When Polonius asks Hamlet, the prince of Denmark, what he is reading, the prince answers, “Words, words, words.” A few years ago I heard someone ask a parishioner how he liked his new minister. His reply was the same as Shakespeare put into the mouth of Hamlet.
Words of Songs – When ministers spend considerable time in choosing songs that are appropriate to the message, they wonder at times what the people would say if asked what they were singing. Maybe some do give proper attention to the words. Let us hope so. This minister selects songs primarily for their words. Maybe people sing or listen primarily for the music.
In the April 16 and July 9 issues of The Banner there appeared articles and letters about the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Those writings could have been more meaningful if more of the words of the opera had been included. It is time we take a look at those words. It must be said, however, that the contribution of Gerald B. Hoekstra is an excellent one. One wishes that the earlier writings were in such enlightening and unequivocal language.
This minister is very much a “layman” when it comes to music. Naturally, all of us have our likes and dislikes. However, I try not to be critical about the new type of music and songs that many, particularly of the younger generation, seem to enjoy. I try to give the benefit of the doubt to the “Jesus Movement” and similar happenings in our day. We do not all have to keep on doing the same things in exactly the same way. But I like to consider this popular rock opera from the standpoint of the words employed. And when I speak about words I mean their meaning, not the vernacular of a certain segment of youth in our land.
Emphasis on Jesus’ Humanity – Some of the articles referred to remind us that the opera starts out from a good Question, namely “What do you think of Christ?” Obviously, this is a good question because He himself asked it. But the Bible answers the question very clearly. We do not need “Superstar” for that. Then we are told that Christ’s humanity is emphasized throughout, and this is good because we are so insistent on emphasizing His Deity. We are also reminded that Judas Iscariot is prominent in the’ production, and that the authors look at Jesus’ life quite extensively from that angle. We are told that Superstar is very popular in our time, especially among youth, so we better listen. Many young people have been moved by it, and we should be concerned greatly about youth. Who will tell them? Somebody has to. This rock opera is reaching them.
These are some of the reflections in the original articles. Not much criticism is offered, and we are left with the impression that the “Superstar” opera is not so bad. Someone else in viewing and hearing it called it challenging and provocative. I do not know of such favorable reactions by our youth, but even if there are such, must we be impressed by these? appreciate the brief editorial in The Banner of July 23 discrediting some of these spokesmen in our day who take it upon themselves to speak for certain groups especially for youth, and then lay down conditions for the rest of us. Our editor appropriately called that “blackmail.”
As far as Judas Iscariot is concerned, I have real difficulty in appreciating his conflict, as some speak about it. Does the Bible give the impression that he had a difficult time making up his mind as to whether Jesus was God or not? Is there anything in Scripture that leaves the impression that we should try to understand Judas?
Such an attitude is very dangerous. Jesus revealed His Deity to the betrayer in various ways throughout the years of His earthly ministry. The Bible says that Satan entered into him (Luke 22:3). Was it not he who said to the chief priests, “What will you give me if I will deliver him to you?” (Matt. 26:15). Rather early in His ministry our Lord said, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70).
The Opera’s Theology – We are not left to wonder what the authors, Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, think about the Christ. They tell us in clear language. It is very evident that our Lord was a frustrated zealot who tried to establish some kind of kingdom, but failed. Consequently when He comes to the end of his life He is emotionally distraught there in the garden. His final surrender is one of bitter resignation to death. After the “It is finished” of his life, the opera ends with John 19:41, “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid.”
Again, we do not have to wonder what the authors think about the Lord Jesus. They tell us. Tim Rice wrote in The Chicago Tribune of November 21, 1970, “We ourselves do not believe Christ was God, but a fascinating man with colossal influence for two thousand years. The story of Christ as man is more interesting than Christ as God.”
In the opera the crowd responds repeatedly:
“Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Who are you, what have you sacrificed? Jesus Christ, Superstar, Do you think you’re what they say you are?”
