DRAMA
and
the
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
Appendix 29
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF DRAMATIZATION AMONG
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
General
Conference Special Committee Report
March
3, 1978
I.
PHILOSOPHY
The
question of dramatizations of various kinds by Seventh-day Adventist churches
and institutions, like all other questions, must be approached through this
great principle: All that the Christian does who is growing into Christ
must assist in attaining the character of Christ.
Increasingly
the Christian realizes the significance of his being a child of God — a
member of the royal family of the universe. His anticipation of living and
conversing with the Savior, with the angels who attend him, and with the
inhabitants of other worlds who observe him and even know him by name, is so
keen that the other world with its values and its joys becomes his present
reality. With Christ in his heart, he finds the things of earth growing
strangely dim.
Through
this progressive growth experience, behaviors which once seemed attractive may
no longer appear profitable or desirable; activities formerly shunned gain
high priority because they are part of the association with Jesus.
Ellen
White used this positive approach in appraising a Sabbath School pageant in
the Battle Creek Church:
Will
it make those who acted their part in it more spiritually minded? Will it
increase their sense of obligation to our heavenly Father who sent His Son
into the world at such an infinite sacrifice to save fallen man from utter
ruin? Was the mind awakened to grasp God because of His great love wherewith
He has loved us? (Ellen White, Letter 5, 1888.)
Any
dramatic performance — from a cradle-roll enactment through skits,
pantomimes, pageants, history representations, musical productions, homiletic
presentations, to a sophisticated Saturday night program in a church
institution — should be appraised by the same positive criteria.
Although
Ellen White did not condemn the simple Sabbath School drama at Battle Creek
— “I was pleased with the lighthouse.¼
The part acted by the children was good. The reading was appropriate” —
she found little light in the exercises. Particularly distressing to her was
the singing — “after the order we would expect it to be in any theatrical
performance,¼
not one word to be distinguished.”
Said
she: “I was pained at these things, so out of order with the very work of
reformation we are trying to carry forward in the church and with our
institutions” (Ibid, p. 19).
While
the messenger of the Lord certainly pointed out the great peril of drama and
the dramatic performance, she called attention to the use God makes of some
visual presentation as a means of communication to His prophets.
God
Himself employed pictures and symbols to represent to His prophets lessons
which He would have them give to the people, and which could thus be better
understood than if given in any other way. He appealed to the understanding
through the sense of sight. Prophetic history was presented to Daniel and John
in symbols, and these were to be represented plainly upon tables, that he who
reads might understand (2SM: pp. 319, 320).
Experience
within the Church has shown that dramatic media can be used to witness for God
and win souls. But as is so often the case, that which may be effective for
good when rightly used can also, if wrongly employed, be effective for evil.
It would then appear that questions relating to dramatic productions in
Seventh-day Adventist institutions must be settled on the basis of fundamental
principles rather than a simple acceptance or prohibition.
There
is no question but that many public dramatized productions today have reached
a nadir of degeneration. Unfortunately, many plays provide no answers to
questions. The prevailing climate normally reflects a Machiavellian attitude
or, at best, a hedonistic approach to life; usually there is no attempt to
laud religious ideals or to discredit a way of life out of harmony with the
gospel ethic. When the supernatural is part of a dramatic production, emphasis
is often on the demonic, the occult, extra-sensory perception, magic, and
thinly veiled spiritistic sophistries.
A
dangerous feature of commercial drama lies in its presentation of man
contriving against man in a struggle for supremacy. Moreover, the personal
life of many playwrights reveals basic unwholesome attitudes which often are
reflected in the plays they write. Consequently, the reality of their plays is
of a degenerating, not elevating, quality. It raises no thought to God and
conveys no concept that the brutality of the reality could be ameliorated if
the characters turned to God.
Further,
in a collective sense, the language of commercial drama plainly and
deliberately does not conform to the ideals of kindness and veracity. It is
often harsh, coarse, an cruel, usually punctuated with profanity, and spoken
with invective, sarcasm, and cynicism.
Another
consideration is the audience for which a typical commercial play is intended.
