The story of the passion and death of Jesus is read every year to countless Christians throughout the world. With the opening of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, a new option is available to those who want to experience the story visually. The movie, which focuses on the final hours of Jesus' life, carries an R-rating for "sequences of graphic violence" that include a bloody scourging. Concern has arisen among some movie chains, parents and church groups about those under 17 flocking to the movie.

It seems to be a common element among R-rated films--young people sneaking in under the noses of theater personnel to the chagrin of parents and church groups, who blame marketing aimed at younger audiences. The Passion is different because the same underage audience is coming with the blessing of not only parents, but pastors as well.

Granted, the violence in The Passion is not gratuitous or meant solely for entertainment. Rather, it is meant to convey a deeply spiritual and personal message. Such a distinction may be lost on children, who may leave carrying scenes of Jesus' suffering but not an understanding of why he endured it.

Though technically a person of any age could see an R-rated movie if accompanied by a parent or a note, some movie chains are refusing to admit anyone under 11, regardless of parental consent. Some church groups, which have rented theaters for group showings, are allowing those as young as 10 if accompanied by a parent.

As youth groups buy tickets in blocks, it is important to remember that a decision to see such an intense movie should be based on personal introspection and should not be swayed by the peer pressure that can be created in such a group. An attitude of "you're not a good Christian if you don't want to see the movie" is not only damaging but against Christian teachings of tolerance and acceptance. For those too young to see the movie alone, parental discussion is a must.

Some adults argue that kids are exposed to so much violence and immorality through the media these days that The Passion is a necessary counterbalance to popular culture. Exposing kids to more violence in the name of teaching values is counterproductive. The DVD will be around for years to come and the Gospel readings will still be read every year lest anyone forget the story.