The Christian Play Essay

Religion is constantly evolving because of how society, culture, and people change. However, this is usually a slow process because the adjustments that need to be made to accommodate the changing culture. Yet, the sudden change is what creates a dramatic and spellbinding atmosphere for the play The Christians. Structured like a Greek tragedy, the play builds up on events of small arguments with choral interludes in-between, which heightens the tension and conflict on faith and how it impacts its believers. The Christians, demonstrates how religion can bring people together and tear them apart. The play begins with Pastor Paul giving a sermon that creates controversy and confusion for everyone at attendance. He announces that he had a revelation

Yet, he is still condemned to hell because the young man was not a christian. From this Pastor Paul comes to the conclusion that there is no logical reason for the existence of hell. He also goes on to explain that everyone goes to heaven, even Hitler. Understandably this raises concerns for most of the congregation. They cannot accept how someone who commits crime, kills innocent people, and do not dedicate themselves goes to spreading the word of God can end up in heaven. However, this represents how religion in currently questioned in a society. In these events the faith of a group of people determines the verdict and fate of an individual. Generally individuals who do not live up to these standards are said to go to hell. Yet, it is hypocritical and narrow minded to condemn someone to hell because they do not follow the same beliefs.

Instead Pastor Paul explains it is not right to believe that my way is the only way, and that God forgives everyone. He goes on to say that “hell” and “Satan” is actually humanity and the act of cruelty we have towards others. The pastor’s revelation brings to surface the religious idea that God forgives, saves, and blesses everyone with a heavenly