While browsing the June/July issue of Christian Happenings, I came across a concert which was going to be held a mere 2 hours from my place. I'd been threatening to go to some of the local stuff, but I've been passing many opportunities because I'd have to be going alone. This time, I was going anyway! I liked ApologetiX, and already owned two of their CDs. Some friends lived only a half hour from the concert site, so my wife had an excuse to go part way with me. Before I tell you about the concert, I want to give you a CD review on Jesus Christ Morningstar.
Jesus Christ Morningstar is an obvious take-off from Jesus Christ Superstar. (In case you were unaware, Jesus Christ Superstar was a '70s rock opera.) I remember my youth group attending the movie, then discussing it afterward. Jesus Christ Superstar was, and still is, rather controversial. The writers took a few non-biblical liberties with it, and ended it before Jesus' resurrection. It also had its critics due to the fact that it was Rock music attached to Christianity. The rock opera did, however, expose many people to Christ, who otherwise might not have listened. Rock's a tool of God, too!
ApologetiX took some liberties in Morningstar, but their story follows much more closely to Scripture. Jesus Christ Morningstar doesn't stop short of the resurrection and even touches on today's liberal humanizing of God's Word. Here's the line-up of songs, and their main ideas:
- Hotel California/Hotel Can't Afford Ya --the birth of Christ through Joseph's eyes.
- Alright Now/Go Right Now --Jesus calling the apostles.
- Rockin' Me/Apostle Me --If you memorized the "I went from Phoenix Arizona all the way to Tacoma, Philadelphia, Atlanta, LA..." part of Steve Miller Band's "Rockin' Me", you can memorize the names of the apostles just as easily.
- Venus/Jesus --Sermon on the Mount (The world's most famous sermon, and it's not all that long, either!).
- Pinball Wizard/Temple Physician --Jesus' healing ministry.
- Rock and Roll All Night/Love and Kisses --Love the Lord Jesus!
- American Pie/Parable Guy --a list of Jesus' parables --one of His most effective teaching tools!
- I'll be There For You/I'll Prepare For You --Jesus was leaving, but the Holy Spirit was coming soon.
- Eye of the Tiger/I Have to Die First --Jesus still had to explain things to his disciples, who didn't quite grasp what was happening.
- Live and Let Die/Didn't Just Die --Christ did a whole lot more than merely die on the cross.
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