Jesus Christ!

Have been on a JC kick lately. Re-watched "Godspell" and "Jesus Christ Superstar." Both movies were excellent and the music is classically beautiful and moving. I was surprised at how many lyrics I still knew.

Godspell was a little older, a more comic, joyful approach to the JC story. Great staging in the heart of NYC: Central Park, Wall Street, and its seedy environs. Often it was humorous and ironic and fun. Think Jesus Christ in bell bottoms!

JC Superstar a more gothic, angry approach. It takes place with production values that are more than worthy of being at The Lyric Opera of Chicago or the Met. The set, costumes, lighting and effects are astounding. The atmosphere is mean, angry, and painful. Think Jesus Christ bluejeans and Judas in a black leather motorcycle jacket. One line that sticks with me from this movie was: "To conquer death, you only have to die!"

I was aware of being deeply involved with the story in both movies and recognized most of the characters and events. One purpose of the Church is to tell and teach "the story." These movies, in my opinion, did a better job than the Church ever has, and they didn't tell you what to do, what to think, or how to behave nor ask for any financial donation.