Why Do Christians Often Dislike Jesus Christ Superstar?

For many Christians, the musical Jesus Christ Superstar has long been a contentious topic. Delving into the reasons behind their disapproval, we find that it stems from a stark portrayal of the biblical narrative from a character's perspectives that diverge significantly from the conventional narrative provided by the New Testament. This article will explore these reasons in depth by analyzing the portrayal of Jesus as seen through the eyes of his most critical disciple, Judas Iscariot.

An Unfamiliar Perspective

Originally staged as a rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar takes a different approach to the Passion story. Unlike the traditional view, which presents Jesus as a messianic figure inspiring and leading his disciples, the portrayal in the show voices the doubt and skepticism of Judas Iscariot. This shift offers Christians a unique opportunity to question and analyze the story critically.

The Criticism from Judas

The narrative opens with Judas Iscariot pushing Jesus to address social injustices, particularly the hunger and poverty that plague His followers. However, Jesus opts for personal comfort and spiritual enlightenment, much to Judas's dismay. This stark contrast between social responsibility and personal satisfaction raises questions that many Christians find uncomfortable.

Unfulfilled Social Responsibility

In the show, Judas highlights the societal issues: “People are hungry and starving, and JC chooses to ignore this in favour of having his body oiled and massaged by lovely buxom ladies.” This portrayal challenges the conventional hero image of Jesus and represents a critique of His priorities. Many Christians may find this perspective jarring, as it seems to lack the compassion and social responsibility they associate with Jesus.

Selfishness and Manipulation

As the story progresses, the show further emphasizes Judas's view that Jesus is self-centered and manipulative. Even when faced with his impending betrayal and the potential for condemnation from others, Judas maintains a level of integrity by pointing out the shortcomings of Jesus. His defiance in the end, where he reappears in a Las Vegas-style number and criticizes Jesus, highlights what Judas sees as the unrealistic and unworldly nature of Jesus' teachings and actions.

Final Condemnation and Legacy

Judas's fate in the show is tragic and ironic. Despite his manipulation and the betrayal that ensues, he faces eternal condemnation. The show portrays Judas as an eternal outcast, tormented by visions and maligned by society. Even committing suicide does not bring him relief; he remains eternally damned. This portrayal is particularly distasteful to many Christians, as it challenges their understanding of the essential nature of Jesus and Judas's role in the narrative. The ultimate irony is that Judas, in his final moments, still offers a form of forgiveness to Jesus, thereby proving himself the more moral, empathetic individual. This sets Judas as the moral victor, which comports poorly with the traditional Christian understanding of his role.

Conclusion

In summary, the reason many Christians dislike Jesus Christ Superstar is due to its unconventional portrayal of Jesus and Judas. The show challenges the traditional narrative, introducing a morally complex interpretation that many find difficult to reconcile with their faith. The stark depiction of Judas as a critical but ultimately more virtuous figure, coupled with Jesus’s questionable priorities and actions, represent a significant departure from the conventional view. As a result, many Christians find the show disconcerting and offensive.

So why, on Earth, would Christians have a problem with this portrayal?