Jesus Christ Superstar: Art or Blasphemy?

Introduction: A Rock Opera That Shook the Church

So, for those who aren’t familiar with "Jesus Christ Superstar," it’s a rock opera, and it first hit the stage in the 1970s. It wasn’t just another Broadway debut but an earthquake that rocked the religious and theatrical world. With composer Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock melodies and lyricist Tim Rice’s edgy lyrics, the musical reimagined the last days of Jesus from an unconventional perspective: through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

Biblical Timeline:

So, before I go into detail on the Broadway show, I wanted to give a biblical timeline that the show depicts the final week of Jesus’ life:

1. Jesus returned to Jerusalem to celebrate Palm Sunday (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12).

2. He then goes to the temple and drives out money merchants, where he objects to the commercialization on the grounds of a holy place (Mark 11:15-18).

3. Jesus then shares a Passover meal with his disciples, during which he predicts Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial (Matthew 26; Mark 14; Luke 22; John 13).

4. Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he prays to God in agony about his impending death, but he ultimately submits to God’s will (Matthew 26:36-46).

5. Judas then agrees to betray Jesus to the priests for 30 pieces of silver because the priests believed that Jesus’ influence would disrupt the current state with the Romans and decided to plot a plan to execute him (Luke 22).

6. After arresting Jesus, the Jewish council brought Him before Pontius Pilate, who then sent Him to King Herod, where He was finally condemned to death (Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19).

7. Peter denied knowing Jesus 3 times, which Jesus predicted he would.

8. Jesus is ultimately crucified on the cross (Matthew 27:33-56).

The Plot that Provoked:

Unlike traditional Gospel narratives, Jesus Christ Superstar tells the story of Passion Week in a raw, emotional, and very human way. The portrayal presents Jesus more as a confused, burned man than as the divine. Judas, often the villain, is given a sympathetic lens. And notably, the musical ends with the crucifixion but no resurrection in sight.

This departure from core Christian doctrine sparked backlash:

“It’s a distortion of Scripture. It humanizes Jesus but denies His divinity.”

— Many Christian Leaders, circa 1971

Why the Outrage?

Here are some reasons the show has been controversial, especially among evangelical Christians:

• Lack of Resurrection: The musical ends on Good Friday. No Easter Sunday. This absence deeply unsettled believers who see the resurrection as the cornerstone of the Christian faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).

• Sympathy for Judas: The show's portrayal of Judas’ inner turmoil caused many to feel it undermined the biblical view of betrayal.

• Mary Magdalene’s Role: Her tender relationship with Jesus is emphasized, with the song “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” suggesting romantic feelings—an idea unsupported by Scripture.

• Language and Tone: Some lines, like “He’s just a man,” and Judas calling God “You sad, pathetic man,” were seen as sacrilegious.

A Cultural Moment or a Theological Misstep?

Despite the backlash, Jesus Christ Superstar became a massive hit. It opened doors to spiritual discussions in secular spaces and attracted audiences who may never have read the Bible.

Some Christians found value in its evangelistic potential:

“If it gets people talking about Jesus, we should condemn the practice and present the gospel with truth and love.”

— A youth pastor

Yet others remain cautious, warning that Superstar tells a partial gospel—one that may confuse seekers about the identity and mission of Christ.

Recent Controversy:

The most recent controversy surrounding the Broadway show arose from this year’s renewal at the 2025 Hollywood Bowl, where black queer actor Cynthia Erivo portrayed Jesus Christ and outspoken gay rights advocate Adam Lambert took on the role of Judas Iscariot. Many people in the Christian faith believe that this is not only a display of a false narrative of the most significant event in human history, but also a blatant blasphemous performance against the Church. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus Christ is referred to as "He," and casting a black woman who is known for her image being hunched over, with long fingers, and extremely long nails isn’t a fair and accurate representation of the Son of Man. The tension between creative freedom and theological truth is not new. The Bible itself is full of poetry, music, and parables. The problem arises when art claims to represent the gospel while distorting its message. For believers, the response might not be to boycott or embrace without thought—but to discern.

So, What Should Christians Do?

Here are three biblical approaches to engaging cultural works like Jesus Christ Superstar:

1. Test the Spirits (1 John 4:1):

• Always examine messages against Scripture. Not every portrayal of Jesus reflects the honest Jesus.

2. Be Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak (James 1:19)

• Engage those interested in the show with grace. Ask questions. Lead them back to the whole Gospel.

3. Redeem the Conversation (Ephesians 5:15–17)

1. Use moments of controversy to point people to the truth: Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man, died and rose again for our sins.

Conclusion:

Many devout Christians will never forget Jesus Christ Superstar not just as a theater show, but as a religious insult. Never in my lifetime do I remember seeing a society where the media and Hollywood performers are blaspheming the most important and influential man in human existence, but even though we are living in this culture where Jesus is being mocked and ignored, any conversation about Him—yes, even a controversial musical—can become an opportunity for witness. As Christians, our mission isn’t to cancel culture, but to confront it with the truth of the Gospel.