It isn’t blasphemous for Jesus to be played by a woman, it’s inclusive

Hearing that Cynthia Erivo had been cast in the role of Jesus for the upcoming Hollywood Bowl performance of Jesus Christ Superstar filled me with immediate intrigue.

I remember once hearing a question raised in a youth group: “Why did Jesus come to earth as a man and not a woman?” One answer offered was that, during biblical times, women were not afforded parity with men and had very little rights. Therefore, perhaps it would have been much harder to speak to the masses had Jesus been female.

A fresh perspective

Things may not be so very different now. It’s an interesting point, and one that could surely be debated much further. But my interest in seeing the character of Jesus played by someone like Erivo is rooted in the potential of it providing even further insight as to who he is.

My prayer is that people who may not have even considered the story of Jesus will be interested precisely because of Erivo’s casting

When we listen to a great sermon that provides us with an interesting, fresh perspective on a well-known passage of scripture, how much richer are we?

The Gospels are inspired by God. Because they were written by men, we invariably dissect and interrogate the life of Jesus through their male lenses. How amazing would it be to have another, different lens? I’m not suggesting a female portrayal of Jesus on stage is in any way equal to scripture, but I think it has the potential to provide us with a fresh perspective, and prompt fresh revelation in our hearts.

Outside in

It may also be significant for a second reason.

Sadly, there are still some people in our society who feel unable to draw near to God due to the laws and societal strictures that we, as humans, have implemented. What if Erivo playing Jesus opens a door that enables these people to feel more included in God’s story?

Seeing the disgust and bitter judgement online from some Christians about this decision was disheartening to say the least. It saddens me deeply, and I am interested in why it bothers some people so much.

I have been married to an actor for 25 years. I know that people are cast in roles that do not reflect their lived experience all the time; it’s called acting. In Shakespeare’s time, women were not allowed to perform on stage and so watching a male play Juliet was perfectly normal. 

Seeing the disgust and bitter judgement online saddens me deeply

We are all made in God’s image, equal in the eyes of the Lord. His will is for all of us to seek him, through a relationship with Jesus. I find it quite ironic that Jesus, who was an actual perfect person, was also hated and judged by many. The premise of Jesus Christ Superstar is precisely about that. And while it has been dramatised - which you may or may not love – it is, nonetheless, an opportunity for people to see and hear about Jesus’ life on a huge stage.

Drawing closer

My prayer is that many people who may not have even considered the story of Jesus will now be interested – perhaps precisely because of Erivo’s casting. As a Black actor, she may represent so many who feel marginalised in this world, and in the church.

For those who feel unease with this casting, I would ask: what difference does it make to your own relationship with Jesus Christ? If a playwright wants to write and share songs about Jesus, we can choose to engage and sing along, or not. We can only be responsible for our own relationship with God - and pray that others who don’t have one, manage to find one as well.

My hope is that Cynthia Erivo’s interpretation might do just that. Jesus was judged by some for the company he kept and for things he did or didn’t do and say, yet he is the one we look to as a perfect example of peace and love.

I don’t know what the content of this performance will entail, but I’m not going to judge it before I’ve even seen it, that’s for sure. “Judge not, that you be not judged” (Matthew 7:1).

See here for an alternative opinion on this story: ‘A female Jesus? Christians are right to be offended, but let’s be careful how we express ourselves’