Today’s theater-going audience demands a type of play that conforms to
prevailing attitudes which often are degenerate and dissolute. Playwrights are
not blind to these attitudes, and few do not have their eyes fixed on the box
office. If the playwright satisfies the audience, and if his play is
commercially successful, the play is normally not meat for Seventh-day
Adventist consumption.
While
such drama may provide artistic and lasting insights into the human
experience, these insights are typically seen through the medium of selfish or
perverted characters who usually fall because of ignorance or rise because of
wits, with no tribute given to the working of Providence. It is for such
reasons that Ellen White penned her cautions relative to drama.
The
world is teeming with errors and fables. Novelties in the form of sensational
dramas are continually arising to engross the mind, and absurd theories abound
which are destructive to moral and spiritual advancement (4T: p. 415).
There
is no influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to
destroy religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the tranquil
pleasures and sober realities of life than theatrical amusements (4T: p. 653).
Satan
is using every means to make crime and debasing vice popular. We cannot walk
the streets of our cities without encountering flaring notices of crime
presented in some novel, or to be acted at some theater. The mind is educated
to familiarity with sin....
Many
of the amusements popular in the world today, even with those who claim to be
Christians, tend to the same end as did those of the heathen. There are indeed
few among them that Satan does not turn to account in destroying souls.
Through the drama he has worked for ages to excite passion and glorify vice
(PP: p. 459).
All
natural gifts are to be sanctified as precious endowments. They are to be
consecrated to God, that they may minister for the Master...
They are not to be devoted to self-pleasing amusement, or self-gratification...
Has
God given you intellect? Is it for you to manage according to your
inclinations? Can you glorify God by being educated to represent characters in
plays, and to amuse an audience with fables? Has not the Lord given you
intellect to be used to His name’s glory in proclaiming the gospel of
Christ? If you desire a public career, there is a work that you may do. Help
the class you represent in plays.(??) Come to the reality. Give your
sympathy where it is needed by actually lifting up the bowed down. Satan’s
ruling passion is to pervert the intellect and cause men to long for shows and
theatrical performances. The experience and character of all who engage in
this work will be in accordance with the food given to the mind.
The
Lord has given evidence of His love for the world. There was no falsity, no
acting, in what He did (MS 42, 1898).
Though
not condemning dramatic presentations per se, the preceding counsel does point
out the necessity for a guiding philosophy for the utilization, production, or
viewing of drama. The vehicle of drama is in itself of neutral quality. The
communicated content, the life of the actor, and the theatrics of a production
define its character. If the theme is morally positive and the treatment
simple, the valuable lesson can be taught in an impressive manner.
Dramatizations
for Seventh-day Adventist audiences should not have their purposes obscured by
extremely complex or highly involved plots, which confuse thinking, or by
sensational stories. The message and the plot will be complementary.
A
guiding philosophy of drama subsequently recognizes the prevailing dangers of
the medium while identifying its possible use for good as communication,
education, and recreation in Seventh-day Adventist settings.
Dramatization
should lead both participant and spectator into a deeper realization of his
role as a child of God and as a profitable member of society. He should be
encouraged to continue working for the salvation of others because he has a
renewed concept of his spiritual mission on earth in preparation for eternity.
These
goals will be realized only if total quality of the dramatic enactments
enhance Christian concepts and ideals so that God and His church will be
glorified because of the content, dignity, and excellence that mark each
production. Principles should not be compromised to meet the taste of the
audience, even though the nature of the audience, together with the occasion
and setting, are factors for consideration when a dramatization is planned.
The
moral, spiritual, and emotional facets of life must be treated with sincerity
in a well-balanced manner. If primarily religious in nature, the presentation
should be clear, with no ambiguity of purpose to confuse the viewer or
participant. Emotional scenes will be portrayed with restraint, and
intellectual themes marked by honesty.
Finally,
as a result of participating in or viewing dramatizations, a person should be
aided in his day-to-day life—his decisions, motives, and goals. He will be
a more positive Seventh-day Adventist Christian because of what he has seen or
presented.
II. FUNCTIONS
Based
upon the foregoing philosophy, dramatization should:
A. Provide
an experience beneficial to participants and viewers.
