My Brief Reflection of the Movie “Risen”

The movie “Risen” that many of us have anticipated is now showing in theaters. I just watched it with my wife, daughter, and son-in-law. I’m not going to spoil the movie for others by getting into many details. In fact, aside from the fictitious main character—a Roman Tribune—and some expected dramatic license, there were very few incorrect details in the movie. The main one was the portrayal of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute. The New Testament does not portray her in this manner. The mischaracterization probably began with Pope Gregory I in the 6th century who thought Mary Magdalene was the anonymous woman who is described as a “sinner” (probably a prostitute) in Luke 7:36-50. While the equation of the two is possible, it is nothing more than complete speculation.

I loved the movie and found myself getting emotional (yes, tearing up) on several occasions. And my wife will tell you that’s very rare for me. While “Risen” is not Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” it inspired me and I will want to see it again, perhaps in a theatre but certainly on DVD.