The Theatre: A Battle Zone for Religious Controversy in Nineteenth Century America

The nineteenth century in America witnessed a clash of ideologies, including religious beliefs and morality. One arena where this conflict played out was the theatre. The evolving art form became a target of religious condemnation, with various religious groups perceiving it as a threat to their values. This article delves into the religious backlash against the theatre during this period, exploring the social and cultural dynamics that fueled the controversy.

Religion and Morality in Nineteenth Century America

Throughout the nineteenth century, religion played a central role in American society. The majority of Americans identified themselves as Christians, and religious principles heavily influenced societal norms and values. Churches held significant power and were seen as moral authorities, shaping their congregations' beliefs and behaviors.

Morality, as defined by religious teachings, was tightly linked to the preservation of societal order and the adherence to strict codes of conduct. Any perceived deviation from these codes, particularly in the realm of entertainment, became a cause for concern and moral panic among religious groups.

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

Theatre: An Emerging Art Form

During the nineteenth century, the theatre experienced significant growth in America. Theaters popped up in major cities, attracting a diverse audience hungry for entertainment. This expansion occurred alongside developments in technology and the emergence of larger dramatic productions.

However, the nature of theatrical performances drew criticism from various religious groups. They regarded the theatre as a den of immorality that threatened the moral fabric of the nation. Several elements fueled their condemnation.

Immorality and Vice on Stage

One key criticism of the theatre was the moral content—or the lack thereof—of many plays performed during this era. Certain plays contained themes of promiscuity, infidelity, or violence, which raised concerns among religious leaders and their followers. They argued that these dramas corrupted the moral character of individuals and promoted sinful behaviors that defied religious doctrine.

Religious critics believed that attending such performances could lead to moral decay, making people vulnerable to temptation and immorality. The theatre was seen as a corrupting influence that potentially jeopardized the spiritual well-being of audience members. Consequently, religious institutions openly condemned the theatre as a form of entertainment.

Secularism and Non-religious Themes

Another major point of contention between religious groups and the theatre was the perceived secularization of artistic expression. Many plays began to focus on human experiences, emotions, and societal issues rather than religious themes or narratives. This shift away from religious discourse was seen as a threat to the dominance of Christian values in society.

Religious figures believed that the theatre undermined the authority of religious institutions by offering an alternative to religious teachings. The exploration of non-religious themes conveyed the idea that moral guidance could be attained outside the realm of religious authority, causing alarm among religious leaders.

Religious Responses and Public Outcry

The religious condemnation of the theatre was not limited to sermons delivered from pulpits. Religious groups actively campaigned against the theatre, leveraging their influence to discourage attendance and undermine its legitimacy as an art form.

Religious newspapers and publications served as platforms for relentless attacks on the theatre. These publications aimed to expose the perceived immorality and vice associated with theatrical performances. Articles and editorials disseminated stories of fallen actresses and highlighted instances of scandalous behavior among theatre patrons.

Furthermore, religious leaders delivered impassioned sermons warning their congregations of the evils of the theatre. They urged their followers to prioritize religious observance over attendance at performances, equating the theatre with sinfulness and the path to damnation.

The Impact of Religious Condemnation

The religious backlash against the theatre had a significant impact on the art form and society at large. The decline in theatre attendance became apparent as religious leaders successfully persuaded many of their congregants to avoid the theatre altogether. As a result, some theatres faced financial difficulties, unable to sustain their operations due to diminishing audiences.

The religious condemnation also led to public debates on moral standards and freedom of expression. Supporters of the theatre argued for the importance of artistic freedom, highlighting the potential for intellectual enrichment through theatrical experiences. They saw the attacks on the theatre as an infringement upon their rights to enjoy and appreciate the arts.

Theatre's Resilience and Transformation

Despite the religious condemnation, the theatre managed to adapt and evolve. Playwrights and actors began producing plays that addressed moral concerns and reinforced Christian values. By incorporating more conservative elements into their performances, they aimed to counter religious criticism and draw religiously inclined audiences back to the theatre.

Gradually, the religious opposition to the theatre began to wane as society moved into the twentieth century. Changing societal attitudes and a shifting religious landscape contributed to a more accepting view of the theatre as a legitimate form of entertainment.

The nineteenth century's religious condemnation of the theatre stands as a testament to the deep-seated cultural and moral struggles that characterized the era. The clash between religious groups and the evolving art form revealed the anxieties surrounding morality, societal order, and religious authority. The battle for the theatre's acceptance became a pivotal moment in American history, ultimately shaping the future of theatrical expression in the country.

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.