If words mean anything, then I suppose the authors mean that Christ may get the idea that He is God, but He better be kept in His place. If words mean anything, then Judas is telling Jesus He better stick with His teachings and not get any grandiose idea that He is God. Listen to what Judas says:
Jesus, you’ve started to believe The things they say of you, You really do believe This talk of God is true; And all the good you’ve done Will soon get swept away; You’ve begun to matter more Than the things you say.
In the Garden – The lowest point in the whole production is Jesus’ “prayer” in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is not a prayer; it is a tirade! The vernacular in the mouth of our blessed Lord is shocking enough, but the words are something else! If they are not abominable and blasphemous, then words have no meaning. Here they are:
I’m not as sure as when we started, Then I was inspired, now I’m sad and tired; Listen, surely I’ve exceeded expectations, Tried for three years, seems like thirty; Could you ask as much from any other man? Why should 1 die? Would I be more noticed than I ever was before? Would the things I’ve said and done matter any more?
Then Jesus cries out to God with the crescendo of music:
Alright, I’ll die! Just watch me die! See how I die! Then I was inspired, now I’m sad and tired; After all, I’ve tried for three years, seems like ninety; Why then am I scared to finish what I started? What you started; I didn’t start it! God, your will is hard, but you hold every card; I will drink your cup of poison; Nail me to the cross and break me, Bleed me, beat me, kill me, take me now Before I change my mind!
Prostitute in the Picture – As if this does not emphasize Jesus’ humanity sufficiently, there is more “humanity” in our Lord’s life. We do not know very much about Mary Magdalene. The Bible informs us only that she had seven devils and that Jesus cast them out (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9). But the authors of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in this sex-saturated age have to make her a prostitute! And that is not all! It is implied that, although Jesus had some influence on her, His “humanity” was in evidence there. Listen to the words of Mary Magdalene:
I don’t know how to love him, What to do, how to move him; I’ve been changed, yes, really changed In the past few days when I’ve seen myself; seem like someone else, I don’t know how to take this, I don’t see why he moves me, He’s just a man, he’s just a man, And I’ve had so many men before In very many ways, he’s just one more.
Is This Jesus? – Is this whole story Jesus’ attitude toward His Father in heaven, toward His people on earth, toward life and death? Where in the opera is there any need for repentance from sin, for kneeling at the cross, for reading the Word, for trusting the Lord? Is this what young people must be told and how they must be told? Can “Superstar” save me from my sin and take me to heaven when I die? Can I love such a person with all my heart?
Is this the Jesus who said, “We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work”? (John 9:4). Is this the same Lord who “knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end”? (John 18:36). Is this the Son of man who said, “Hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven”? (Matt. 26:64). Is this the Person who prayed, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me. And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt”? (Matt. 26:38,39). If we need more emphasis on Jesus’ humanity is it because the Word of God does not supply it?
Who Will Tell Them? – Who will talk to youth today? Is “Superstar” doing this in the way it should be done? Surely, there are very many today who art trying to reach young people for Christ. Many missionaries labor diligently and fervently. Ministers of home churches are not exactly silent in their communities. Chaplains and service pastors live and work with men in the service. Various evangelical organizations of consecrated young people arc active on campus and in many other places. We may not agree with all of these in every particular, but at least they are telling of the Savior in the way of John 3:16, and of the need for all men to be “born of the Spirit, washed in the blood.”
That “Jesus Christ Superstar” was written is understandable. That many sec and hear it is inevitable. That the language is in the vernacular of some youth is tolerable. That some are impressed with the person of Jesus is conceivable. But that clearer instruction in the Scriptures is not given by more leaders is lamentable.
Praise God for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the bright and morning Star! “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev. 1:17, 18).
I have a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; The Lily of the valley, in Him alone I see All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay, He tells me every care on Him to roll; He’s the Lily of the valley, the bright and morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
Fred W. Van Houten is pastor of the Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan.
