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The "Moral" Theater

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 10, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 6.

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The "Moral" Theater

The "Moral" Theater.—A secular paper, in referring to a recent play in which a burglar acts a prominent part, caustically and ironically remarks: "The theater is a great moral engine, even when it pulverizes the sixth and seventh commandments; but might it not be well for it to leave us at least the eighth? There have been some doubts about the elevating influence of a burglar hero, even in cold type; but as a matinee girl's ideal on the stage there would seem to be no room for doubt at all." There is probably no agency, unless it be the higher critic's pulpit, which is so demoralizing the moral sense of the people to-day as is the theater. What wonder that the Word of God is considered antiquated, the Sabbath law a dead letter, marriage a mere matter of pleasure, and business honor a matter of policy!