Boyd assesses Rice and Weber's musical, basing it against traditional religious doctrine; the critic's conclusion is that the play trivializes the events of the Bible.

Can Jesus survive "Jesus Christ Superstar" ? Sometimes it is "Love Story" in Jerusalem. Other times it is only "The Greening of the Box Office."... But is it a serious work of art? And how does it deal with the Passion of Christ?...

In a myriad of details gone wrong, the show bears little resemblance to the New Testament. Yet, what is most important, Jesus' mission got misplaced somewhere from drawing board to Star Chamber.

Is this the Jesus of a significant counter-culture? Not at all. For we see him reject the sick and distressed victims of society who come to him for help. We see a restless and tired "star" Jesus arrogantly send Judas away to do the work of betrayal. Fatigue...