‘This is yet another case study of how Christianity is openly and casually mocked compared to other faiths,’ says Maxine Harrison.
Actor Cynthia Erivo is set to play Jesus Christ in the infamous theatre show of Jesus Christ Superstar at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl this summer. The announcement has understandably caused much outrage amongst many Christians. Cynthia is reportedly set to dress as a man to play the role, but is this just another layer of mockery to the already problematic play? For me, it certainly is.
Interestingly enough, however, Erivo, who has just finished playing a witch in Wicked, identifies as a Catholic.
Interestingly enough, however, Erivo, who has just finished playing a witch in Wicked, identifies as a Catholic. In an interview amidst the release of her Wicked role, the 38-year-old told Elle: “I have a deep belief that God makes people as they’re meant to be. The rules for themselves that people put upon others have nothing to do with me and my faith.” She continued: “I can’t allow narrow thinking that some Christians or Catholics have of what faith is to affect how vast I think faith can be. Faith is so big—so much bigger than set rules”.
READ MORE: This Lent, you should engage with famous film West Side Story - there are a lot of parallels to Jesus’ story
But would anyone who truly reveres Christ want anything to do with this production? For those who don’t know, Jesus Christ Superstar is a strangely popular theatre production made in 1971. Since its original release, it has received backlash from many Christians. Themes in the heretical production include a plot line that is sympathetic towards Judas, a return visit from Judas after his suicide, yet most notably - a failure to include a resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion. This is particularly problematic as Christ’s resurrection is a key element on which Christianity hinges. Without Jesus rising again, Christians have no hope - as Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 15:17. So the fact that the plot intentionally does this is an overt mockery of the faith.
Cynthia’s casting is just the latest layer of mockery added to the production.
Cynthia’s casting is just the latest layer of mockery added to the production. This is yet another case study of how Christianity is openly and casually mocked compared to other faiths. From Lil Nas X’s Montero music video where he lap dances on the devil in hell, to people wearing the crucifix cross as a fashion statement yet their song lyrics contradict holiness entirely, there is undoubtedly a casual culture of mocking Christianity prevailing in mainstream media.
READ MORE: Beyoncé’s new album ’Cowboy Carter’, calls the shots - this is what Christians can take from it
Arguments that have risen to defend the casting of Cynthia include the fact that she is just acting and isn’t presenting Jesus as female in the casting. However, as talented as Erivo is, in a space like Hollywood, it’s a weak defence to claim that she would be the best actor when there are many talented men in Hollywood.
On top of this, for Christians, Jesus is not merely a man, as the play insists. He is God incarnate and therefore, anyone stepping into a role to portray God should do so with high reverence and aim to bring as much accuracy as possible - one of the basic things being that he was born male.
Whilst Christians shouldn’t be surprised by the world opposing or rejecting our Lord and Saviour as God, I do think we shouldn’t constantly stay silent on these issues. Other religions such as Islam would have such an uproar if such a heretical production on a large scale was made. I do think there should be more from Christians speaking out on things that the media seem to mock in regards to our faith.
READ MORE: There is Christian concern for Wicked, but at its heart, it’s a story about friendship
Ultimately, Jesus Christ Superstar with or without Cynthia Erivo is inherently blasphemous with no reverence for Christ. This is clear from the original production through to the heretical themes continued in the remakes.
With this casual culture of heresy towards Christianity, it further proves the validity of the faith because there is so much attack on it. My prayer is that the makers and participants of the production repent and see the true reverence of Christ. If this were the case, they wouldn’t partake in the production.
No comments yet