‘Jesus Rant: The Religio-Comic Ravings of a Former Christian’ is a one act play presented by the Overcoat Theater Company. Written and performed by H.R. Britton, who introduces himself not as an actor, ex-Christian, or performer, but as a ‘storyteller’, the piece is a compilation of autobiographical stories that function to trace the relationship between Britton and Jesus Christ as it paralleled Britton’s relationship with his ‘evangelical protestant charismatic fundamentalist’ grandfather.
Britton was raised and found depth and meaning in the evangelical church. When he encountered existentialism for the first time, and found it to clash quite strongly with all he’d ever been told about how he should live his life, Britton’s relationship both with Jesus and his grandfather became understandably more strained. Britton’s stories follow a loose chronology of his twenties and thirties, chronicling both important interactions with his grandfather (both positive and negative) as well as various spiritual journeys away from and circling back to Jesus. The frequency with which Britton’s family got together meant that he could never really avoid his grandfather’s judgment and admonishment for very long, and despite Britton’s explorations into other religions via yoga, higher education, Buddhism, Hinduism, and a trip to India, he couldn’t completely get away from the idea of Jesus.
Britton’s stories are alternately shot through with threads of humor and genuine vulnerability as he recounts the ways the Church wounded him, primarily through the harsh words of his grandfather. Although Britton’s contact with his grandfather was limited, their relationship still had a deep effect on Britton, and Britton felt a pull to continue to interact with him. Likewise, Britton’s relationship with Jesus was so hindered and clouded by the legalistic, simplistic, and exclusive ‘Jesus’ presented by evangelical Christianity and by his grandfather, that it would have made sense for Britton to write off Jesus completely. But for some reason Britton’s curiosity trumped his resistance, and he began to research the historical Jesus in various ways: art exhibits, popular novels, and biographies written by non-Christians. He eventually stumbled upon work done by the scholars of the Jesus Seminar, which aims to decipher and highlight what Jesus of Nazareth actually said versus what was probably elaboration written by his disciples. Encountering the teachings of Jesus apart from exclusivist doctrine was significant and challenging to Britton.
Those who are familiar with and resistant to the tradition Britton comes from will resonate with Britton in his outcry against the way Christians can injure others. And those who have encountered the perplexing and challenging teachings of Jesus—and who aren’t sure if they’re ready to sign on for the whole ‘Christianity’ bit—will resonate with Britton’s current spiritual perspective. At the same time, this piece would be a timely and appropriate challenge to those still rooted in the evangelical tradition. Not in the sense that Britton bashes all evangelicals; but as a way to open dialogue about the hurtful way traditional doctrine can be communicated, as well as ways to reinvent communication. And all who encounter this piece of theater will be touched by Britton’s relationship with his grandfather—the relationship is painted realistically and authentically in the sense that it was a deeply troubled relationship, but not one untouched by shades and forms of love here and there. Perhaps the same could be said of Britton’s relationship with Jesus, although I have a feeling Britton is beginning to encounter more and more the heart of the historical Jesus, which usually contains more love than deep trouble.
-becca
This show is still running! Check it out on Thursday 9/11 at 8 p.m. or Saturday 9/13 at 5:30 p.m. at the William Way Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. Tickets are $10 online or at the door.
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