rowland,

thanks for your email. i found it extremely interesting and thought provoking.

sorry for being pedantic, but there is one thing i must correct. you said: “There is a line in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar where Judas sings something like, “Listen to the crowd. There must be at least fifty thousand. Keep them shouting. You’ll get the power and the glory, and we will win ourselves a home.”

this speech is actually delivered by Simon Zealetus (spelling??) and goes:

“Christ what more do you need to convince you that you’ve made it and you’re easily as strong as the filth from Rome who rape our country, who have terrorized our people for so long.”

and he continues (more pertinently): “There must be over 50, 000 screaming love and more for you. Everyone of fiftythousand would do whatever you asked them to. Keep them yelling there devotion, but add a touch of hate at Rome. You will rise to a greater power, we will win ourselves a home. You’ll get the power and the glory for ever and ever and ever.”

Jesus responds: “Neither you Simon nor the fifty thousand, nor the Romans, nor the Jews. Nor Judas, nor the twelve, nor the priests nor the scribes, nor doomed Jerusalem itself understand what glory is – understand what power is – understand at all.”

This is based on my knowledge of the original London West End production, and although much of the show has evolved since, i think this part has stayed much the same.

it is one of my favorite shows of all time, not too mention a thought-provoking experience. im glad you appreciate it too!

Will