For centuries the Christian church has marked the the Passion. Fables have distracted the focus of the Passion in the arts . Some seek a return to the Bible to renew it
Early Christianity focused on a simple message of salvation that was diametrically opposed to the belief systems of the various Imperial religions and cults.
It was not the tenets of the Catholic Church under attack, it was her corruption of power by the few that caused the greatest ire among her staunch and devote clergy.
Lectio divina--literally "divine reading"--is an ancient practice of contemplative Scripture study. It is easily adaptable for personal devotion or communal meditation.