‘Passion’ spurs millions of people to alter beliefs

A new poll says 11 million people changed their religious beliefs after seeing Mel Gibson’s film, “The Passion of the Christ,” but only a tiny fraction of moviegoers became Christians after seeing the film.

The survey, by the Ventura, Calif.-based Barna Group, said the film about the death of Jesus was remarkably effective at drawing attention to the Christian Savior, even if it persuaded few to make professions of faith.

“More than any other movie in recent years, ‘The Passion’ focused people on the person and purpose of Jesus Christ,” George Barna, the director of research, said.

“In a society that revolves on relativism, spiritual diversity, tolerance and independence, galvanizing such intense consideration of Jesus Christ is a major achievement in itself.”

The controversial film, which was denounced by Jewish groups for its portrayal of Jews, is the year’s top-grossing film, at $609 million worldwide.

Millions saw the movie

Barna said about 67 million adults have seen the movie, about one-third of all adults in the United States.

Barna’s survey of 1,618 adults found that 13 million adults (18 percent of those who saw it) altered their religious behavior, and 11 million (16 percent) changed their religious beliefs after seeing “The Passion.”

Barna said changed behavior involved increased church attendance, praying more often or involvement in church-related activities.

Changed beliefs involved becoming more concerned for others, implications of “life choices or personal behavior” and an increased “appreciation” for Jesus’ death.

Still, fewer than one-tenth of one percent of moviegoers (about 67,000) became Christians after seeing the film.

Fewer than one-half of one percent (335,000) were motivated to share their Christian faith, according to Barna’s research.

Barna said “major transformation is not likely to result from one-time exposure to a specific media product.”

Barna’s overall survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 percentage points, and 3.9 percentage points for the 646 adults surveyed who saw the movie.

At the same time, research by Nielsen EDI Inc., which tracks movie sales, found “The Passion” was the most popular in suburbs and a wide swath of the Sun Belt, from Orange County, Calif., and New Mexico through Texas, Florida and up into Ohio, Detroit and New York City.    (RNS)