Cynthia Erivo, known for her work as Elphaba in Wicked (2024) and Harriet Tubman in Harriet (2019), will be playing Jesus in the Hollywood Bowl's production of Jesus Christ Superstar in August 2025.
God has allowed this to take place - a woman being cast to "play" his Son. God is not surprised by this. God is not minimized by this. God is all powerful. God is love. God is just. God is gracious. God is merciful. God is jealous. God already has the victory.
So, yes, pray for those involved in these productions. Pray for hearts to be changed as Truth is revealed. Pray for Christians to look for the fingerprints of God and how he is working things for our good and his glory. Pray for eyes to look beyond the superficial and catch glimpses of the Holy One. Pray for Jesus, the redemption of mankind, to be revealed in spite of the lies and misrepresentation.
If the Lord caused Balaam's donkey to see the Angel of the Lord and then SPEAK... he can certainly use misguided thesbians to foster the spread of Truth (by "accident") and spread His Name and shift the course of hearts.
Let us not think too little of God or make him small. His ways are not our ways and his ways are always best.
You’re absolutely right. Using it as a weapon, regardless of how righteous the cause, defeats the purpose and only sows more hatred and division. If we are to be truly Christ-like, extending prayers, love, forgiveness and grace the way He did is the only way. Keeping in mind that no matter what these people do, we are all sinners in God’s eyes.
And I like to think God probably looks at it like we often do when it comes to press or attention. Even if it’s negative, it’s still drawing attention to his name, opening that conversation.
Great article. Difficult to see Erivo cast in such a blasphemous role, but you're right--we should be praying hard for these people and the audience who watches them.
While I don’t love Jesus Christ Superstar, I have always connected with the way it portrays Mary Magdalene. Her song “I don’t know how to love him” captures how confusing it can feel to love someone you have never met so deeply. To be so moved by events that happened 2000 years ago.
All that to say: it’s such a testament to God’s desire to reach us and His ability to connect with us even through blasphemous works. God has always worked through blasphemous things to teach His people (Pharaoh, Babylon, Rome).
I really appreciate this loving response to pray for those where God has positioned you. Thank you for gently offering an alternative way to those who would be quick to judge and condemn.
Praying is always a good response, & I agree that we don’t need to be in your face with our opinions about the casting. In 2015, I gave up all TV except British period pieces & Star Trek. in 2020, I gave up all forms of streaming & I’ve never looked back. Now, I can’t imagine taking the time away from other pursuits for TV. That’s my response to the situation, I’m going to carry on with reading & writing & taking my dogs to the beach & not care about what’s in the theaters & only show up if it’s something I want to support.
Love these thoughts, Marian. I appreciate your heart here, and how the difficult situation drove you to prayer. Seeking the heart of the Father is always the right step! I am praying for you and for your co-workers and actors, that in whatever circumstances, God would draw hearts unto himself, as only He can. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
God has allowed this to take place - a woman being cast to "play" his Son. God is not surprised by this. God is not minimized by this. God is all powerful. God is love. God is just. God is gracious. God is merciful. God is jealous. God already has the victory.
So, yes, pray for those involved in these productions. Pray for hearts to be changed as Truth is revealed. Pray for Christians to look for the fingerprints of God and how he is working things for our good and his glory. Pray for eyes to look beyond the superficial and catch glimpses of the Holy One. Pray for Jesus, the redemption of mankind, to be revealed in spite of the lies and misrepresentation.
If the Lord caused Balaam's donkey to see the Angel of the Lord and then SPEAK... he can certainly use misguided thesbians to foster the spread of Truth (by "accident") and spread His Name and shift the course of hearts.
Let us not think too little of God or make him small. His ways are not our ways and his ways are always best.
His ways are certainly not our ways!
You’re absolutely right. Using it as a weapon, regardless of how righteous the cause, defeats the purpose and only sows more hatred and division. If we are to be truly Christ-like, extending prayers, love, forgiveness and grace the way He did is the only way. Keeping in mind that no matter what these people do, we are all sinners in God’s eyes.
And I like to think God probably looks at it like we often do when it comes to press or attention. Even if it’s negative, it’s still drawing attention to his name, opening that conversation.
God uses means we would never consider to draw people to himself. Like pagan astrologers following a star to find Christ.
God certainly has a funny way of doing that. He’s got quite the sense of humor.
Great article. Difficult to see Erivo cast in such a blasphemous role, but you're right--we should be praying hard for these people and the audience who watches them.
I think your heart towards this situation is very beautiful. That you have been placed in that position to pray for them.
God bless you ❤️
Moved to tears at the description of you praying for them as they sing “Crucify him!” If that isn’t embodying Christ, I don’t know what is.
Wow. What an excellent piece. What a beautiful posture.
Love this take!
While I don’t love Jesus Christ Superstar, I have always connected with the way it portrays Mary Magdalene. Her song “I don’t know how to love him” captures how confusing it can feel to love someone you have never met so deeply. To be so moved by events that happened 2000 years ago.
All that to say: it’s such a testament to God’s desire to reach us and His ability to connect with us even through blasphemous works. God has always worked through blasphemous things to teach His people (Pharaoh, Babylon, Rome).
I love this take! Thank you for shedding light on how believers should respond--with mercy, grace, and truth!
I really appreciate this loving response to pray for those where God has positioned you. Thank you for gently offering an alternative way to those who would be quick to judge and condemn.
Praying is always a good response, & I agree that we don’t need to be in your face with our opinions about the casting. In 2015, I gave up all TV except British period pieces & Star Trek. in 2020, I gave up all forms of streaming & I’ve never looked back. Now, I can’t imagine taking the time away from other pursuits for TV. That’s my response to the situation, I’m going to carry on with reading & writing & taking my dogs to the beach & not care about what’s in the theaters & only show up if it’s something I want to support.
Love these thoughts, Marian. I appreciate your heart here, and how the difficult situation drove you to prayer. Seeking the heart of the Father is always the right step! I am praying for you and for your co-workers and actors, that in whatever circumstances, God would draw hearts unto himself, as only He can. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Simply praying 🙏
God works in ways we cannot understand. Thank you for this beautifully written post.
Beautifully said. And your work is beautiful too!
Thank you!
This is a great take on this mess. I will be praying