Is Godspell Blasphemous? Do They Mock Christianity?

[Romany]

Many, many christians make a big fuss about Jesus Christ Superstar...no comment abt that...but...

'GodSpell', a musical based on the book of Matthew, depicts Jesus as a clown and his followers look like carefree hippies. It's set in NY in the 70's and it's got lots of good music and dancing and a good adaptation of the gospel.

I think it's absolutely brilliant, but it's hard to explain how Jesus' character can be illustrated through a clown....and when I told this to some of my friends, they were like...'Jesus? A clown?! Isn't that blasphemous...?'

If you've seen it...what are your thoughts on it? Blasphemous...or something deeper?

 

[Meriadoc]

I liked it and in fact my church was going to perform it for the public but due to the controversy some of the powers that be backed away from it.

 

[snugaboo]

I've seen it and liked it.


Amy

 

[Penguin50388]

I've seen the original movie, excertps from the 2000 off off broadway revival and I have been in a run of it. I love the musical, and in my oppinion I don't think it really shows Jesus as a clown as much as a fun loving guy. We performed it different. No clowns or hippies.

 

[eterntyinanhour]

I've seen the original Godspell movie and a college nearby performed it on stage. I am in love with it. I don't think it is blasphemous at all. Everytime I watch it whether in the a movie or on stage, I leave a better person I think. I think every person should get to see it.

 

[white_frog914]

My problems with Godspell is...the portrayal of John the Baptist (floating in a fountain smoking a cigar, baptizing Jesus with a sponge), the "crucifixion" of Jesus (where he's simply tied to a chain linked fence and there's no resurrection seen), the song "Turn Back, O Man", and I'm not altogether comfortable of Jesus being presented by a clown. It doesn't fit well at all with the person he actually was.

Anyways, those are just my opinions.

 

[Romany]

I've seen the original Godspell movie and a college nearby performed it on stage. I am in love with it. I don't think it is blasphemous at all. Everytime I watch it whether in the a movie or on stage, I leave a better person I think. I think every person should get to see it.

That's exactly what I thought!! Yay!! (Except you expressed it way better than I did...) I'm really glad other ppl liked it too.

Romany

 

[angelofmusicfan]

I've heard of it, but I've never seen it. It's one of three musicals my school is thinking about doing this year though.

 

[Romany]

I've heard of it, but I've never seen it. It's one of three musicals my school is thinking about doing this year though.

What are the other two?

 

[singtothelord]

I love this musical, I seen it twice, My favorite song in it is By My Side

 

[scottishsweetie]

meeeh... im unsure about it... I found it to be a bit irreverant... I mean I love musicals and the singing and dancing was great... but yeah, it felt a bit off to me.

 

[defyinggravity]

I love this musical. My favorite song is also By My Side. I got to sing it in two productions I was in of Godspell.

 

[Woody]

Our school did it a few years back, it was pretty good from what i remember My older brother and sister were in it, but i was still in primry school.

 

[noellejoi]

I have gotten so much out of this movie/play. Especially near the end when they sing By My Side. I have memorized that ong and figured out the meaning of it and how it applies to my life. I love the show!

 

[DrummerDude]

As background for this comment, I have a friend who has asked me to help with this show, but I'm not sure what to think of it.

The main problem I see is if this show is irredeemable. Essentially my question is if you think that it is too far gone from the gospels to be presented as a Christian show? I saw some clips of the 70's movie of it which seemed to make fun of Christ and the gospel message, etc. I think and hope, though, that it may be redeemed to glorify God. Any input would be appreciated!

 

[hce297]

Going to audition for Godspell in two days! May the lord give me his courageous, loving and powerful spirit so that I get a part! (to the glory of god and the good of all man!!)

 

[staceylee67]

My husband and I won tickets to it at my son's school's auction. When I looked into it I got a little worried as I seemed to have found the Extremely conservative Christian views. I thought, why would a Christian school allow this to be presented at its auction? Then I thought what a sick joke for someone to play, to give these tickets to a Christian school. But that didn't make total sense either. So I started asking around to my Christian friends. They all liked it. So I am looking forward to seeing it.

 

[bryceoconnor1960]

Many, many christians make a big fuss about Jesus Christ Superstar...no comment abt that...but...

'GodSpell', a musical based on the book of Matthew, depicts Jesus as a clown and his followers look like carefree hippies. It's set in NY in the 70's and it's got lots of good music and dancing and a good adaptation of the gospel.

I think it's absolutely brilliant, but it's hard to explain how Jesus' character can be illustrated through a clown....and when I told this to some of my friends, they were like...'Jesus? A clown?! Isn't that blasphemous...?'

If you've seen it...what are your thoughts on it? Blasphemous...or something deeper?

I don't know about blasphemous. We are talking about a piece of music and visual art which was done right at the height of the peace/love/hippie era so the representation of the cast as hippies fits with the time it was made. The outfit that Jesus wore in my opinion showed him as superman (which Jesus was). It was the analogy that people missed I think because of the face paint and the seventies (big) hair. Anyway, I believe we all need to lighten up a little and just enjoy Godspell for what it is. Lovely music, parables brought to life in a way even children can understand, and a lot of fun.

 

[jesusfreak34988]

its awesome!!! I want more Musicals like that!!!! oh ya

 

[jw203]

I haven"t heard of it.