B. Strengthen ideals of Adventist
living.
C. Suggest
meaningful answers to significant questions arising in life situations.
D. Develop insights into facets of
human experience.
E. Emphasize the moral overtones
of secular or religious issues in character development.
F. Promote balance in the totality
of human experience.
III.
TYPES OF DRAMATIZATION
A. Role
Playing:
1. Definition: Impromptu or
extemporaneous enactment of real-life situations involving
interaction with the environment. (Through life-like situations the
participant becomes
aware of acceptable behavior and develops understanding of self and
others.)
2. Purposes. Role-playing should:
a.
Develop communication skills
— listening, speaking, relating.
b.
Bring latent creative powers to life.
c. Help clarify and reinforce
Adventist values.
B.
1. Definition: Any dramatization enacted for an audience.
2. Purposes. Dramatic productions
should:
a. Foster the purposes of
Adventist living.
b. Develop communication skills of
participants.
c. Provide wholesome aesthetic
experiences for viewers.
d. Foster a spirit of cooperative
teamwork in the pursuit of excellence.
e. Encourage and develop various
creative skills of participants.
f. Foster learning by doing.
g. Develop problem-solving
ability.
h. Improve decision-making skills
of participants and/or viewers.
I. Develop an understanding of the
emotions of others.
j. Increase self-understanding and
self-respect through success-experiences and encouragement.
k. Aid in learning that issues
often have more than two sides.
IV. CRITERIA
The
Lord is near...
Then the peace of God,..
will keep guard over your hearts and your thoughts, in Christ Jesus. And now,
my friends, all that is TRUE, all that is NOBLE, all that is JUST and PURE,
all that is LOVABLE and GRACIOUS, whatever is EXCELLENT and ADMIRABLE — fill
all your thoughts with these things (Phil. 4:6-8, NEB, emphasis supplied).
This
appeal is vital to those awaiting the Advent. Within this framework all
dramatizations employed by Seventh-day Adventists should be evaluated, and
they should meet the following inspired criteria. They should be:
A. TRUE
— True to principle, free from distortion, oversimplification, or
exaggeration, avoiding sensationalism (the exploitation of sex or violence or
other elements calculated to shock),
and maudlin sentimentality (the exploitation of romantic or other soft
feelings), because
men sometimes “allow the mind to come down to the superficial, to the
unreal, to simple, cheap
fictitious acting, [and] are doing the devil’s work” (MS 41, 1900).
B. NOBLE — (“honest” KJV;
“honorable” RSV) — Serious art, characterized by an honest
attempt to present a true and significant view of life; because “love
stories, frivolous and exciting
tales.— are a curse” (MYP: p. 272).
C. JUST
— Balanced in emphases, avoiding elements that give the appearance of making
evil desirable or goodness appear trivial, because “there is no
influence in our land more powerful to poison the imagination, to destroy
religious impressions, and to blunt the relish for the
tranquil pleasures,¼
than the theater” (4T: p. 653).
D. PURE
— Conducive to purifying thought and conduct, because “novelties in the
form of
sensational dramas are continually arising to engross the mind, and
absurd theories abound
which are destructive to moral and spiritual advancement” (4T: p.
415).
E. LOVABLE — Permeated with a
high idealism worthy of our affections, because “Satan does
not wish the people to have a knowledge of God; and if he can set in
operation¼theatrical
performances that will so confuse
the senses of the young that human beings will perish in
darkness while light shines all about them, he is well pleased” (RH,
March 13, 1900).
F. GRACIOUS — (“Fair
speaking,” Vincent, Word Studies in the New Testament, Vol. III, pp.
458, 459). — Free from profanity or other crude and
offensive language, because “The roughness of spirit, the coarseness of
speech, the cheapness of character, must be put away,
or we can never wear the garment woven in the heavenly loom, — the
righteousness of
Christ” (SD: p. 315).
G. EXCELLENT AND ADMIRABLE —
Characterized by artistic as well as moral integrity
and should provide examples of concern for excellence, because some
“degenerate into
demoralizing theatrical performances, and cheap nonsense” (RH,
January 4, 1881).
