Writing and Spirituality

A few weeks ago, I began thinking about the role spirituality had in my own writing. I've had a long attraction to writers who integrate their brand of spirituality into their work. Writers like T.S. Eliot, Natalie Goldberg, Hildegard Von Bingen, and Alice Walker have earned my admiration because they search for the meaning of life on their terms.

To me, one of the most important qualities of being a writer/artist is to remain teachable and keep an open mind. I think that's probably why I'm disappointed at the quality of the discussion going on right now about theater and religion.

So here's what I'd prefer to talk about: How do your spiritual beliefs figure into your work? If you believe in God or Gods, does it play a role in your work? Are you inspired by that? How exactly does it work for you?

If you don't believe in a higher being or spirit, how does that figure into your writing?

For me, I'm a bit more of a hippy than I'd care to admit. I spent most of my 20s in San Francisco, so I've been exposed to most alternate forms of spirituality. I've called myself a number of different things through the years. Yes, I attended - and graduated - from a seminary, but it was an unconventional one. The most important quality about my years there was allowing others to have their own beliefs.

I've already mentioned how my spirituality plays into my writing. I do believe there is a God, but I also respect that others don't.

So comments are open. I think we can talk about this in an adult and calm fashion. I don't want anyone attacking anyone else over their beliefs. And if you'd like to be anonymous, feel free.

Comments

[James]

Interesting question(s). My views/beliefs are very agnostic, so Pete and I have noticed that many/most of my plays deal a lot with mortality; or at least, the concepts of morality and immorality factor into a number of my plays (without – I hope – moral finger-wagging). On some level, a number of my plays deal with characters being forced to confront the question: “Am I using my time on this planet wisely?” If I were to guess (it’s never really been specified no actor’s ever asked me), most of the characters in my scripts have been either atheistic or agnostic (my adaptation of “Christmas Carol” notwithstanding).

Very little of this is done or thought about in any premeditated/conscious way, though.

[Joshua James]

Hmm,

Obviously, I have a great deal of, shall we say, scorn for the hypocrasy of the majority of organized religions (and some Buddhist ones, even tho' I am a Buddhist) . . . I find that it's often an easy out for folks who don't want to go to any real work to examine hard and scary things . . .

But as far as a role that spirituality plays, there is one in my work . . . now whether that comes from a cognative pattern that science hasn't been able to quantify, or that there really is a huge strand of karma that impacts us all, I couldn't say for certain.

What I can say is that I have had experiences that defy ordinary explanation, some of them of almost Charles Fortian scale (do you know Charles Fort, Laura? I think you'd dig him) and I'm also supersitious about things, tho' less so as I get older - perhaps because of those experiences, that's why I am a Buddhist rather than an atheist (Buddhism is also comfortable with science and examination, something other religions can't really say) So there's something there, whether it comes from the spirit world of my ancestors or from neural transmissions aligned just right, I can't say yet, but I recognize it . . . and I'd say that much of that informs my work, but it's not the sum total of my work . . . in addition to emotions, I also strive for ideas, and I believe that there must be some solid ground somewhere.

I guess, in a way, what I'm saying is that while I don't really believe in ghosts, a part of me would like too, and someday I hope that I can do so honestly . . . but I have no regrets if the world proves otherwise.

Does that make sense?

[Joshua James]

I forgot to add, one of the attractions Buddhism has had for me, is that it encourages the asking of hard questions . . . it's not enough to accept what you're told, you have to test it yourself to see it be true . . . Doubt plays a major part.

Other major religions, Christianity, Islam and Judaism, in my experience, discourages questions and asks you simply to accept what you're told. Doubt is discouraged and not even allowed in the room.

I like to think it can be seen in my work, I hope, anyway.

[Laura]

Joshua,
Seems like I have alot in common with you, belief-wise. I, too, don't like to accept things that I can't question. Undoubtedly, that's what led me to a more mystical path... One of direct experience instead of "faith." As well, I've always had an attraction to Buddhism, and still find myself drifting back to it. Especially during times of trouble. Truth is meant to be questioned... Otherwise, how could it be recognized? ;)

Of course, I didn't want to write about this in the comment section, but what you wrote inspired me to put words to what I thought.

James,
That's very interesting how you see a pattern in your own work. Has the pattern changed over time, or do you think this theme has stayed the same?

Thanks for the dialogue - both of you. ;)
Laura

[Owen Tew]

Writing helps me see things from God's perspective. In some sense it helps me understand the dichotomy of predestination and free will: You have control over your characters' existence, their personalities and their actions -- until they rebel against you when you try to force them to do something that goes against the personality you've given them.

I think that no matter what I write it is influenced by my relationship with God -- just like all relationships influence me. With the God relationship being the one with the highest existing being, it is bound to influence my writing, and my photography, in ways I'll never know. But I also actively seek to do my best work always because I want it to reflect on him.

[James]

Hmm...I'm not 100% sure. I think my pattern may have changed slightly, but I haven't really noticed it. I remember giving some people who saw most of my recent plays some old scripts and their comments were all along the lines of: "You seem to have a much more positive worldview now than when you were younger." That really surprised me, since I wouldn't call many of my recent plays "light." I brought this up to Pete (who's directed almost all of my stuff) and he gave me one of those big, "Well, Duh, James," looks.

Trying to stretch my brain out as much as I can (i.e., think as long and hard on this), this could be because I'm much more "open" to the concept of God and (I have no other phrase for it, so let's just use it) demonic forces lately than I was nine, ten years ago, so maybe that's made my worldview a lot less dark.

Again, this is something that others have pointed out to me. I could be totally wrong in all of this.

[Elizabeth]

I think my work is quided by spirituality. I'm more aware of it when I'm devising in the studio or training (Suzuki). In the studio, as a director/writer, I'm aware of all the bodies in the room and I work to create a container (an environment) that allows people to create, to not lose sight of where the work is going (if I'm working with a script or towards ultimate written work), and of keeping myself and the group open to exploring whatever happens. Boy, that sounds so Esalen/Californian. I think my writing expresses a morality (I realize that doesn't necessarily imply spirituality) and a deep respect for nature (us as apart of nature not separate from it). I don't consciously try to put that in there (except in a script I wrote about violent protest and the environment). This is such a huge question for me right now - in terms of my own spirituality and watching my son (who'll be seven in a couple of weeks) try to work the whole God thing out for himself. I think I'm going to have to continue this in a post.

[Michele Leslie]

Would you be able to look at the first act of a play on this sort of subject? I am trying very hard to integrate my artist self with my spiritual self, although I think there is less a difference than I imagine. I won a contest with Kalliope Magazine (1993 or so--first place) and also, Alternate in the Jerome, about the same time. The play I am working on is almost done. I know you are a playwright, and you seem to be coming in on the same effort. It is 29 pages. Thank you for considering this.