John Mason Hodges

Six Biblical Plays for Contemporary Audiences

Arts & Literature

“In these plays, there are touching depictions of faith (and its lack): the moment we see the animals running to meet God, contrasted with Adam and Eve as they hide… Mary's courageous faith as she attempts to explain her predicament to Joseph, without knowing how he will respond…the faith of the disciples as they see what Jesus' resurrection means to all men…the faith that the Body of Christ is called to be one in their differences, in imitation of the Lord in His Trinity…Robin has laid out these moments for our contemplation, worship, and for the good of our souls. However, the most moving of these moments I found in the story of the Incarnation as told through the eyes of Elizabeth. Here we encounter something truly rare. We are moved by so many moments in the play, entitled Astonishment and Joy, but none more than the grand inclusive gesture that is its final tableau. Through Elizabeth's prophetic application of pronouns an astonishing reality is revealed: that the entire Church, both male and female, is, to her Lord, a bride. For this and these plays we owe Robin thanks.”