V.
CONSIDERATIONS
Will it make those who acted their part in it more spiritually minded?
Will it increase their sense of obligation to our heavenly Father who sent His
Son into the world at such an infinite sacrifice to save fallen man from utter
ruin? Was the mind awakened to grasp God because of His great love wherewith
He has loved us? (Letter 5, 1888).
Pride, self-esteem, and boldness are marked characteristics of the
children of this day, and they are the curse of the age. When I see this un-Christlike,
unlovely manifestation on every side, and then see parents and teachers
seeking to display the ability and proficiency of their children and scholars,
I am pained to the heart; for I know that it is exactly the opposite course
from the one that should be pursued (CSSW: p. 46).
Directors
or other sponsors of dramatizations should work in full cooperation with their
school administrators or other persons in responsibility in selecting the work
to be done, in planning the financial budget, and in all aspects of the
production that might raise problems.
In
the production of dramatizations, careful regard should be given to such
aspects as the following:
A. Selecting plays or other
scripts that can be competently produced within the available
facilities of the sponsoring institution.
B. Cutting or
modifying potentially objectionable parts or passages. Such modifying must be
done with discrimination to
maintain the integrity of the work.
C. Using
prayerful discretion in the selection of the cast, considering the impact upon
the
individuals
and the institution, as well as upon the production itself.1
D. Avoiding excessive expenditures
for elaborate costumes, stage properties, and other technical aspects of
production.
E. Maintaining moderation by
avoiding the inordinate outlay of time by directors and other
participants.
F. Guarding the standards of good
taste and modesty in costuming and in the creating of the
dramatic roles.
VI. CONCLUSION
Having
set forth these principles and criteria, the Church recognizes that the number
of acceptable programs available is very limited. Further, experience and the
counsels of the messenger of the Lord sound a solemn warning to all who may
participate in dramatic productions: They must be constantly alert to the danger
of opening a door which can lead to a love and infatuation for the dramatic
productions of the world, and will lead away from Christ and the duty of the
Christian to serve mankind.
1Special
concern was expressed by Ellen White for those participating in public
performances lest an infatuation for praise and applause be engendered which
could easily lead away from Christ and into the world. She wrote:
Many literary societies are in reality young theaters on a cheap scale
and they create in the youth a taste for the stage (RH, January 4, 1881).
In
a general manuscript on communication entitled “To Every Man His Work,”
quoted in part in the Review and Herald Supplement of June 22, 1898, we
find these words:
By showing vanity, by longing for distinction, many hide the person of
Christ, and expose themselves to view. There is such self-importance in their
own ideas and ways, and they cherish such a pleasing sense of their own
smartness, that the Lord cannot bestow His Holy Spirit upon them...
We are not to exalt the work of any man, magnifying him and praising his
judgment. The first rising of self is the beginning of your fall, your
separation from Christ (MS 42, 1898).
Original
committee report, January 28-31, 1974.
G.C.
Special Committee approved with changes, March 3, 1975.
Appendix
30
Appendix
30
AMAZING
FACTS
(GRAPHICS LEFT OUT)
An
Amazing Fact! Intensity of sound volume is measured in decibels (dB). Zero dB
is the softest sound that can be heard. The rustle of leaves has a decibel
rating of about 20, but normal conversation is around 40 to 60 dB. A jet
flying 500 feet overhead has a decibel rating of about 115 dB. Hearing damage
can occur after prolonged exposure to as little as 85 dB, yet rock concerts
can average between 120 and 140 dB!
October
1999
Dear
Friend,
For
some time now I have heard that "still small voice" impressing me to
talk to you about a serious issue that is steadily consuming our churches like
cancer. I have avoided addressing this swelling problem for fear of being
misunderstood, but I can't be silent any longer.
Let
me explain. Because of the whirlwind of speaking appointments in preparation
for the Millennium of Prophecy seminar in New York beginning on the 15th of
this month, I have had many opportunities to visit with hundreds of our
friends and supporters around the country and to observe dozens of different
worship services. My concern is this: I am alarmed at the pagan worship styles
that are creeping into many of our churches.
