Dramatic Productions In SDA Institutions

Chapter 9—Senses Confused by Games and Theatrical Performances

In 1900 Ellen White draws aside the curtain in an article in the Review and Herald to show the manner that Satan employs to infatuate youth “in games and theatrical performances.” He confuses the senses of “the young” “while light shines all about them.” Notice Ellen White’s solemn warning: DPSDAI 8.3

“The public opinion is that manual labor is degrading. But men may play as hard as they like at cricket, or baseball, or in pugilistic games, without being degraded! Satan is delighted when he sees human beings using their physical and mental powers in that which does not educate, which is not useful, which does not help them to be a blessing to those who need their help. While they are becoming experts in games that are not of the least value to themselves or others, Satan is playing the game of life for their souls, taking from them the precious talents God has given them, and placing in their stead his own evil attributes, which not only destroy them, but through their influence destroy those who have any connection with them. DPSDAI 8.4

“Satan’s work is to lead men to ignore God, to so engross and absorb the mind that God will not be in their thoughts. The education they have received has been of a character to confuse the mind, and eclipse the true light. Satan does not wish the people to have a knowledge of God; and if he can set in operation games and theatrical performances that will so confuse the senses of the young that human beings will perish in darkness while light shines all about them, he is well pleased.”—The Review and Herald, March 13, 1900. DPSDAI 8.5

See Counsels to Parents, Teachers and Students, pp. 274, 275 for a paralleling statement. DPSDAI 8.6

For the Christian who is seeking to live by principle, Jesus Christ is their example in all things. Ellen White wrote: DPSDAI 8.7

“I have not been able to find one instance where He educated His disciples to engage in amusements of football or pugilistic games to obtain physical exercise, or in theatrical performances, and yet Christ was our pattern in all things.”—Fundamentals of Christian Education, 229. DPSDAI 8.8

A sound guiding principle to keep in mind when dealing with questions of the kind we have been studying is found in Testimonies for the Church 5:360: DPSDAI 9.1

“Our example and influence must be a power on the side of reform. We must abstain from any practice which will blunt the conscience or encourage temptation. We must open no door that will give Satan access to the mind of one human being formed in the image of God.” DPSDAI 9.2