Instead Of Posing A Generic Question And Then Prepari 952691

Instead Of Posing A Generic Question And Then Preparing Answers This

Using critical thinking skills and NOT simply stating your personal opinion, your journal assignment should answer the following: do you rent the space to the theatre company? why or why not? Create your response in the assignment submission box below (not in the Comments field), as a journal or diary entry. This response will not be read by your fellow classmates. The journal should be 1-2 pages long, approximately words minimum. Researching the musical Hair most likely will be needed.

Be careful of spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation...proofread and edit your work as necessary. Please cite your sources if any are used, including any videos or links used. This assignment will be graded according to the Journal Rubric attached.

Paper For Above instruction

The decision to rent the community space to the theatre company for their production of "Hair" involves a nuanced analysis of ethical considerations, community values, legal responsibilities, and the financial implications for the church. Given that the space is owned by the church but no longer used for religious activities, the primary concern revolves around whether hosting a production with mature content aligns with the church's mission and values, and how it might impact the congregation and the broader community.

"Hair" is a musical that emerged during the late 1960s countercultural movement, known for its explicit language, depiction of drug use, sexuality, and anti-war themes (Kaufman, 2004). While it is a significant work in American theatre history, its content challenges conventional moral and religious standards, which are often central to community-based organizations associated with religious institutions. The church must therefore carefully evaluate whether hosting such a production aligns with its broader mission of fostering moral development and community well-being.

From an ethical standpoint, allowing the theatre company to use the space for "Hair" raises questions about the church's role as a moral guide and community leader. Supporting a production that contains mature content could be perceived as tacit approval of behaviors deemed inappropriate by some church members, potentially causing discord within the congregation (Graham & Cranston, 2010). Conversely, some might argue that providing space for artistic expression and community engagement aligns with the church's role in social justice and community outreach, especially if the production offers meaningful commentary on societal issues.

Legal considerations also play a role. Since the church owns the property, it has the legal right to determine its use, but it must also consider liability issues. If minors are involved or if the production includes content deemed offensive, the church might face criticism or legal scrutiny (Smith, 2018). Ensuring the production complies with local regulations regarding adult content and age restrictions would be essential. Additionally, the church must evaluate whether renting the space might impact its tax-exempt status or open it to public scrutiny (Johnson, 2019).

Financially, renting the space could provide much-needed funds to sustain the church and the community space. These funds could be allocated toward community programs, outreach, or maintaining the property. However, the potential reputational risk must be balanced against these benefits. An adverse public reaction or community backlash could diminish the church's standing and its ability to fulfill its spiritual and social missions (Brown & Lee, 2020).

In weighing these factors, a prudent approach would involve establishing clear guidelines about acceptable content and audience restrictions. The church could require that the theatre company provide detailed scripts and content warnings, ensuring the production aligns with community standards. Hosting a moderated screening of the play's content before approval would also be advisable. Ultimately, the decision should reflect a balance between fostering community engagement and upholding the moral integrity of the church’s mission.

Therefore, before making a final decision, the church should engage with its congregation, community leaders, and legal advisors to thoroughly assess the potential impacts. If the church values inclusivity and artistic expression as part of its community outreach, it might permit rental under strict conditions. Conversely, if the moral concerns significantly overshadow the potential benefits, it would be prudent to decline the rental to safeguard the church’s moral authority and reputation.

References

  • Kaufman, H. (2004). Theatre and Society: A Cultural Perspective. New York: Theatre Press.
  • Graham, J., & Cranston, S. (2010). Religion and Morality in Modern Society. Oxford University Press.
  • Smith, R. (2018). Legal Issues in Property Use by Religious Institutions. Journal of Religious Law, 45(2), 112-130.
  • Johnson, A. (2019). Tax-Exempt Status and Community Use of Religious Property. Community Law Review, 12(4), 255-267.
  • Brown, T., & Lee, M. (2020). The Role of Churches in Community Engagement and Outreach. Social Impact Journal, 8(3), 45-60.