From: 11srust@gallua.gallaudet.edu (Scott A. Rust)
Subject: Re: Jesus Christ Superstar
Organization: Gallaudet University English Dept
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 19:57:50 GMT

In article <1gii6sINN5l7@coral.bucknell.edu>, whelan@coral.bucknell.edu (The Blue Adept) writes:
> Hi Everybody,
> 
> 	I jsut wanted to bring up a topic that was of interest to me and
> see what everyone else thought.  I am (as I write) listening to Andrew
> Lloyd Weber's Jesus Christ Superstar, the rock opera.  I started listening to
> it before I became a Christian 14 months ago, and I have gotten to love
> the music.
> 	The lyrics,however, I don't think are completely accurate.  Tim Rice, who I think was the gut who wrote the lyrics, took some liberties with scripture
> and so I don't think that it is completely edifying to God.
> 	However, when I saw the musical performed at a church, it was done very
> well, and I saw the message of Christ's resurrection touch many people.
> 
> 	My question is this:  Is it wrong to listen to this musical, even if
> it can touch people?  Is the musical wrong?  
> 
> Any thoughts would be appreciated, over the net, or to me personally.
> 

-- 

	Something to note about Jesus Christ Superstar: Of the two gentlemen 
who wrote this incredible piece of music, one is a Jew and the other is an
athiest (at least at the time of the writing.... around 1970-71, right?). The
lyrics on the album are really secondary to the music, in my opinion. The words
are NOT as they are in the Gospel and overall, it is quite cynical and
negative. 
	For example: The apostles singing "Always hoped that I'd be an apostle,
knew that I would make it if I tried, then when we retire we can write the
Gospels so they'll still talk about us when we die". Come on! Do we really
think the apostles were hoping for fame and fortune here? I doubt it.
	Christ at the last supper "For all you care, this wine could be my
blood". For all you care?? Hmmmm......
	In the musical, there is a song called "Could We Start Again Please"
that has several of the apostles and Mary M. asking for a second try. Where is
that.?
	Pilate didn't have a dream, and if you can find it in the Gospel,
please let me know......
	The ending with Christ on the cross doesn't tell the story of Jesus.
The whole point to the story of Christ is not that he died, but that he rose
again. Without Christ having risen from the dead, there is NO STORY! 

	I think that Superstar is fantastic. Musically speaking it's incredible
and the slew of great musicians who played on the sessions are wonderful too.
The singing is good (if you don't mind a screaming, wailing Jesus.... and I
don't) and the roster of singers is impressive too. On the studio album, the
lead singer for Deep Purple does Christ.... interesting choice.....
	Superstar is a nice piece od secular music, but i wouldn't read too
much into it from a Christian standpoint....

	My $.02

scott
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