Who is Cynthia Erivo? A Background on the Actress Playing Jesus Christ
Cynthia Erivo is a British actress, singer, and songwriter known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen. Born on January 8, 1987, in London, England, to Nigerian parents, Erivo initially studied music psychology at the University of East London before transferring to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to focus on acting.
Her big break came in 2015 when she starred as Celie in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, a role that earned her both a Tony Award and a Grammy. From there, she transitioned into film, delivering a critically acclaimed performance as Harriet Tubman in the 2019 movie Harriet, for which she received Academy Award nominations for both Best Actress and Best Original Song. Erivo has since built a reputation as a versatile performer, starring in projects such as Bad Times at the El Royale, The Outsider (HBO), and the upcoming Wicked adaptation, where she will play Elphaba.
Cynthia Erivo’s Public Coming Out as Bisexual
In 2021, Erivo publicly came out as bisexual during an interview with British Vogue. She spoke about how she had previously hinted at her sexuality in her music but had never openly discussed it in the media. Erivo described her journey as one of self-acceptance and expressed hope that her story would help others feel seen. She also spoke about the challenges of being both Black and LGBTQ in the entertainment industry.
Why This Background Matters
Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Jesus Christ is controversial for multiple reasons, and her public identity as a bisexual woman adds another layer to the discussion. While her sexuality is not being criticized, it is relevant in understanding why Hollywood may have chosen her for this role. With this background established, we can now examine why this portrayal of Jesus is problematic.
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Cynthia Erivo as Jesus: 10 Reasons This is Blasphemous and Disrespectful
The casting of Cynthia Erivo, a Black British actress and singer, as Jesus Christ in an upcoming play has sparked a firestorm of debate. While some see this as progressive, many of us recognize it for what it truly is: a blatant act of blasphemy, disrespect, and an agenda-driven provocation. Hollywood has a long history of undermining Christianity while being careful not to offend other religions. Would they dare depict Prophet Muhammad as a bisexual Black woman? Of course not. Yet, they have no problem twisting Christian imagery for controversy and ideological gain. Here are ten reasons why this casting is unacceptable:
1. Jesus Christ is a Man, Not a Woman
No matter how much Hollywood wants to reimagine history, Jesus was a man. The Bible consistently refers to Him as the Son of God, not the Daughter or Person of God. This is not open to interpretation or revision for the sake of representation.
2. This is a Deliberate Attack on Christianity
Hollywood and mainstream media have a history of ridiculing Christianity while treading lightly around other religions. They push boundaries with Christian symbols because they know the backlash will be minimal compared to what would happen if they disrespected Islam or Judaism.
3. Black Jesus vs. Black Woman Jesus – A Mockery of Representation
Many historians and theologians acknowledge that Jesus was not white, and even Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared that Jesus was Black. But instead of embracing that truth, Hollywood gives us a Black woman as Jesus, mocking those who have sought historical accuracy. This isn’t representation; it’s subversion.
4. Would Hollywood Do This to Any Other Religion?
Imagine the uproar if a major studio cast a woman—especially a Black woman—as Prophet Muhammad. It would never happen because the backlash would be overwhelming. So why is it acceptable to distort Christianity in this way?
5. The LGBTQ Agenda is Being Forced into Religious Spaces
This is not just about race or gender; it's about pushing a particular ideology into Christian doctrine. Jesus’ identity as a man is foundational to Christian theology. Changing that is not "inclusive"; it’s an intentional rewriting of scripture.
6. Where Are the Church Leaders?
Why are prominent Black pastors like T.D. Jakes, Creflo Dollar, and Joel Osteen silent? Is their only concern making money? True spiritual leaders should be calling this out for the blasphemy that it is, but many are too compromised to speak against Hollywood’s influence.
7. An Insult to Christian Believers Worldwide
Christianity is the largest religion in the world, and billions of people revere Jesus Christ. To twist His image into something unrecognizable is not artistic expression; it’s an insult to the faith of millions.
8. Hollywood’s Longstanding Contempt for Traditional Values
This casting is not about inclusion; it’s about dismantling long-held religious beliefs. Hollywood has always sought to chip away at traditional values, and this is yet another example of that agenda in action.
9. The Political Timing is Suspect
Donald Trump recently reaffirmed that there are only two genders. In response, Hollywood may be using this casting as a form of retaliation. If that sounds like a conspiracy theory, ask yourself why this announcement is happening now and why it’s being so heavily promoted.
10. The Erosion of Sacred Boundaries
Some things should remain untouched, and Jesus Christ is one of them. Whether one is religious or not, tampering with a sacred figure purely for controversy and "representation" is wrong. Just as Muslims would never accept a female Prophet Muhammad, Christians should reject this revisionist portrayal of Jesus.
Final Thoughts
Hollywood’s casting of Cynthia Erivo as Jesus is not an accident. It is a carefully calculated move meant to provoke, divide, and erode Christian values. The question is: will believers stand up against this, or will they allow their faith to be reshaped by those who have no reverence for it?