Jesus Christ Superstar - Is the rock opera biblical?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The rock opera and movie Jesus Christ Superstar, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, may seem biblical on the surface, but closer inspection reveals theological flaws and inaccurate portrayals of who Jesus is and what He came to do. The opera emphasizes Jesus’ humanity but not His divinity. Scripture shows, though, that Jesus was truly God and truly man (John 1:1, 1:14; Colossians 2:9). The movie “Jesus” doesn’t seem to know His true purpose on Earth, but the Bible clearly indicates that Jesus knew He came to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:33-34; John 10:17-18). Besides misrepresenting Jesus, the play and movie misrepresent Judas Iscariot and Mary Magdalene. The fictional Judas is portrayed as much more conflicted before his betrayal of Jesus than the Gospels present (John 12:4-6). Mary Magdalene is characterized as having romantic feelings for Jesus, something that is not even hinted at in the Bible. The movie may entertain some, but Christians would be better served reading the true accounts of Christ rather than the accounts based on someone’s imagination.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Jesus’ life and work is not portrayed in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Weber’s musical accurately shows that Jesus plans to sacrifice Himself and at the end is crucified (Mark 10:45; Luke 23:33). But it is unbiblical in many other ways:
• At times, Jesus Christ Superstar depicts Jesus as a kind and loving man who heals diseases and performs miracles (Matthew 14:4; Acts 10:38) —- but “just a man.” Jesus’ humanity is emphasized, but not His deity (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9). Thus, in one scene, the fictional Jesus shouts "Leave me alone!” to people asking for help and healing, something at odds with the real, biblical Jesus.
• Webber and Rice’s “Jesus” does not seem to have the goal of sacrificing Himself for the sins of the world, which is clearly anti-biblical (John 3:14-15; Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3).
• Besides portraying Jesus inaccurately, the rock opera’s portrayal of Judas Iscariot is much more flattering to Judas than the Bible portrays (Matthew 26:14-16). The fictional piece presents Judas as a conflicted man who, deep down, only wants the best for Jesus, betrays Him supposedly for His own good, hesitates to take the blood money, and afterward rages at God for choosing him for "His crime." In reality, the Bible shows Judas as an ongoing sinner who didn’t have the love of Christ in Him (John 12:4-6).
• The musical also misrepresents Mary Magdalene as a love interest for Jesus, something completely made up. Mary was one of many of Jesus' female followers (Luke 8:1-3), but there is no indication of a romantic relationship.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

“The book is much better”–that line has been said so often about movies based on books that it has become a cliche. But in the case of Jesus Christ Superstar, we can say, straightforwardly, that the book really is better.

Fictional portrayals of Bible accounts are risky. What is added in the name of creative license could very well confuse casual viewers who may not be well-versed in the Bible. What’s the solution? Be well-versed in the Bible.

We cannot stop others from misrepresenting or even being irreverent about the truths that God has revealed in His Word. But we can be so familiar with the truth that we recognize lies when we see them. Ultimately, the best way to learn about Jesus is in the accounts that God gave us in His Word, not in the imaginative projects of flawed human beings.

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus Christ Superstar is a rock opera and movie written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.
• Webber and Rice’s portrayal of Jesus and some of His followers in Jesus Christ Superstar contradicts how the Bible portrays them.
• The Bible is our main source of learning about Christ.

REFLECT

• If you’ve ever seen Jesus Christ Superstar, what was your initial reaction?
• What is your litmus test to determine whether to read books or see productions that claim to be based on the Bible or Bible figures?
• What are some productions you’ve seen that misrepresent the Bible or Bible figures?

ENGAGE

• How can the church help its members guard against inaccurate portrayals of the Bible or Bible figures in popular media?
• How can believers engage lovingly and truthfully with those who consume and approve of content like Jesus Christ Superstar?
• What other contemporary books or movies misrepresent the truths of the Bible?