Letters

Second Review

Posted

John Mulderig’s review of “Ben Hur” (CNY, Sept. 1) conflates Bonhoeffer’s concept of “Cheap Grace” with bad script writing and acting. Mulderig observes that the protagonist of the film receives “a redemption unjustified and unpersuasive precisely because it is unearned.” Of course, grace is always unjustified and unearned—otherwise it would not be grace. 

One of Bonhoeffer’s points about “Cheap Grace” is that one has to truly repent before receiving it. Perhaps what Mulderig means to say is that the protagonist’s moment of repentance comes across as insincere.

Rachel Rigolino

Highland