Words of Songs – When ministers spend considerable time in choosing songs that are appropriate to the message, they wonder at times what the people would say if asked what they were singing. Maybe some do give proper attention to the words. Let us hope so. This minister selects songs primarily for their words. Maybe people sing or listen primarily for the music.
In the April 16 and July 9 issues of The Banner there appeared articles and letters about the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Those writings could have been more meaningful if more of the words of the opera had been included. It is time we take a look at those words. It must be said, however, that the contribution of Gerald B. Hoekstra is an excellent one. One wishes that the earlier writings were in such enlightening and unequivocal language.
This minister is very much a “layman” when it comes to music. Naturally, all of us have our likes and dislikes. However, I try not to be critical about the new type of music and songs that many, particularly of the younger generation, seem to enjoy. I try to give the benefit of the doubt to the “Jesus Movement” and similar happenings in our day. We do not all have to keep on doing the same things in exactly the same way. But I like to consider this popular rock opera from the standpoint of the words employed. And when I speak about words I mean their meaning, not the vernacular of a certain segment of youth in our land.
Emphasis on Jesus’ Humanity – Some of the articles referred to remind us that the opera starts out from a good Question, namely “What do you think of Christ?” Obviously, this is a good question because He himself asked it. But the Bible answers the question very clearly. We do not need “Superstar” for that. Then we are told that Christ’s humanity is emphasized throughout, and this is good because we are so insistent on emphasizing His Deity. We are also reminded that Judas Iscariot is prominent in the’ production, and that the authors look at Jesus’ life quite extensively from that angle. We are told that Superstar is very popular in our time, especially among youth, so we better listen. Many young people have been moved by it, and we should be concerned greatly about youth. Who will tell them? Somebody has to. This rock opera is reaching them.
These are some of the reflections in the original articles. Not much criticism is offered, and we are left with the impression that the “Superstar” opera is not so bad. Someone else in viewing and hearing it called it challenging and provocative. I do not know of such favorable reactions by our youth, but even if there are such, must we be impressed by these? appreciate the brief editorial in The Banner of July 23 discrediting some of these spokesmen in our day who take it upon themselves to speak for certain groups especially for youth, and then lay down conditions for the rest of us. Our editor appropriately called that “blackmail.”
As far as Judas Iscariot is concerned, I have real difficulty in appreciating his conflict, as some speak about it. Does the Bible give the impression that he had a difficult time making up his mind as to whether Jesus was God or not? Is there anything in Scripture that leaves the impression that we should try to understand Judas?
Such an attitude is very dangerous. Jesus revealed His Deity to the betrayer in various ways throughout the years of His earthly ministry. The Bible says that Satan entered into him (Luke 22:3). Was it not he who said to the chief priests, “What will you give me if I will deliver him to you?” (Matt. 26:15). Rather early in His ministry our Lord said, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70).
The Opera’s Theology – We are not left to wonder what the authors, Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, think about the Christ. They tell us in clear language. It is very evident that our Lord was a frustrated zealot who tried to establish some kind of kingdom, but failed. Consequently when He comes to the end of his life He is emotionally distraught there in the garden. His final surrender is one of bitter resignation to death. After the “It is finished” of his life, the opera ends with John 19:41, “Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new tomb where no one had ever been laid.”
Again, we do not have to wonder what the authors think about the Lord Jesus. They tell us. Tim Rice wrote in The Chicago Tribune of November 21, 1970, “We ourselves do not believe Christ was God, but a fascinating man with colossal influence for two thousand years. The story of Christ as man is more interesting than Christ as God.”
In the opera the crowd responds repeatedly:
“Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, Who are you, what have you sacrificed? Jesus Christ, Superstar, Do you think you’re what they say you are?”
If words mean anything, then I suppose the authors mean that Christ may get the idea that He is God, but He better be kept in His place. If words mean anything, then Judas is telling Jesus He better stick with His teachings and not get any grandiose idea that He is God. Listen to what Judas says:
Jesus, you’ve started to believe The things they say of you, You really do believe This talk of God is true; And all the good you’ve done Will soon get swept away; You’ve begun to matter more Than the things you say.
