Things that make you think are good. On Wednesday night, PBS showed a recently staged production of Jesus Christ Superstar. I've always liked that show, because it's essentially told from Judas's point of view. It's because of this show that I did my paper for my New Testament course on the suicide of Judas and the passage before it--which discusses whether Judas repented. Anyway, it leads to very conflicted feelings and questioning my own beliefs. Do I believe in hell? If so, is Judas there? He was very much carrying out God's plan. But really, who isn't? Is God involved with everybody's every move? Is everyone carrying out God's plan? If so, can anybody really go to hell? I don't think Judas went to hell...I don't really believe in hell, I guess. Does that make me evil?
It's one thing to watch a production about the life of Jesus where an actor portrays Judas excellent well and makes you really feel for him. It's another thing to actually think that Judas was cool. I mean, there's this actor wearing a kick ass leather jacket (sorry, me and guys in leather jackets) and he was just superb. I think he portrayed Judas the way I think of him--very conflicted and not really realizing what he was doing...and repentant. That paper I wrote for my New Testament class pretty much solidified my belief that he did repent for his actions.
Anyway, he did act like a jerk at times, but he was definitely the star of the show. Mary was annoyingly smug in her dealings with him and a bit too much coming on to Jesus (it was just ucky, I tell you!). Jesus himself was good...though it was easier to relate to Judas. Which I guess is as it should be. Really, who can related to the son of God? I do like how JCS shows Jesus as a person...with doubts and feelings.
Okay, I'll stop now. If you get a chance, check out the production. It stars Glenn Carter as Jesus and Jerome Pradon as Judas and was on PBS.
Current song in my head:
"Damned for All Time/Blood Money" from Jesus Christ Superstar (though happily I'm now listening to the radio and getting JCS songs out of my head)