The year is 2021 and “The Life of Brian” is on the index. So at least on a similar list. Together with currently around 700 other films, the cult comedy by Monty Python is not allowed to be shown publicly in Germany on so-called “silent holidays” – including Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
However, the Good Friday ban was overturned, at least in Baden-Württemberg, and streaming and television programs are not considered “public” in this country. That’s why “The Life of Brian” is running today at 8:15 pm on RTL II. According to the law, that would be practically impossible in the cinema – open air or in the hall. In the course of the current infection process, that would not be a good idea anyway. But apart from that, this ban – like the ban on dancing – is a problem that is not worthy of an enlightened society.
That the three kings mix up the stable and accidentally fall in with Brian instead of Jesus, stoning as a leisure activity, the Popular Front of Judea, the Judean Popular Front (splitter!), Schwanzus Longus and the Spanish Inquisition – as that is one thing above all: funny and brilliant satire that skilfully moves between sharp-tongued and slapstick. And it does what good satire does: it does not step down, but up. And up there is the church as an institutionalized form of Christianity with an influence on politics and society that should not be underestimated and, on the Catholic side, a self-image that is partly somewhere above the law – both 42 (!) Years ago, as “The life of Brian ”Premiered, as well as today.
Put your finger in the wound – even if it hurts
Without question: religious freedom is and will remain a valuable asset and is rightly anchored in the Basic Law. But at least as important a good is artistic freedom, which is clearly mentioned only one article further in the same constitutional text. It is an important instrument in the critical examination of politics, social developments and also institutionalized religion. And the church in particular should not be isolated from criticism even during the holidays.
The British comedy troupe Monty Python was not interested in personally denouncing individuals for their beliefs. No, despite all the silliness, it is ultimately about system criticism. And as a church member, no one can escape being part of a system that is sometimes questionable. Even on days when it is supposedly uncomfortable to be able to put the finger directly into the wound is one of the greatest (re-) achievements after the Nazi rule.
Turning on Brian’s Life is a political act
Because there are no bans on speaking and thinking – even if the rights are happy to propagate the opposite. Freedom of expression, just like freedom of religion and art, is guaranteed in the Basic Law. However, freedom of expression does not mean having to accept the problematic without being contradicted. And there are certainly enough problematic things in the Church.
Watching “The Life of Brian” at Easter is therefore – and now it gets slightly pathetic – a downright political act. And besides, laughing is good. So: switch on! Or stream the movie on Netflix. And always look on the bright side of life. Unfortunately, we can’t go to the cinema.
