Avoid `Last Temptation' as matter of conscience
Letter to the Editor
This weekend, the movie "The Last Temptation of Christ" will be shown at the Snite Cinema. I consider this film sacrilegious and wouldn't be at all disappointed if the showing were cancelled. But this is not a letter about cancelling the film. I'm writing rather to the individual Christian, and what I have to say this: If you're planning to see "Last Temptation," be sure you make it a matter of conscience.
You see, Notre Dame can make the film available, push you to see it and perhaps even make you feel "out of it" if you don't. But no one can decide whether or not you'll actually see it — no one but you.
At this point some readers may say, "I won't make a decision about `Last Temptation' just based on the fact that Hollywood likes it and Notre Dame is showing it. But I don't want to take your word for it either. I want to make my own decision."
I agree. If you want to get informed about this film, then by all means get informed and investigate. But don't make watching it the first step of your investigation. If you have friends who have already seen the movie, ask them about it. Be specific. If there's no one you can ask, you can still easily get information about the movie's content — after all, this is the "Information Age."
If, at that point, you still think "The Last Temptation of Christ" falls within the limits set by your conscience, then go ahead and watch. I can't exactly say I'd be happy for you, but I won't try to stop you.
Although this letter is not about trying to prevent the movie from being shown, I would like to conclude by saying a word to those who are showing the movie. The Notre Dame theology department is sponsoring the film and holding a lecture afterwards. I would like to request that, in a token of fairness to your customers, you give a lecture BEFORE the film — at least let people know what they'll be participating in if they watch "The Last Temptation of Christ."
Peter Byers
Graduate Student
January 28, 2000
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, February 2, 2000
