Religion in the Laramie Project - Essay Example

Insert Religion in the Laramie Project The drama deals with the emotional issues, which include homosexuality, hate crimes, and lastly capital punishment, as well as the positive and negative secular and religious responses to issues being addressed. In addition, the play basis on more than 200 interviews taken out by Moises Kaufman together with other fellows of Tectonic Theatre Company to enlighten on the vicious kidnapping, comes out clearly (Kaufman 44). In addition, it was meant show the murder of a gay University student of Wyoming by the name Matthew Shephard. Jebediah sees the manner in which religion puts people apart in the play as paradoxically as it is through judgment and the feelings when he questions if his priest and father are right about their arguments against homosexuality. The questioning raises the difference between reality and religion as well as the statement of not giving the organized religion permission of the contents of the said character (Kaufman 21). Evident from the text is the ability to differentiate between religion and spirituality. The idea of well-established religion as well as that of orthodoxy as shown in a way that practices the singular notion of the best. Such traits are depicted by Reverend Phelps when he tries to make the matter of homosexuality be the one who questions whether ones allegiance to his God as it creates a setting that looks to separate individuals from "us or them" situation (Kaufman 32). Moreover, such also is the same as it discourages the Muslim woman in the play as it awakens the social status of some townspeople simply because of the cultural traditions.  At such point, also, one can get the difference such regards the approach that separates individuals from religion does not represent all the established religions when Matts funeral is held in a Catholic church, the time where establishment of religion does look to bring people collectively. Moreover, there are also other religions, which cannot really be ready for them to accept fully homosexuality, and as well as its implications on the clergy, given so they cannot respond in the way of Reverend Phelps.  The play makes the greatest statement on religious views of love together with compassion by the individuals as it is seen in the play.  Those who live in the town like Jedidiah work extra hard to reconcile the meaning being loyal to the town, and they also commit themselves to the fraternity by accepting all individuals living there. Romaine Patterson also willingness to remove the perception of "angels" 23 is a good example of the way religion iconography tries to bring individuals together. Matthews father shows exactly the level of compassion in that religions seek to teach their followers, as he as well wishes that life should be given to the person that killed Matthew even though his child was denied life.  He also desires to begin the process of accepting and healing which is a clear indication of a component whereby the spirituality should bring different people together no matter the religion that one belongs (Kaufman 76). The play has taught many to be more understanding, especially on matters to do with religion, which is not all religious people are usually intolerant. Such is seen in the character of Father Roger Schmidt, when he talks of the “seeds of violence” 54, which are planted as we use derogatory language. In addition “He blew me away,” as said by Johnson that it has changed how he treats people. Plot influences the play in that one follows what is happening systematically without missing any given step. A good play is one that contains various characters that follow a given system. While, Character of the individuals taking part in the play have to be shown categorically because they influence the play by depicting the real characteristics of the character he represents. In addition to that, through critical thinking, one assesses and upgrades the ability to judge well. It also enables us enter into virtually in any situation and understand the logic of whatever is happening in that situation. It as well provides a way for the audience to learn from new different experiences hence enable us also to form reasonable beliefs and judgments. The dominant element in the play is homosexuality because it is seen in the play that the death of Matthew was due to the gay practice. It is so that it has to be the main element in the play. The script is a documentary-styled play, which critically shows the death of Matthew Shepard, who was one of the gay persons in the college who underwent murder simply because of his sexual identity. There is an elaborate of travelling from New York city and destined for Laramie town, Wyoming four weeks after his murder and carried out an interview with people who lived there (Kaufman 19). Religion has been linked closely to prejudice available in the society. The theme of prejudice can be seen here and linked to the religion, and sexual preference. It is when one person rigidly believes and trusts in one side of a concept and does not tolerate others acceptance of the different. In the play, some of the characters like the Reverend Fred Phelps, that believes so deeply that homosexuality, is definitely wrong that he preaches that God Himself has hate. Moreover, hatred also is more evident in that those whom beliefs on different thing hate others that don’t tolerate that specific thing, like the gay people in the play are seen as the most isolated in the society since they practice. This is the way it additionally tragically appears to reverberate the emotions of the group and, in a debilitated manner, "united it". It specifies the judgment of homosexuality as a corrupt practice, and you sense the resistance of a generally church-set group to acknowledge homosexuality as a characteristic occurrence in the lives of numerous people. In addition, it consists of different locals that have different religions and different sexual practices, as the outsiders perceive Laramie as a place where the sexual rights are violated as well as religion has taken root in hatred to other fellow worshippers. The culture of the area begun with Laramie Jubilee Days in the year 1940 for celebrating within the Wyoming Statehood and grew ever stronger. From that day, Jubilee Days have spread and expanded to include various days around 4 July making them imperative. The events consist of traditional food, music, games, softball tournament and others. Reading the play does not bring the clear picture of the characters, but after watching it enables one to understand each theme as shown in the play. Sexuality is the key topic here because it led to the murder of the student, I, therefore, see no need for the community to isolate the gay since they have the right to express their own feelings in the society (Kaufman 11). The purpose of the script was to enlighten the communities that still isolates the gays and discourages homosexuality that people should have a different perspective on expression of own feelings. Also hatred is not health because it may lead to violence, even if you differ in perspectives one should respect ones views as seen in the expressions such as Love the sinner, hate the sin which shows that one should try to love the one doing the act with an insight into coming up with an insight into the story even though they might differ in opinions and try to change the person. In addition to that, Live and let live is an expression also that shows that one should try to value his life and that of others in the society. Actor interpretation plays the major role in that one has to really comprehend the part or role that he plays. In addition to that, audience tends to concentrate a lot when they have a certain actor on stage; such is only when one has interpreted the actor clearly. Children should be taught in schools the importance of living in harmony and respect of one another as the adults are also enlightened in the rallies, churches, and homes, they should be taught to embrace one another’s opinion and disadvantages of violence and hatred. In addition, people should learn to respect one another’s culture and make sure that they encourage unity in the society (Kaufman 34). The play is so effective in that it shows it makes one realize what he has been doing is not good at all. It makes one appreciate who he is and other people. It is because one gets to understand clear themes in the play. In conclusion, the questioning raises the difference between reality and religion as well as the statement of not giving the organized religion permission of the contents of the said character. Homosexuality is a sector in the society that is rebuked by the public especially the religious sect. prejudice, hatred and the affiliation to one self-understanding make the bid for acceptance in the society. Works Cited Kaufman, Moises, and Moises Kaufman. The Laramie Project. New York: Dramatists Play Service, 2012. Print. Read More