In the Garden – The lowest point in the whole production is Jesus’ “prayer” in the Garden of Gethsemane. It is not a prayer; it is a tirade! The vernacular in the mouth of our blessed Lord is shocking enough, but the words are something else! If they are not abominable and blasphemous, then words have no meaning. Here they are:
I’m not as sure as when we started, Then I was inspired, now I’m sad and tired; Listen, surely I’ve exceeded expectations, Tried for three years, seems like thirty; Could you ask as much from any other man? Why should 1 die? Would I be more noticed than I ever was before? Would the things I’ve said and done matter any more?
Then Jesus cries out to God with the crescendo of music:
Alright, I’ll die! Just watch me die! See how I die! Then I was inspired, now I’m sad and tired; After all, I’ve tried for three years, seems like ninety; Why then am I scared to finish what I started? What you started; I didn’t start it! God, your will is hard, but you hold every card; I will drink your cup of poison; Nail me to the cross and break me, Bleed me, beat me, kill me, take me now Before I change my mind!
Prostitute in the Picture – As if this does not emphasize Jesus’ humanity sufficiently, there is more “humanity” in our Lord’s life. We do not know very much about Mary Magdalene. The Bible informs us only that she had seven devils and that Jesus cast them out (Luke 8:2; Mark 16:9). But the authors of “Jesus Christ Superstar” in this sex-saturated age have to make her a prostitute! And that is not all! It is implied that, although Jesus had some influence on her, His “humanity” was in evidence there. Listen to the words of Mary Magdalene:
I don’t know how to love him, What to do, how to move him; I’ve been changed, yes, really changed In the past few days when I’ve seen myself; seem like someone else, I don’t know how to take this, I don’t see why he moves me, He’s just a man, he’s just a man, And I’ve had so many men before In very many ways, he’s just one more.
Is This Jesus? – Is this whole story Jesus’ attitude toward His Father in heaven, toward His people on earth, toward life and death? Where in the opera is there any need for repentance from sin, for kneeling at the cross, for reading the Word, for trusting the Lord? Is this what young people must be told and how they must be told? Can “Superstar” save me from my sin and take me to heaven when I die? Can I love such a person with all my heart?
Is this the Jesus who said, “We must work the works of him who sent me, while it is day; night comes, when no one can work”? (John 9:4). Is this the same Lord who “knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end”? (John 18:36). Is this the Son of man who said, “Hereafter you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven”? (Matt. 26:64). Is this the Person who prayed, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me. And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, My father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt”? (Matt. 26:38,39). If we need more emphasis on Jesus’ humanity is it because the Word of God does not supply it?
Who Will Tell Them? – Who will talk to youth today? Is “Superstar” doing this in the way it should be done? Surely, there are very many today who art trying to reach young people for Christ. Many missionaries labor diligently and fervently. Ministers of home churches are not exactly silent in their communities. Chaplains and service pastors live and work with men in the service. Various evangelical organizations of consecrated young people arc active on campus and in many other places. We may not agree with all of these in every particular, but at least they are telling of the Savior in the way of John 3:16, and of the need for all men to be “born of the Spirit, washed in the blood.”
That “Jesus Christ Superstar” was written is understandable. That many sec and hear it is inevitable. That the language is in the vernacular of some youth is tolerable. That some are impressed with the person of Jesus is conceivable. But that clearer instruction in the Scriptures is not given by more leaders is lamentable.
Praise God for Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the bright and morning Star! “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one; I died, and behold I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades” (Rev. 1:17, 18).
I have a friend in Jesus, He’s everything to me, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul; The Lily of the valley, in Him alone I see All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He’s my comfort, in trouble He’s my stay, He tells me every care on Him to roll; He’s the Lily of the valley, the bright and morning Star, He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.
Fred W. Van Houten is pastor of the Ninth Street Christian Reformed Church of Holland, Michigan.