Musical
Madness
One
of the most powerful elements of worship that has become extremely divisive is
music.
From
the ancient Roman orgies and primitive tribal war dances, to the insane
behavior at modem concerts and sporting events, pagan music with its heavy,
syncopated rhythms has been used to excite carnal passions and wild behavior.
Many Christian churches have now embraced this same music. And it's not just
the loud "Christian rock." I have seen whole congregations that look
like they have been mesmerized through the New Age music with shallow,
repetitive lyrics sung over and over. If Jesus tells us not to pray in vain
repetition, then it is likely He does not want us singing that way either (see
Matthew 6:7).
Theatrical
Theology
Another
element invading modem Christian worship is drama. I have no moral problem
with using
some visual aids to help people better understand Bible truth. God asked
prophets like Ezekiel and Jeremiah to do this (see Jeremiah 32: 14 and Ezekiel
5: 1-4). But some argue that this justifies the dramatic stage productions
with raucous applause that are making their way into our churches.
The
problem is that many professed Christians have become so over-stimulated from a
steady diet of movies, TV, and videos that a simple, reverent worship service
without drama, drums, and dancing deacons seems boring by comparison. Many now
come to church to be entertained rather than to give their worship, praise,
songs, and offerings.
Remember.
King Nebuchadnezzar used the best of Babylonian music to prepare people to
worship the image he made. The devil will do the same thing in training
Christians to worship the image of the beast!
The
Truth for the Youth
Proponents
for this dramatic worship style often argue, "We have to do something more
modem and contemporary because we are losing our youth!" I must
respectfully disagree. I was brought to the truth at age 17 by the simple, yet
profound, impact of God's Word. I doubt that you had ever met a more
"liberal pagan" than I was back then. If God could get my attention
and bring about my conversion without shallow drama, goofy programs, and worldly
music, I believe He can still do it for other young people today! Amen? We often
underestimate the power of His Spirit and the pure, simple Word to convert
hearts. Amazing Facts continues to receive a mountain of mail from young people
who find the Lord through the straight preaching of our TV programs and the
powerful, uncompromising truths in our Bible Study Guides.
When
you support Amazing Facts, you support a ministry that strives daily to present
the truth of Jesus in a straightforward, dignified, and respectful manner.
Time
and again, rock music demonstrates its ability to bring out the basest of human
passions and behaviors. The Woodstock '99 rock concert in July culminated with a
rampage of violence, vice, vandalism, and rape.
Changing
With the Times
As
a metropolitan pastor, I am acutely aware of the subtle forces that are
constantly urging, "If we want to reach this secular society, we need to
make some modem modifications in our worship services to make them more
attractive to the world." This was the same fatal rationalization that was
used by misguided Christians just before the Dark Ages. They argued, "If we
are to reach the pagans, we need to make it easier for them to transition into
the church by making a few 'harmless concessions.' We need to incorporate some
of their images, songs, and rituals into our services so they will feel more at
home." I recognize that as time rolls on people must make certain practical
changes to keep pace with an ever-evolving society. Most churches now have
parking lots rather than hitching posts and
electricity
rather then kerosene lamps. Clothing styles are ever changing, and while
Christian's should not be the first to embrace every new fad, we should keep
pace with the modest versions
of
contemporary fashions so as to not appear as spectacles frozen in the past. But
should our worship of the Almighty be dictated by popular trends? Is conduct for
Christian worship to be determined by culture, fads, and personal preferences?
or by the Bible? God does have some unchanging absolutes to guide us in
discerning proper worship. "For I am the Lord, I change not" (Malachi
3:6). "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever"
(Hebrews 13:8).
Eternal
Principles
Some
church services I have recently seen resemble an "unholy hootenanny."
Yet the Scriptures teach that there should be a peaceful order in our worship.
"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the
churches of the saints" ( 1 Corinthians 14:33). The simple reading and
expounding of the Word has inherent power without colored lights and theatrical
embellishment. "So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God;
and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading"
(Nehemiah 8:8, NKJV). A reverent, quiet dignity should characterize our worship
of the Almighty. "But the LoRD is in his holy temple: let all the earth
keep silence before him" (Habakkuk 2:20).
