The Theological Journey of 'Jesus Christ Superstar': Why the Crucifixion, Not the Resurrection?

'Jesus Christ Superstar' is a rock opera that takes a unique approach to the story of Jesus. While traditional religious narratives often include the resurrection and ascension, this adaptation focuses on the human side of Christ. This article explores the reasons behind the choice to end the musical with the crucifixion and not the resurrection.

The Role of Tim Rice and His Atheism

Tim Rice, the lyricist behind Jesus Christ Superstar, approached the opera with a secular perspective, rooted in his atheism. Rice, in an interview, stated:

"We approached the opera from the point of view of Christ the man rather than Christ the God. We had been well-coached in the mechanics of Christianity and its legends and beliefs. That was drummed into us at school. They treated the legends so we decided to treat the bloke as a man . . . I find Jesus as portrayed in the gospels as a God as a very unrealistic figure."

Rice's perspective was a significant influence on the narrative structure of the musical. By emphasizing the human aspects of Jesus, the story delves into the emotional and psychological journey of Jesus, rather than focusing on the divine aspects.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Perspective

Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer behind the music, had differing views but respected Rice's artistic vision. Webber acknowledged:

"I don't go along with some of the things that Tim has written in the opera. The lyrics are extremely good for any composer to work with but I don't necessarily agree with all of them... I would have liked to have included the resurrection."

While Webber was open to certain modifications, he agreed that Rice's approach added depth and complexity to the narrative.

Aesthetic and Theological Trade-Offs

The decision to end the musical with the crucifixion rather than the resurrection made a powerful statement about the human side of Jesus. However, this decision also came with its own set of aesthetic and theological trade-offs. Tim Rice's perspective, influenced by his atheism, led to a more human and relatable portrayal of Jesus.

From a theological standpoint, the omission of the resurrection could be seen as a departure from traditional religious belief. The resurrection is a central tenet in Christian theology and represents Jesus' victory over death. However, Jesus Christ Superstar shifts the focus to the human struggle and the complexity of Jesus' experiences. This approach encourages audiences to reflect on the challenges of faith and the human nature of Jesus.

Historical Accuracy and Modern Interpretation

The musical also stays true to historical sources and interpretations of the time. For instance, the line 'There's too many of you. Leave me alone' is a departure from traditional depictions, which could be seen as a more realistic and human approach to the story. This line adds to the complexity of the character, allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of Jesus' emotions and experiences.

Similarly, the line 'Stick to fishing from now on' challenges conventional views of Jesus' directives, suggesting that the narrative emphasizes the human side over the divine. These choices reflect a modern interpretation of the story, encouraging contemporary audiences to engage with the material on a deeper, more relatable level.

Considerations for Inclusion of the Resurrection Scene

One might argue that including a scene showing Jesus' resurrection would have added significant completeness to the narrative. However, the inclusion of such a scene would have required dramatic shifts in the narrative structure and character development. For instance:

A scene of Mary Magdalene arriving at the tomb would introduce a new cast member and plot point that would disrupt the existing flow of the story. An uplifting reprise could have been created, but it would have required significant changes to the musical structure and possibly the existing lyrics. The focus on the crucifixion already offers a powerful and emotional climax, and adding the resurrection might dilute the impact of the original narrative arc.

Additionally, the inclusion of such a scene might have sparked theological debates and required additional explanation and context, potentially distracting from the core narrative.

Conclusion: Balancing Art and Message

Tim Rice's decision to focus on the human side of Jesus, influenced by his atheism, has resulted in a unique and thought-provoking adaptation of the story. Andrew Lloyd Webber's support for Rice's vision, despite his own theological perspectives, contributed to the musical's success in engaging with a broader audience.

While the omission of the resurrection scene may seem disappointing to some, it has allowed Jesus Christ Superstar to explore the complexities of human faith and the struggle of the human Jesus. This approach encourages audiences to reflect on the story on a deeper, more personal level, leading to a more meaningful engagement with the narrative.