The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1884-02-13
From the N. Y. Independent.
DR.. Deems on the Theatre.

DR.. Deems on the Theatre.
A pastor in this state recently ad-
dressed letter to Rev. DIR. Deems, of
New York, pastor of the Church of the
Strangers, which reads as follows:
will you kindly consider the facts
stated below, and answer briefly the
questions?
"FAoTs.-1. A new opera house has
been built in this city. g. Attendance
at the theatre is becoming popular. 3.
Opposition to the theatre is considered
old-fashioned, if not obsolete. 4. must
oppose, and want your testimony to aid
me.
" QUEsTIoNs.-1. Are you opposed to
theatres? q Briefly, why? 3. What,
in your judgment, is the effect of attend
ing the theatre? CAY Upon churches
whose members attend? o. Upon indi-
viduals who attend?
" Will you please pardon the intrusion
OF stranger upon your time and atten-
tloni and answer for the good of souls in
this place.
The following answer, sent by DR..
Deems, we commend to the careful con-
sideration of every Christian, particularly
to every Christian minister, and more
particularly to Rev. E. L. Stoddard, of
Jersey City:
Reverend and Dear SSr,-My time is
most closely occupied and my reply to
your questions must be brief. l. l am
opposed to theatres in general. 2. Be-
cause, while there are real gentlemen and
ladies connected with theatres, and while
there are good plays, the great majority
OF persons who make up the theatrical
personnel are ungodly persons, whose
lives are vicious, and the weight of whose
influence is thrown against religion and
morality, so that the general effect is de-
leterious to society; so much so that il
every theatre in the land, the best and
the worst, were closed for five years the
whole community would undoubtedly not
lose but greatly gain by the procedure.
3. The effect of attending the theatre, by
which l suppose you mean habitual at
tendance upon theatrical entertainments,
(G) pom the churches whose members
attend is waste of the moral power Of
those churches. Last week a gay and
beautiful actress was soliciting member
of our church to attend her performance
When the lady positively refused on the
ground that, as church member she
could not go, the young actress applaud
ed her and made the statement that
whenever she was on the boards and saw
a church member in the house she de-
spised that person as hypocrite. AL
though this is violent Judgment, every
actor may be presumed to feel thus to-
ward theatre going church people. All
those people lose their influence over
others, both actors and irreligious attend
ants. IT you were worldly person, sir,
could any man or woman whom you met
at the theatre have any influence over
you to bring you to God2 Probably they
would never attempt it. Theatre-going
churchmen are not active workers for
Christianity as rule. If such man
should approach you on the subject of
your souls salvation you would laugh
him to scorn. He knows that and, there
fore, will not address you on religious top
les. (b) have yet to learn of single
person who has been converted by attend
ing theatres, and l have had knowledge
of a number of men and women who have
been ruined by theatres-ruined in body
and fortune and spiritual life The best
Christian workers do not attend theatres ;
those who are active in church work soon
lose their zeal if they become attendants
upon theatres.
"This is as full reply as I can now
make to your questions. 1t is proper to
say that have never been present dur
ing a representation in theatre, with
the exception Of twice at the opera in
Berlin very many years ago. do not
take the ground that man who attends
the theatre is necessarily no Christian.
There is no rule in our church which pre-
vents its members attending the theatre.