The Theatre As Target Of Religious Condemnation In Nineteenth Century America

In the nineteenth century, theatre faced significant opposition from religious groups in America. This opposition was largely driven by religious leaders who believed that the theatre was a corrupting force that threatened the moral fabric of society. The theatre was seen as a sinful and immoral space that encouraged vice and led to the deterioration of Christian values. Religious condemnation towards the theatre during this period provides valuable insight into the socio-cultural dynamics and the perception of entertainment in nineteenth-century America.

Religious Concerns about the Theatre

Religious groups argued that the theatre was a breeding ground for immorality due to its association with an underworld of vice, decadence, and lewdness. Many religious leaders believed that frequenting the theatre would lead individuals down a path of sin and debauchery. They considered theatrical performances as sinful indulgences that undermined the principles of morality and virtue.

The scripts and content of plays also faced criticism from religious groups. Many plays depicted themes of seduction, adultery, and deceit, which were seen as contrary to Christian values. In addition, the portrayal of violence and excess in some theatrical productions reinforced the perception that the theatre was a corrupting influence.

Church and Stage: The Theatre as Target of Religious Condemnation in Nineteenth Century America

by Claudia Durst Johnson(Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	7314 KB
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Cultural Clashes

The opposition to the theatre by religious groups reflected a broader cultural clash between traditional religious values and the emerging secular influences. The nineteenth century witnessed significant social changes, including urbanization and industrialization, that brought about new forms of entertainment and leisure activities.

Religious leaders feared that these changes would erode the traditional values and beliefs that had defined American society for generations. The theatre, with its ability to captivate and influence large audiences, was perceived as a direct threat to religious authority and its ability to shape moral standards. It represented a shift towards a more secular and liberal society that contradicted the conservative religious worldview.

Religious Campaigns against the Theatre

Religious condemnation towards the theatre led to several organized campaigns aimed at suppressing its influence. These campaigns involved religious leaders delivering sermons warning about the dangers of attending the theatre and encouraging their followers to abstain from such sinful activities.

Religious publications also played a crucial role in spreading the message of condemnation. Through books, pamphlets, and articles, religious leaders sought to depict the theatre as morally corrupt and detrimental to society. They highlighted the negative consequences associated with attending performances, emphasizing the potential moral downfall that awaited those who indulged in such entertainment.

Effects on the Theatre Industry

The religious opposition to the theatre had significant implications for the industry itself. The theatre faced financial setbacks as religious groups urged their followers to boycott performances and actively campaigned against the establishment of new theatres. The resulting decline in attendance forced many theatre owners to close down their venues.

This opposition also led to increased censorship and regulations within the theatre industry. In an attempt to alleviate religious concerns and regain public trust, theatrical productions were subjected to stricter guidelines. Scripts were heavily scrutinized to ensure they adhered to moral standards, and offensive or controversial content was often removed or modified.

Changing Attitudes

Despite the religious condemnation, attitudes towards the theatre began to change towards the end of the nineteenth century. The emergence of more refined and respectable theatrical productions, known as "legitimate theatre," aimed to distance themselves from the negative associations associated with the earlier theatre.

These changes in attitude were also influenced by the growth of urban populations that brought increased diversity and cultural exchanges. The theatre began to be seen as a place for education, artistic expression, and community engagement rather than a hotbed of immorality.

The religious condemnation of the theatre in nineteenth-century America sheds light on the cultural clashes and evolving attitudes towards entertainment and religious authority. This opposition highlighted the tensions between traditional religious values and the forces of modernization and secularization. While the theatre faced severe scrutiny and obstacles during this period, it eventually adapted to survive and thrive in a changing social landscape.

Church and Stage: The Theatre as Target of Religious Condemnation in Nineteenth Century America

by Claudia Durst Johnson(Illustrated Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7314 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

Throughout nineteenth century America, religious officials often condemned the theatre as an inversion of the house of God, similar to the church in architectural structure and organization but wholly different in purpose and values. This book explores the many ways in which religious institutions supported by capitalism profoundly affected the early development of American theatre. The author analyzes the church's critical view toward common theatre practices, including the use of female and child performers, and the lower class alliance with the stage. Three appendices provide period correspondence, including an excerpt from Mark Twain's February 1871 "Memoranda," in which Twain criticizes an Episcopalian reverend for denying church burial to a popular stage comedian.