After thoughtful deliberation while dusting chiropractic equipment, I came to the conclusion today that the play that I've been writing for our church to use at Christmas is 'inappropriate considering the intended audience'. Which is stink because I really liked the idea and where it was heading - but, on reflection, it was going require a bit too much intensity and scenes that might have disturbed both children and the elderly alike. I may still finish it (it would be worthwhile to) but I find it difficult to accomplish things when I can't see them moving towards a specific goal. So the hunt is on yet again. I have (finally) exhausted Dramatix after finding the last four years worth of plays there. New material doesn't seem to get added very often, and more lengthy and/or serious works are in short supply. I have one idea up my sleeve, but it's a longish shot and if it falls through that's it. Ah well. Something always comes through.
Drama has, for many years, been a vibrant part of the ministry in our congregation. And while it may be controversial among a select few, I believe that drama can be a powerful weapon for the Church. Like a weapon it can be used wisely or foolishly, depending on the character of those who wield it. Some use it like a club, smacking people left and right with glib maxims and morals. Others are more skilled but their hearts are in the wrong place, so they end up hurting others and themselves or at best strive uselessly against phantom foes. But those who are called and guided by God, have studied and applied themselves to their art, and love the God-given gift of stories can use it to instruct, to heal, and to uncover one more of the limitless, wonderful aspects of our Creator.
2 comments:
I think that if we had more good artists who were Christians, instead of 'Christian Artists', many forms of art would gain wider acceptance in the church. There was a time when many of the foremost artists were Christians. Even some of the great ones of recent years, such as Johnny Cash, were often snubbed by the church because they saw him as 'scary'.
When you judge a song or play by how many times it contains the name of Jesus, it's not hard to understand why so few artists work under the church.
That's right. People just set their 'God-counter' and forget that there's way more to it than that.
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