PCANews - There has been some debate over the movie "The Passion of the Christ" – as to whether the 2nd Commandment is broken by viewing it. This is a proper hermeneutical issue. Biblical hermeneutics, when applied correctly, should help us discern the teaching of Scripture and its application to our doctrine and life. A biblical hermeneutic should help us bring clarity to an issue such as understanding the 2nd Commandment.

The 2nd Commandment clearly teaches that there are to be no "graven images" (KJV), no "carved images" (ESV), no "idols" (NIV). The prohibition here involves the idea, process, and practice of worshiping a false god instead of the Creator, triune God. Obviously, artistic expression is involved here (the making of an object in our minds and with our hands), whether it is for good (creative expression) or evil (to worship) purposes.

So then, what is permissible with regard to artistic expression in the 2nd Commandment? There are those who would exclude such creative expressions of as a cross, a dove, picture Bibles for children, the Pieta, the Last Supper, stained glass windows, and any movie which depicts Christ. The list is endless. However, when we read this Commandment correctly we do not find these prohibitions against creativity, only the prohibition against idolatry.

One of the more compelling arguments for a proper understanding of the 2nd Commandment comes in John 1, which teaches that the Word became flesh. Jesus had physical features which were distinguishable. Isaiah 53:2 states that "there was no beauty of majesty to attract us to him." Also, in John 20:25 we read that Thomas would not believe in the resurrection unless he saw the nail marks in Jesus' hands. Thomas remembered what Jesus looked like. Where do we draw the line with what may or may not be considered idolatry? The line must be drawn with the proper understanding of the 2nd Commandment itself without adding to it or subtracting from it.

In the Old Testament, the breaking of the 2nd Commandment occurred when someone created an object for the purpose of worshiping it rather than the Creator God. The violation occurred in thought as well as deed (Ex. 32:4; Is 40:19; 44:15; 44:17). In the New Testament (Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:5) the prohibition is further explained by Paul as anything which comes between the believer and God: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed. Although we may not be bowing down to a carved-out idol, idolatry occurs when we place anything between us and God.

So should a believer go to see Mel Gibson's movie "The Passion of the Christ" and recommend it to others? I believe we can answer, yes! The evidence is quite clear that the 2nd Commandment is kept when:

1. We understand this commandment correctly, which does not prohibit artistic expression as long as these objects are not worshiped.

2. When we understand correctly the implications of the Incarnation.

3. When we properly understand the meaning of idolatry in both the Old and New Testament.
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TE Charlie Rodriguez is the president of Fortress Book Services in Clinton, Miss.

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