into some bait-and-switch sales pitch, but what's wrong with seeing the story and engaging others?

or maybe i read your take wrong and it's ok to engage, as long as the "pitch" is kept away...?

my bad - sorry if i jumped too hard. i read your take before jeb's full piece, and i'd respond now with my second sentiment - we'll engage the story as a story, and the sales pitch - if the story's a good one - will be unnecessary... how's that?

thanks - good thoughts - made me think.

No problem, Rick. You're right - I think it's a great movie, and I'd go to see it with some friends. But I have doubts about the wisdom of a sales and marketing campaign from the church.

It's as if the church is saying we can do a better job of speaking to a person's heart than the Holy Spirit. Why can't we just let people chew on stuff? Why do we need to rush them?