Cogent Bodies, Self-Aware Souls: An Apologetic for Theater in Christian Higher Education

Abstract

Mission statements of Christian institutions of higher education often include the purpose of forming individuals to live out their Christian commitments in larger society. This article presents the case that including theater in Christian higher education prepares students to further God's kingdom in this world after graduation—whether or not they do so through the medium of theater. Specifically, the argument is that training in theater serves two primary and interrelated goals in students' development: cogent bodies, capable of representing God to others through relationships, and self-aware souls, foundational for the development of character. The conclusion offers a case example of a successful theater program at Wheaton College.

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Notes on contributors

MARK LEWIS

Mark Lewis teaches acting and co-directs the Arena Theater program at Wheaton College. He made his living as an actor for fifteen years, and maintains an interest in Shakespearean performance.

M. ELIZABETH LEWIS HALL

M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall teaches classes on the integration of psychology and theology at Rosemead School of Psychology, and maintains a small clinical practice in psychology. Her research interests are in integration and gender issues.