For my money, you won't find two performers more vocally gifted than Adam Lambert and Cynthia Erivo. My disagreement with the former over the casting of the latter to play Jesus of Nazareth in the Jesus Christ Superstar concert at the Hollywood Bowl this last weekend isn't about her talent, but because of what it signals about how our culture perceives mankind's Savior.
I recognize that art, particularly when it comes to musical theater, is often meant to push boundaries and stir conversation. I also appreciate the noble intentions behind inclusive casting, especially in modern retellings of classic works. But this choice crosses a boundary that isn't merely cultural or aesthetic - it's theological. I don't believe that was done intentionally in some demonic attempt to mock Christ. If I was guessing, I would think the producers hoped to reimagine Jesus in a way that spoke to broader audiences.
Lambert (who was cast to play the role of Judas Iscariot, Christ's betrayer) seemed to suggest that himself. Defending the choice of Erivo, a black LGBTQ woman, to play Jesus, he reasoned,
I'm excited by the challenge of presenting the audience with a production led by a female, Black ‘Jesus' and encourage the audience to expand their minds a bit. Originally utilizing rock and roll, Jesus Christ Superstar is supposed to provoke and challenge, that's the point. And shouldn't the teachings of Jesus transcend gender?
Those are logical points and a legitimate question. To be clear, I'm not arguing against artistic freedom, nor suggesting that all Christian-themed productions should adhere to rigid orthodoxy. But when a musical bearing Christ's name presents a version of Him that diverges so significantly from how He was revealed to humanity in the flesh, I would simply counter that we should strive for art that honors truth.
Jesus did not enter the world as a blank canvas or abstract symbol, open to reinterpretation with each successive generation. He came as a real person, at an appointed time, in a specific body.
The specificity of that body matters deeply, because it grounds humanity in reality, not allegory.
Lambert's premise that the teachings of Jesus transcend gender is obviously true. But so is the fact that the credibility of those very teachings is intrinsically tied to His identity. Altering it to fit our imagination may feel inclusive, but it risks obscuring the real, living Christ and corrupting His divine character.
In other words, this is not analogous to casting Alexander Hamilton as a Latino or Peter Pan as a woman. While one is a historical figure and the other a fictional character, neither is central to the doctrine of salvation, nor does the redemptive hope of humanity depend upon the integrity of their identity.
In describing Christ's incarnation, John writes, "The Word became flesh and dwelled among us." The nature of that flesh was not arbitrary, and His maleness was not incidental. It was woven by God into the very fabric of creation. Casting a woman as Jesus, no matter how compelling her performance, risks confusing the uniqueness of His role as the second Adam from Romans 5, the Bridegroom of the Church from Ephesians 5, and the fulfillment of countless Old Testament prophecies that specifically spoke of a coming, male Messiah.
It's not about patriarchy. It's about accuracy.
Again, I will reiterate that my words are not intended to shame Erivo, Lambert, or the creators of this production. I will not call into question the sincerity of their intent to tell a profoundly meaningful story. But as a follower of the real Jesus, I cannot help but express concern over any narrative we humans shape about Him that prioritizes representation over revelation, and symbolism over incarnation.
Doing my best to obey the Scriptural command to "speak the truth in love," I would humbly submit that Christ is not ours to reshape, but rather ours to proclaim.
His majesty revealed in Scripture is already more moving, more powerful, and more beautiful than any modern retelling could hope to improve upon.
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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Not the Bee or any of its affiliates.
