11/25/2012

Christian Play Scripts Teach In An Entertaining Way

By Dianne Crane


It is not known which the oldest religion is, though it is probably not Christianity. However, it is a fact and not an opinion that Christianity has had a major impact on the evolution of Western Civilization. This fact can be proved by pointing to great cathedrals, to works of art, musical scores, books and Christian play scripts.

Mystery plays were quite popular in the Middle Ages. They were written and produced in order to inform audiences about biblical facts. Later, morality plays tended to instruct audiences about moral precepts. They were valuable in that they gave concrete form to abstract concepts of morality.

Possibly because the power of drama was recognized, dramatic activities were sometimes curtailed in the Western world. Puritans who favored austere and pure lifestyles saw the very existence of drama and entertainment as dangerously evil. Theaters were closed at some points in the past. Even Shakespeare suffered some career threats as a result of puritanical attitudes to drama.

In more modern times the positive power of drama has been recognized. Film and TV producers, authors and church groups work busily to convey Gospel facts in dramatic fashions. It is widely recognized that entertainment teaches and that abstract concepts are best taught in the way that Christ taught, through parables.

Modern means of communication extend the methods that have been used over many centuries. Christianity probably did not have much to do with the inventions and proliferation of the Internet, but many people have been quick to see the value of communication technology in getting over religious messages through the age old methods of instruction through entertainment. This is as old as instinctive, and as natural as child behavior. Baby animals and young human beings all learn naturally in this way.

People who are looking for appropriate scripts can find a considerable store online. From university groups who may be looking for intellectually stimulating texts to nativity plays for children, there are many plays stored on the Internet and readily available. They may be inspected first and then purchased when a browser is certain that he knows what he wants.

An online resource will often indicate how many actors will be required, what kind of audience the script is aimed at and other essential bits of information that a prospective purchaser needs to know. Some scripts may be suitable for street theater and others for nativity plays for young children in schools or churches. Christianity covers a very wide range of interests, styles and beliefs.

The wide range and availability of Christian play scripts mean that producers need to select script that accord with their purposes. However, amid the diversity a few distinct points stand out. One important one is that entertainment and instruction go hand in hand. A message that is put over in an entertaining way has a far better chance of teaching important lessons than one that is dull and boring.




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