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First Things Podcast

Theater of the Divine

Jan 16, 2025
Join Peter Kreeft, a revered philosophy professor and author, as he dives into the divine influence in theater. He discusses his book 'God on Stage,' exploring how plays like Beckett's 'Waiting for Godot' reflect existential themes and humanity's search for meaning. Kreeft contrasts pre-Christian and post-Christian narratives, highlighting the philosophical tensions around faith and free will. He also examines the moral complexities of evil in works like 'Macbeth,' ultimately arguing for life's significance as a grand narrative shaped by God, especially relevant for today's youth.
24:23

Episode guests

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Quick takeaways

  • Portraying God in theater poses unique challenges, akin to Shakespeare inhabiting his own narrative, reflecting divine omnipresence.
  • The selected plays explore humanity's relationship with divinity across themes, revealing complexities in moral dilemmas and existential meanings.

Deep dives

The Challenge of Representing God in Drama

The concept of portraying an infinite and transcendent being, such as God, within a stage drama is explored, emphasizing its inherent difficulty. The discussion likens this challenge to the impossibility of inserting Shakespeare into his own play, highlighting the omnipresence of such a figure in the storytelling. The professor shares his approach to selecting 15 plays that address significant theological themes, focusing on how they overtly or covertly convey messages about the divine. Through examples like Dylan Thomas's 'Under Milkwood,' the emphasis is placed on the setting and characters, showcasing a pre-Christian perspective that is rich in human experience yet devoid of direct divine influence.

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