The
first murder in history was over the issue of how to worship God. Cain and Able
had the same altars and claimed to be serving the same God, but the gifts on the
altars were different. and God would not accept Cain's worship and offering.
Going
to Inquire of Baal-Zebub
Some
will argue that many of the churches that practice these contemporary, alternate
worship trends are growing like mushrooms. Hundreds of pastors are flocking to
these "successful" mega-churches to study and learn how they can
inject these pagan growth hormones into their own congregations. They believe
this swelling attendance is evidence that these methods must be of God. But is
numerical growth the ultimate test to determine if something is biblical?
"Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil" (Exodus 23 :2).
Remember, the false prophets on mount Carmel outnumbered Elijah 850 to one!
Consider
the glaring contrast seen there between Elijah and the prophets of Baal (see 1
Kings 18: 19-40). The pagan prophets danced and jumped and shouted all day, but
Elijah humbly knelt down and offered a simple, reverent prayer with no fanfare
or pretense. Which prayer did God answer? It was not the Pagan Pandemonium of
Baal's prophets, but the calm, meek worship of Elij ah that God honored with the
fire then the rain! Likewise, the final conflict in the great controversy
between Christ and Satan will revolve around the issue of whom, how, and when we
worship. Revelation warns us that the beast will compel all the world to worship
as he dictates... or suffer persecution and death (Revelation 13: 15). Please
stand with Amazing Facts in counteracting these errors with the truth of God's
Word.
Prophecy
is Being Fulfilled
The
prophecies of Revelation teach that there will be a union between Protestants,
Catholics, and Charismatics that will ultimately merge into a
political-religious power, forming the final image to the beast. It's happening
now! In their book, Evangelicals and Catholics Together-Toward a Common Mission,
Chuck Colson and Richard John Neuhaus admit "More generally, the spread of
the charismatic movement (and then of songs, prayers, and worship styles going
well beyond officially charismatic circles) has done a great deal to reduce the
barriers between Catholics and evangelicals." When these barriers are
broken down, watch out!
Overcome
Evil With Good!
People
who handle cash in banks are trained to spot counterfeit bills by studying the
real ones. Amazing Facts teaches the truth so people can spot the devil's
spiritual counterfeits. Every facet of our ministry is geared to highlight the
authentic so that it will, in turn, expose the fraud. Day in and day out,
Amazing Facts teaches those precious truths through our live evangelistic
meetings, television and radio programs, and correspondence Bible School. Your
support of these various efforts is changing lives, and we have the mass of mail
to prove it--every day!
Every
week Amazing Facts produces the Sabbath School and church service at Sacramento
Central Church, and broadcasts them on 3ABN and other cable stations around the
country. We believe that these biblically-based services have a defining
influence on God's people around the country and help to limit the flood of
worldly worship styles eroding our churches. The only way to combat the wild
trends in worship is by word and example, educating people with the truth! When
you support Amazing Facts, you are funding wholesome, biblical food that
nourishes thousands of spiritually-starving people.
Well,
I'm out of space and I have much more to say about this issue than I can fit in
our monthly letter. That's why my special gift tape for those who respond now is
my recent message titled When the Fire Came Down. It deals directly with the
subject of our worship and our relationship with God. Feel free to copy it and
share it with your friends.
If
you share my concern, please let me hear from you so I will know I am not out on
this limb alone. And, as the Lord leads, please enclose a gift to keep the
various ministries of Amazing Facts in front of the thousands who are growing
and coming to the truth each day. I believe there are still thousands of knees
that have not bowed to Baal over this issue! And we must warn others before it's
too late! We would deeply appreciate your help at this time.
Yours
in Christ,
Doug
P.S.
As of this writing we have received $1,800,000 of our needed $2,500,000 budget
for the Millennium of Prophecy seminar. We praise God for His provision and
trust that He will stir the hearts of His children to provide the remainder.
AMAZING
FACTS
Reaching
the World With God's End-Time Message
|