While welcoming the Government’s engagement with church leaders on their concerns over Jesus Christ Superstar, LoveSingapore said that it was “disappointing” that the musical will be staged in Singapore, citing concerns over the production’s portrayal of Christ.

In a statement on Thursday (June 11), the Christian unity movement noted the requirement for organisers to display a disclaimer that the show is a “dramatised, artistic interpretation” rather than a biblically accurate portrayal of Jesus.

LoveSingapore called for both the disclaimer and the show’s Advisory 16 rating to be “made clear not just at the event venue and ticketing platforms, but also on all promotional material”, such as on public posters and online advertisements.

“While a disclaimer is necessary, we believe a disclaimer alone should not allow for an inaccurate and potentially denigrating portrayal of a religion’s central figure,” the statement said, adding that it looks forward to continued conversations with the authorities on religiously sensitive matters.

Not an endorsement

The statement by LoveSingapore came after the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) announced that Jesus Christ Superstar would be given an Advisory 16 rating for its mature and religiously sensitive content when it is staged at Marina Bay Sands in August.

Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in 1971, the production is a rock opera that depicts the final weeks of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.

The decision was made in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), according to a joint statement by the three agencies on June 11.

According to IMDA’s website, the Restricted 18 classification is the only age-enforceable rating for arts entertainment. This means that organisers of productions with an Advisory 16 rating are not required to verify or restrict attendance based on age.

In its statement, IMDA said it had reviewed materials submitted for the production against the Arts Entertainment Classification Code, as well as sought the views of its advisory panels, which comprise members from “a broad cross-section of Singapore society”. It also took into account the fact that the film adaption of the musical was approved for screening here in 1974.

While it has approved the staging of the musical, IMDA acknowledged that some Christians are concerned that the production does not accurately portray the life of Jesus.

It added that Government agencies have engaged these groups to hear their views and explain Singapore’s approach to arts classification, which “seeks to balance support for artistic expression with the safeguarding of mutual respect and religious harmony”.

“The classification of the production is not an endorsement of the production,” said the agencies.

They added that they are mindful of the diverse views and sensitivities in Singapore’s multicultural and multi-religious society, and that they will continue consulting their advisory panels and key stakeholders closely, especially on religiously sensitive content.

“Productions that denigrate any religion, incite hatred or ill will, or pose a real risk to religious harmony, will not be allowed to be staged.”

Express convictions responsibly

In its statement, LoveSingapore cautioned Christians to exercise discernment over the production, whose artistic interpretation, script and lyrics call into question the divinity of Jesus. It also encouraged church leaders to guide their members “to walk in wisdom” regarding this production.

It added that Christians are not seeking “special treatment” and called for “equal respect” for the central tenants of every faith community, as well as each of their sacred figures, beliefs and symbols.

“LoveSingapore remains committed to constructively engaging the Government and other key stakeholders for the common good and the preservation of religious harmony in Singapore.”

In a separate statement, the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) rejected depictions of Christ that reduce Him to a mere prophet or teacher, “much less a tragic figure of history”.

In its statement, NCCS affirmed the truth that Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God who died for the sins of the world and rose from the dead on the third day.

It reiterated that artistic representations of Jesus should be based on the Bible and Christian tradition.

“In this regard, the Jesus that the musical portrays does not fall within the bounds of Christian orthodoxy. In fact, in the history of Christianity, similar denials of the divinity of Christ – presenting Him as only a human being … have been condemned as heresies.”

NCCS encouraged Christians to express their convictions on the musical responsibly and to engage cultural works with discernment and wisdom.

“For those who find the musical deeply offensive to their conscience or harmful to their faith, the Council respects their decision to abstain from viewing or supporting it. For those who choose to attend or reflect on the musical, the Council encourages a critical and prayerful engagement,” the statement read.

It also called believers to engage the wider culture with grace and respect, and to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel in humility and love.

“In this way, we offer a compelling account of our hope in Christ.”