Point of View
The "world" is not shocked by people living together.
They are not shocked when couples get a divorce.
They are not shocked by teenage drinking.
Abortion, pornography, suicide, drugs, sexual assault, lying, disrespect, rebellion... these things do not shock the world.
To those of us in the church, these things are still shocking. That's because we believe in sin. We believe God designed the world to be a certain way, and any deviation from God's plan shocks us.
The world left the concept of sin behind decades ago. They have no moral center, no sense of right and wrong, and they've accepted the fall out as just being "normal."
If you're producing drama for the church, by all means continue with your "shocking" scenes of divorce, infidelity, and teenage rebellion. You can still shock the faithful. But if you're writing to reach a lost world, it's high time you shift your paradigm.
The world does not see things as we do. If we want them to see things God's way, we must (1) understand their worldview, (2) begin our drama productions with their perspective, not ours, then (3) gradually bring them around to see it doesn't have to be this way.
I'm not saying we need to write vulgar, violent, sinful material. We just need to learn to write characters in a sinful world who are not shocked by sin, placing them in stories that will reveal to those characters - and consequently our audience - the way to Christ.
Warning...this is gonna be long. I've been sanctified (Pentecostal) since the early 60's. I'm was gifted by God at an early age to play the organ by ear..no formal lessons..can't read a lick of sheet music but can do a fair to good job of renderering morning service music. Around 1980 my wife bought me a "MIDI" keyboard for a B.D. gift that I hooked-up to a computer. Again without any tech training I've become pretty good at producing music for friends, various ministries and clients. At some point somebody gave me a camcorder and for well over ten years I've been videtaping wedding ceremonies and other special events including live concerts and...tada...stage plays for clients. I've learned how to professionally edit video and author DVD's...there's a local name for me...the "multimedia specialist"( entirely from the gift of God).
God gave me a Holy Ghost inspiried script for a play some years ago that I've been praying about how to self produce.During this same time frame, I was at a service where the Pastor mentioned about starting a program (mentoring) for the youth and community...his "vision" clearly came from on High! When I was asked to volunteer "any" of my so-called talents/expertise...well, I did'nt hesitate to say yes. IMO, it was a no-brainer! God had seemingly answered my prayers. What a dummy!!! You talk about back to the drawing board...it was more like back on my knees!!! The more I revealed the storyline of my "masterpiece" the more rejection I received from the core members (and decision makers)..they were totally in schock!. Yes, the play had some violence and a "suggested" street creed flavor, but I did'nt think it was strong or lead away from the intended message of redemption and salvation. Well, the play was whittled down to a "skit" and I'm now taking a back seat as a result (I'm prob wrong for that) and will only handle technical issues if and when they arrive. Why am I writing this long letter to you ? Your post was so timely and helpful!I was doing research and came across your thought proving commentary. Thank you so much. I'm am truly inspired and renewed and will not try to force a round peg in a square hole (anytime soon...promise). Man...church folks...I love em' but sometimes they can't see pass the pews!! God bless, H.T.
Posted by:Herb | June 10, 2008 at 01:16 PM