Performing the Sacred

Now accepting orders for Performing the Sacred: Theology and Theatre in Dialogue by Todd E. Johnson and Dale Savidge

Wonderful and timely and inspiring. . . Dale and Todd have also been able to articulate and encapsulate better than anyone else the importance of theater in today’s world and why I MUST continue on this path for as long as God allows.  The book has given me thoughts and ideas of how to approach my church leaders as well so that they can better understand what I feel called to do and hopefully their hearts and minds will be open to learning and supporting us.  Deborah Kirby, Artistic Director, Journeymen Theatre Ensemble, Washington DC.

Now accepting orders for Performing the Sacred: Theology and Theatre in Dialogue by Todd E. Johnson and Dale Savidge

This book, published in summer 2009, is now available! ($17 plus s&h). All book proceeds help to support CITA and our mission to encourage and equip Christians in theatre arts!

Published by Baker Academic, a Division of Baker Publishing Group

Performing the Sacred is the first book-length exploration of the intersection of theatre and theology, illuminating the importance of preserving live performance in a virtual world. This compelling dialogue unfolds between a theologian and a theatre artist who revisit theatre’s rich history and paint a picture of its promising future while building bridges between theatre and Christianity.

Theologically, theatre reflects Christianity’s central doctrines–incarnation, community, and presence–enhancing the human experience and shedding new light on theology. The authors show how theatre engages viewers on multiple levels, including political, social, religious, personal, intellectual, emotional, and kinesthetic. In theatre, the presence of live human beings speaks of the incarnate nature of God’s redemption in Christ and the imago Dei. The communal nature of theatre models the Trinity, while the immediacy and transcendence of theatre performance draw out the presence of God in nature and grace.

Performing the Sacred encourages Christians to celebrate, embrace, and experiment with dramatic stories found in Scripture. This Engaging Culture series title will be a key volume for teaching theatre in the academy and influencing drama practitioners, worship leaders, and culture makers.

About the series: The Engaging Culture series is designed to help Christians respond with theological discernment to our contemporary culture. Each volume explores particular cultural expressions, seeking to discover God’s presence in the world and to involve readers in sympathetic dialogue and active discipleship.

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