Is Jesus Christ Superstar (the musical) suitable for Christians?

[Oricolt]

I have extra tickets to go and see the show. Was thinking of inviting dd's friend and her mum - but they are Christians and I obviously don't want to invite them to something that they will find offensive. I saw it years ago and I don't think it's offensive, but then I'm not a Christian. Friend and mum are not super evangelical or in a weird cult or anything - they're just ordinary people who go to a Baptist church service most Sundays.

Yes, I’m Catholic and seen it twice. One had Julian Clary in it. I didn’t find it offensive at all and thought it was very good but then again, my husband wouldn’t go because he was offended by the title without knowing what it’s about (he’s Christian but not Catholic). I think it’d be fine.

I would say it’s fine for Christians but it was written by agnostics/atheists and I do think it shows. Tbh the best thing to do is ask them - maybe they’ve owned the album for decades or maybe they would really rather not go.

? The title kind of gives it away.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Christ_Superstar

I was trying to work out the other week if they find it offensive or not.

The title alone doesn't in the least. It could be a evangelical celebration or an offensive or anything in between just from the title.

I've never seen it but having just read through the plot it doesn't sound offensive to me to the average Christian (of which I am one)

The handful of Christians I have known go to see it have loved it tbh

Not a good way to work out the content.

Book of Mormon for example probably wouldn’t go down well with Mormons.

Growing up in NI it would definitely have been viewed as offensive - not sure about now
editing to add - I don't mean you asking would be offensive, if they don't approve they can say no

I went to go see it as an outing for the children's ministry team at my church and the vicar tagged along, so we definitely thought it was fine!

Christian here and love it. I'm going to see it twice in the summer.

The bit about Potiphar gets a bit raunchy but otherwise fine

Wow I had no idea that some Christians wouldn't like it. I have seen it loads, as a child we went as a school outing. I am a Catholic and went to a Catholic school in the 90s.

Yes it is challenging, thought provoking and subversive but so are sermons most Sundays at mass... Plus it has some great tunes. I sang 'Everything's Alright' as a lullaby to my youngest.

I think you are thinking about Joseph and his dreamcoat?

Why don't you ask your friend first she might be fine with it,

That's Joseph different musical.

I think it depends how fundamentalist they are. It shows Judas doubting who Jesus really is. A lot of it is based very much on what the Bible says happened and the torture and crucifixion is quite grim but not anything that isn’t described In the bible. The Herod song is a bit silly but is based on a biblical description of Harold wanting to see Jesus perform miracles. There is no mention of the resurrection.

To be honest, it’s quite hard to see who it is aimed at. Probably agnostics. People who like the music. I definitely think that fundamentalist Christians would probably find it offensive and absolute atheists just wouldn’t want to sit through it somehow.

I am going to see it because I like Sam Ryder and I do like most of the music. If I could just skip the grim bits towards the end, it would be perfect.

Give your friends the option - they could always say no. Make sure that it’s really clear you won’t mind either way.

I'm pretty sure I saw it years ago with friends, one was a vicar. I don't recall him being offended at all.

Each individual Christian is capable of making their own choice so it's fine to invite your friends - though make it clear that you won't take offence if they decline.

It does tell a very "human" version of the story but isn't particularly blasphemous. I think it shows an interesting side to Judas. I would certainly jump at the chance to go.

To be honest, it’s quite hard to see who it is aimed at. Probably agnostics. People who like the music. I definitely think that fundamentalist Christians would probably find it offensive and absolute atheists just wouldn’t want to sit through it somehow.

Most Christians aren't fundamentalists, though!

One Archbishop of Canterbury (Runcie?) is on record as saying he enjoyed it but Godspell was better.

It would take a very narrow minded Christian to be offended by JCSS, IMO.

Back in the late 70s and early 80s when I was a young Christian I knew plenty of people who wouldn't listen to the record/ watch the show. Mainly because a lot of it is seen from Judas' point of view and the lyrics are a bit flippant. However, the character of Jesus is treated with respect (imo) and I always found it a wonderful support for my faith. The BBC used to show the film version at Easter, if that tells you anything. Im not religious now but JCS would always be one of my Desert Island Discs.

Yes I think you are right. A small percentage of Christians might be offended.

It was played to us on schools radio as children in a primary school in the 1970s before Easter. It was sold to us (as children) as a religious story so I've always understood it to be religious.

So given the place and time it's fair to say it's "safe" unless they're especially conservative.

Edit: apologies all, I need another coffee, I got this mixed up with Joseph's Technicolour Dream coat. JCS is definitely a bit more adult but definitely religious.

I'm a vicar and saw it and wasn't offended.
I was a but disappointed as the music was so loud it was very hard to hear the lyrics over it at times.so I guess it's possible I missed something offensive.

Judas starting to doubt who Jesus is is a perfectly valid suggestion as to why Judas betrayed Jesus.

Fair point.