Blasphemous play “An Act of God” opened last night at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre
The blasphemous play “An Act of God” opened last night at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre (“The Vex“) at the Jewish Community Center. The play is a mockery of the story of creation and of the 10 Commandments.
Ken Frazier, who runs the Sheldon Vexler Theatre, said in an interview prior to opening night that he knew his decision to stage the play would raise some eyebrows, so he reviewed it with his staff as well as Saul Levenshus, the president and CEO of the Jewish Community Center.
“He asked me, ‘Is this play smacking religion?’ And my answer was no,” Frazier said.
From the script of the play:
• In his new Second Commandment: “Thou shalt not tell others whom to fornicate.” “Yes, I mean the gays.”
• To explain his new Second Commandment, “God” then tells that, in the beginning, he actually did make Adam and Steve. And the serpent was gay… And to punish Steve with “the harshest punishment possible: Transforming thee from carefree young [homosexual] lovers living in the heart of everything, to a married couple with kids stuck in the suburbs,” “God” had to perform a sex-change operation on Steve.
• “God finally admits that he allows human suffering because “I’m a jealous, petty, sexist, racist, mass-murdering narcissist” — just like the human beings He created in His image. “You are my best creation,” he reminds us, “and I’m your worst.”
• And God has low self-esteem and certainly doesn’t think He’s perfect. Abraham’s test of his love of God by obediently beginning to sacrifice his son in prefigure to God offering His Son in sacrifice is commented on by “God”: “It was only then that I first began to consider the possibility that there was something seriously wrong with me.”
• And it seems “God” had the angel Gabriel give us the Muslim Koran. God notes that the angel “doesn’t just do the Bible,” but also “dictated the words of the Quran to Muhammed.”
“An Act Of God” is most definitely “smacking” religion. That seems to be it’s entire purpose. Mr. Frazier is quite aware that it is irreverent and offensive, particularly to Christians who probably, unlike those involved in the production, are not amused by the portrayal of Jesus as a gay man, and one who encourages others to embrace the gay lifestyle.
So why would he deliberately feature something that he knows will offend so many? If Christians promoted a play clearly mocking Jewish traditions, beliefs, or anything held in high regard, what do you imagine the reaction might be? There would be an uproar and all sorts of terms ending in “ ist “ would be spewed, and justifiably so.
There has been some speculation as to motive. One theory proposed was that it is an attempt to promote the LGBT agenda, which is not being accepted as easily as hoped. Another one is much more simple. Shock attracts people and those who always react like sheep won’t break ranks to say that they find it incredibly tasteless. Meanwhile it will attract all those people who like to be “in“ with the progressive ideology, and that translates to money. It is a shame that the Vexlar has stooped so low.
In 2008, the Vatican issued a letter to bishops instructing them not to use the Name of God, commonly rendered as “Yahweh,” in the Catholic liturgy out of respect for the reverence and importance which the name has in the Jewish tradition. It is perfectly reasonable to expect the Jewish community to show the same respect to the Christian tradition. Out of mutual respect for monotheistic believers, this play should not be performed.
Reverence for a higher power has always been part of our nation’s framework. The Declaration of Independence states “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Every piece of American currency has the words “In God We Trust.” The Pledge of Allegiance tells us we are “One nation, under God.”
While some might claim that this play is an exercise in First Amendment rights, it goes beyond that. The play expresses an anti-theist view, which requires more than either merely disbelieving in gods or even denying the existence of gods. Anti-theists think that theism is harmful to the believer, harmful to society, harmful to politics, harmful, to culture, etc.; and that theism can and should be countered in order to reduce the harm it causes. Anti-theists work against theism by arguing that it should be abandoned, promoting alternatives, or perhaps even supporting measures to suppress it.
The Sheldon Vexler Theatre claims that it’s cast and crew have “a common vision: to produce compelling, thought-provoking plays and musicals that engage, entice, and excite our patrons.” Instead, they have chosen a play that mocks and degrades their patrons’ sincerely held religious beliefs, and chosen to take cheap shots at religion with this intolerant, crass, and demeaning play.
It is vital that we stand up for our own First Amendment rights and counter the idea that Christianity is harmful. We should never excuse or grow accustomed to blasphemy.
Last night about 50 people gathered to peacefully protest “An Act of God” and to pray in reparation for the blasphemy found in the play. Please consider joining them by contacting the Sheldon Vexer Theatre to express your concern.
You can contact the theater here or call (210) 302-6835.
Sample letter to the Sheldon Vexler Theatre :
Dear ,
I am writing to express my concern at the Sheldon Vexler Theatre’s poor choice to perform the blasphemous and offensive play “An Act of God.”
Your website claims that your cast and crew have “a common vision: to produce compelling, thought-provoking plays and musicals that engage, entice, and excite our patrons.” Instead, you have chosen a play that mocks and degrades your patrons’ sincerely held religious beliefs. I am disappointed that you have chosen to take cheap shots at religion with this intolerant, crass, and demeaning play rather than presenting your patrons with truly thought-provoking material.
I ask you to reconsider performing “An Act of God.”
Sincerely,
Concerned Citizen
