Jesus Christ - Superstar!

 

 

 

 

It was 1971, and I was stationed on "The Rock" (aka Okinawa). Word was spreading around the base there was a new and exciting album being released at the Air Force Base PX. While most of us heard "religious" music in the form of hymns while growing up, this new album was being billed as a "Rock Opera". I was very skeptical. After going though the sixties, many things that were once believed to be sacrosanct, were now fair game for ridicule or change. I was afraid the faith many of us shared was next up in the bulls eye.

When Jesus Christ - Superstar was released, at first I did not buy it. In fact, I did not even listen to it. A few weeks after it's release, I was between watch strings and attended a party off base. At the beginning of the party, the host played a song on the stereo in the back yard. It was a song called I don't know how to love Him. I listened, and thought it was fantastic. I was very surprised to find out it came from the album I had been hesitant to listen to. As the party progressed, the host played the entire album. I loved it.

The reason I tell this story is this - even though some feel this "Rock Opera" is not the correct venue to tell the Gospel, many millions have listened to it and heard the story for the first time. When I left Okinawa and arrived in Pensacola for more training, I remember asking Betty about this album. You see, Betty was a Catholic Nun who had strong ties to the convent in town. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that many of the Nuns really enjoyed Superstar. It was a great way to tell a very important story to those who have rejected more traditional methods.

When I listened to this album a few weeks ago, it gave me pause to think how our churches are doing today. Some are doing very well and growing faster than grass in June. Others are not doing as well - they are getting smaller, older and grayer. My feeling from being involved in different churches as both a congregational member as well as paid staff is this - the church has a great message - just tell it. Many churches get themselves wrapped around the axle with self imposed legalism. Legalism hurts and obscures the message. Jesus Christ - Superstar had none of the legalism - just the message.

This 1971 album, created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber, remains popular even today. However, it is not popular to all - some still see it as an affront to their beliefs. If you have never heard it, and have an open mind on the messaging of a faith many of us share, give it a listen. If you like it or not, it truly was a game changer on how a very important message can be delivered.