In the latest example of how mainstream media treats Christianity, a new musical production has cast Cynthia Erivo, an award-winning actress who identifies as Black, queer, and progressive, in the role of Jesus Christ.
While art and culture often intersect in controversial ways, this casting decision has sparked intense backlash from many Bible-believing Christians including myself who see it not as inclusion, but as intentional distortion.
This isn’t just about diversity. It’s not about race. It’s about truth, reverence, and how the identity of Jesus Christ is being misrepresented in front of the world.
Who Is Cynthia Erivo — And Why This Casting Matters
Cynthia Erivo is a remarkably talented performer known for her roles in The Color Purple, Harriet, and Genius: Aretha. She has earned a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy for her work. But when it comes to portraying the Son of God, talent is not the issue, theological accuracy is.
The Bible is clear on who Jesus is. He is:
- Male (Luke 1:31: “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”)
- The Son of God (John 3:16)
- Sinless (Hebrews 4:15)
- The Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6)
Erivo has publicly embraced values, beliefs, and a lifestyle that do not align with Biblical Christianity. She has never claimed to be a follower of Christ, nor does she claim to represent His teachings. So why cast her as Jesus?
This is not a case of “diverse storytelling.” This is about redefining Jesus in an image that contradicts Scripture.
Jesus: The Only Religious Figure Mocked Like This
Let’s ask the honest question: Would they do this with Muhammad? Would a production cast a queer, non-Muslim woman to play the Islamic prophet? The answer is a clear and resounding no, and the media knows it.
Likewise, you won’t find many productions parodying Buddha, Hindu deities, or other major religious figures in ways that deliberately offend their followers.
But Jesus? Jesus is repeatedly mocked, reimagined, or stripped of His deity under the guise of artistic expression.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” — John 15:18
“They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” — John 15:21
The reality is this: Satan does not waste time mocking what isn’t true. The fact that Jesus Christ continues to be the most targeted religious figure is evidence of His truth, power, and authority.
Misgendering Jesus: A Deeper Spiritual Problem
Some people will say, “It’s just a play,” or “Let people express themselves.” But this production is not merely “gender-bending theatre”, it’s a spiritual statement. Choosing to cast a female, and specifically, a queer-identifying actress, to play a male Messiah, is a direct denial of both His identity and authority.
Jesus is not a metaphor. He is not a cultural symbol open to reinterpretation.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” — John 1:1
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; listen to Him.” — Matthew 17:5
Jesus is the eternal Son of God, not a vague, inclusive concept to be molded into modern ideologies. Misgendering Him is not progressive, it’s blasphemous.
The Musical Itself: An Empty Spectacle?
Early reviews of the production describe it as avant-garde, inclusive, and “a bold reimagining of divinity.” The music blends modern genres with spiritual themes, and the set is said to challenge traditional depictions of holiness. But where is the truth?
Stripped of Biblical substance, this production offers nothing more than a hollow shell of spirituality. It replaces the life-changing gospel with empty symbolism and artistic virtue-signaling.
“For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him… They exchanged the truth about God for a lie.” — Romans 1:21
The Jesus portrayed here doesn’t call people to repentance, doesn’t speak truth, and doesn’t save. It’s a false Christ, repackaged for mass appeal.
If the Cast Were Bible-Believing Christians…
Let’s be honest: If this production were led by people who truly believe in the authority of Scripture, the cast and direction would look entirely different.
- Jesus would be portrayed as He is in the Bible: fully God, fully man, sinless, male, and Savior.
- The music would point to His sacrifice on the cross, not social agendas.
- The message would call people to salvation, not to self-expression or identity politics.
Instead, the team behind this musical has opted for inclusion over integrity, performance over prophecy, and culture over Christ.
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.” — Titus 1:16
But Isn’t It Just Entertainment? Casting Cynthia Erivo?
That’s the defense many will use: “It’s just entertainment.” But Christians must ask: Is Jesus someone to be entertained by? Or is He the King of Kings who deserves our worship and reverence?
When Jesus was mocked before His crucifixion, it wasn’t entertainment, it was spiritual warfare. Today, we see the same spirit working through culture and media, trivializing His name and identity.
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” — Galatians 6:7
Will Christians Remain Silent about the Cynthia Erivo Casting?
This musical is more than a performance. It’s part of a broader cultural effort to redefine Jesus, to strip Him of His authority, and to make Him a mirror of modern values rather than the standard of eternal truth.
And it’s working, because too many Christians stay silent, thinking silence is kindness. But love without truth is not love at all.
“Speak the truth in love.” — Ephesians 4:15
“Contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” — Jude 1:3
Let us speak up, not out of hatred, but out of deep reverence for the real Jesus, who died for our sins, rose again, and is coming back.
Because when He returns, He’s not coming back as a symbol. He’s coming back as a King.
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