Drama
Jump to: TopicalISBEWebster'sThesaurusLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Drama, as a form of artistic expression, involves the portrayal of fictional or non-fictional events through performance. While the Bible does not explicitly mention drama as a theatrical art form, it does contain elements of dramatic storytelling and narrative that convey moral, spiritual, and theological truths.

Biblical Narratives and Drama

The Bible itself is rich with narratives that possess dramatic elements. These accounts often include conflict, resolution, and character development, which are key components of drama. For instance, the account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) presents a classic dramatic conflict between the underdog and the giant, culminating in a surprising victory that underscores God's power and faithfulness.

Parables of Jesus

The parables of Jesus are another example of dramatic storytelling. These short, allegorical accounts convey deep spiritual truths and often include elements of surprise or reversal. For example, the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) involves themes of rebellion, repentance, and redemption, capturing the audience's attention and illustrating God's grace and forgiveness.

Theatrical Elements in Biblical Worship

The Bible also describes worship practices that include elements of drama. The book of Psalms, for instance, contains poetic and musical expressions that were likely performed in a communal setting, engaging the congregation in a dramatic retelling of God's deeds. Psalm 150:3-5 encourages the use of various instruments in worship: "Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the harp and lyre. Praise Him with tambourine and dancing; praise Him with strings and flute. Praise Him with clashing cymbals; praise Him with resounding cymbals."

Drama in the Early Church

In the early Christian church, drama was used as a tool for teaching and evangelism. Mystery plays and morality plays, which emerged in the medieval period, dramatized biblical accounts and Christian virtues, making them accessible to a largely illiterate population. These performances served to educate and inspire believers, reinforcing biblical teachings through visual and auditory means.

Cautions and Considerations

While drama can be a powerful medium for conveying biblical truths, it is important to approach it with discernment. The Bible warns against practices that lead to idolatry or immorality. In 1 Corinthians 10:31 , Paul advises, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God." This principle can be applied to drama, ensuring that performances align with Christian values and honor God.

Conclusion

Drama, when used appropriately, can be a valuable tool for illustrating and reinforcing biblical teachings. By engaging the imagination and emotions, it can bring to life the timeless truths of Scripture, making them relevant and impactful for contemporary audiences.
Topical Bible Verses
Ephesians 2:15
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of two one new man, so making peace;
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 2:11-15
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
Topicalbible.org

1 Corinthians 14:34
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted to them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also said the law.
Topicalbible.org

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (n.) A composition, in prose or poetry, accommodated to action, and intended to exhibit a picture of human life, or to depict a series of grave or humorous actions of more than ordinary interest, tending toward some striking result. It is commonly designed to be spoken and represented by actors on the stage.

2. (n.) A series of real events invested with a dramatic unity and interest.

3. (n.) Dramatic composition and the literature pertaining to or illustrating it; dramatic literature.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
DRAMA MIMIC

dra'-ma mim'-ik. See GAMES.

Library

A Drama in Five Acts
... A Drama in Five Acts. A Sermon (No.481). ... The first act is over; take breath and say,
"This also is vanity.". The tenour of the drama changes, alas, how soon! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/a drama in five acts.htm

The Drama
... The Drama. It was at this time that dramatic poetry made its appearance
in Germany; and just as lyrical and narrative poetry had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/winkworth/christian singers of germany/the drama.htm

Song of Songs
... Another view, first hinted at in a phrase of Origen, is that the book is a drama,
a view which has held the field"not without challenge"for over a century. ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/song of songs.htm

The Poets Also Bear Testimony to the Truth.
... Menander, for instance, the comic poet, in his drama of the Charioteer, says:". ... In
his drama of Ion, too, he barefacedly brings the gods on the stage:". ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter vii the poets also bear.htm

Why was Evolution the Method Chosen?
... A spectator of the drama for ages, too ignorant to see that it was a drama, and
too impotent to do more than play his little part, the discovery must sooner or ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/iii why was evolution the.htm

The Glory of the Cross
... Human history is like a long-drawn-out drama, in which we are actors. ... And we ask,
we are impelled to ask, what is the meaning of the whole vast drama? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/beibitz/gloria crucis/i the glory of the.htm

Introduction
... Of the fundamental divisions of literature there yet remains one"the
Drama. The relation of this to the Bible is interesting. ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/introduction.htm

Greek-Amerikan-Christian-Association
... I have seen the drama enacted behind the scenes. It is a dreadful drama
that could break the neck of the strongest long-suffering. ...
/.../chapter x greek-amerikan-christian-association.htm

Daily Bread
... What a wonderful drama is this play of human lives,"this perpetual tragedy and comedy,
of which some slight and faint transcript finds expression in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/merriam/the chief end of man/v daily bread.htm

Evolution in General
... its editors. Yet, singular though the omission may seem, no connected outline
of this great drama has yet been given us. These researches ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/i evolution in general.htm

Thesaurus
Drama
... pertaining to or illustrating it; dramatic literature. Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia. DRAMA MIMIC. dra'-ma mim'-ik. See GAMES. ...
/d/drama.htm - 7k

Songs (100 Occurrences)
... many charms. Not until the closing scene (Songs 8:5-14) does Ewald introduce
the shepherd as an actor in the drama. Ewald had an ...
/s/songs.htm - 62k

Song (207 Occurrences)
... many charms. Not until the closing scene (Songs 8:5-14) does Ewald introduce
the shepherd as an actor in the drama. Ewald had an ...
/s/song.htm - 78k

Dram

/d/dram.htm - 8k

Greece (15 Occurrences)
... are all but akin to the family; in the gymnasium, Apollo or Hermes is represented
as the patron and ideal of the youths who exercise there; the drama is part ...
/g/greece.htm - 59k

Ancient (64 Occurrences)
... are all but akin to the family; in the gymnasium, Apollo or Hermes is represented
as the patron and ideal of the youths who exercise there; the drama is part ...
/a/ancient.htm - 98k

Long (2810 Occurrences)
... Drawn out or extended in time; continued through a considerable tine, or to a great
length; as, a long series of events; a long debate; a long drama; a long ...
/l/long.htm - 8k

Games (2 Occurrences)
... AND ROME 1. Historical Introduction 2. General References 3. Specific References
to Greek Athletics 4. References to the Theater and the Drama LITERATURE About ...
/g/games.htm - 40k

Tragedy (1 Occurrence)
... composed in elevated style, representing a signal action performed by some person
or persons, and having a fatal issue; that species of drama which represents ...
/t/tragedy.htm - 7k

Revival (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Renewed attention to something, as to letters or literature. 3. (n.) Renewed
performance of, or interest in, something, as the drama and literature. ...
/r/revival.htm - 7k

Resources
What does the Bible say about toxic relationships? | GotQuestions.org

What is a mime? Does the Bible say anything about miming? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about being a busybody? | GotQuestions.org

Drama: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Dram: A Persian Coin of Differently-Estimated Value
Top of Page
Top of Page