The Theology of "Wicked"

Is green the new Black?  

The story of Wicked, as told through the lens of Elphaba, the so-called "Wicked Witch of the West," is a masterclass in exposing the prejudice, manipulation, and societal victimization that shape our perceptions of other people. At its core, Wicked forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about how easily systems of power manipulate narratives, perpetuate fear, and marginalize those who don’t conform.

Truly, nothing is new under the sun, for we find similar stories as Elphaba’s in the Holy Writ of those judged unfairly, cast aside, or misrepresented because they didn’t fit societal norms or power structures. And Scripture’s call to “judge with right judgment” (John 7:24) is a loud “Come here!” to dismantle these false narratives and to look beyond appearances.

 

The Power of Prejudice

I don’t mean to give spoilers. However, in order to share my thoughts, I must also share some scenes from the movie. Elphaba is born with green skin, a visible marker that instantly subjects her to ridicule, rejection, and exclusion. Her difference is weaponized against her literally from her birth, framing her as “other.” Society’s collective prejudice ensures that she is dismissed before she even has the chance to know that she can define herself.

This is a classic example of how ‘hope unborn’ dies and mirrors how prejudice operates in real life. Art imitates life. Whether through race, gender, socioeconomic status, or ability, people who don’t fit the “norm” are often judged before they can even speak. In Wicked, the color of Elphaba’s skin becomes shorthand for villainy, which echoes the ways in which physical differences have historically been used to dehumanize and exclude.

Walk with me to John 9 where Jesus encounters a man born blind. The disciples ask, “Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” The assumption that difference equates to moral failure is as old as humanity itself. Like I said, “art imitates life.” In John 9 Jesus rejects the disciples’ (and the people’s) narrative, stating that the man’s condition is an opportunity for God’s work to be revealed. Similarly, Elphaba’s “otherness” becomes a vehicle for revealing the cruelty and hypocrisy of those in power.

 

Manipulations creates villainy

Perhaps the most chilling element of Wicked is the deliberate manipulation of the truth to control public perception. The Wizard and Madame Morrible craft a narrative that paints Elphaba as a threat, not because she is dangerous, but because her existence challenges their authority, and her brilliance exposes their lack of talent. So, by branding her as "wicked," they deflect attention from the truth about them.

This strategy is eerily familiar. Throughout history, systems of power have manipulated narratives to maintain control, often by villainizing those who resist oppression. Consider the ways abolitionists, civil rights activists, and freedom fighters have been labeled as radicals, criminals, or threats. The goal is always the same: to protect the status quo by silencing dissent.

Jesus himself is a victim of this tactic. Religious and political leaders manipulated public perception, criminalizing him and framing him as a blasphemer and insurrectionist to justify his crucifixion. The crowd that once shouted “Hosanna!” was convinced to cry “Crucify him!” because those in power feared the change that he represented.

Do not get me started on Ga-linda! She was the real villain in this movie with her hair-tossing, sugary smile, and her “I just want to help.” I have to give it to her, though: She acted the hilt out of that role! As an aside, it is hard for me to imagine that the one playing the role was ‘playing.’ Talk about a real-life narcissistic princess! (Another day, perhaps).

 

The Danger of only the one side

One of the central themes of Wicked is the idea that stories are rarely as simple as they seem. Elphaba’s narrative is one of misrepresentation and dehumanization. By the end of the story, the audience is forced to ask: Who decides what is true? And why do we believe them? At least, I hope that thinking people are asking some questions.

Such questions are deeply relevant today. From media spin to political propaganda, we are constantly bombarded with narratives designed to manipulate our emotions and shape our beliefs. The story of Elphaba challenges us to interrogate the “truths” we are told and to seek out the voices of those who have been silenced – like Jezebel (another day)

The Bible also warns against accepting narratives at face value. Proverbs 18:17 says, “The one who states his case first seems right, until another comes and examines him.” True discernment requires listening to multiple perspectives, particularly those from the margins, because they rarely see the light of day.

 

Victimizing the vulnerable

Elphaba’s story in Wicked is one of systemic victimization. She is blamed for things beyond her control, including the plight of the animals, and every attempt she makes to do good is twisted into further “proof” of her “wickedness.” The more she resists, the more the system conspires to break her.

This is the cycle of victimization that so many marginalized groups face. When people of color protest injustice, they are labeled as “angry.” When women speak out against misogyny, they are branded as “hysterical.” When the poor demand fair treatment, they are dismissed as “entitled.” The system ensures that resistance to oppression becomes further justification for the oppression itself.

Jesus identifies with the victimized throughout his ministry. He aligns himself with the poor, the outcast, and those deemed ‘sinners’. His life and death are evidence of God’s solidarity with the oppressed and a call to resist systems that perpetuate victimization.

 

Resistance

Elphaba refuses to conform even when it costs her everything. Yes, Elphaba! I am rooting for you! She reclaims her narrative, declaring, “I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game.” Her defiance is not wickedness—it’s courage. She may not participate in the shenanigans in the library, but my girl is ‘dancing through life’ to the beat of her own green drum!

This is it right here! The kingdom of God is counter-narrative to the powers of this world, one that uplifts the downtrodden and dismantles systems of oppression. Like Elphaba, may we be so courageous to stand against lies, even when it’s costly.

They call her the “Wicked Witch of the West.” I call her “Queen!” 

#Elphaba #Wicked #WickedMovie #JudgeRightly #ThePowerofNarrative #EndStereotypes #BreakingStereotypes #ExposingPrejudice #GreenisnotMean