Designated Bible Thumper

Designated Bible Thumper

Matthew 7:1-6

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

James 5:19-20

Cast:  Two men or women who are friends.  One is exploring Christianity (P1) and the other is a long time Christian (P2).

Set:  Any set.  Action proceeds entirely in dialogue.

Both men begin the scene center stage in pantomime of conversation with the lights down. 

Lights up.

P1:  That Bible of yours is confusing.

P2:  I see.  I’m guessing that you read something that you can’t figure out.

P1:  No.  I read several things that don’t seem to go together.

P2:  OK.  Let’s see what we can figure out, but first, it’s not that Bible of mine.

P1:  You know what I mean, that Bible that you people refer to all the time.

P2:  It is for you too.

P1:  I don’t know about that.  I have been reading it and I think you can have my copy.

P2:  Hmmm, let’s see what’s got you stumped.

P1:  Like I said, it’s not just one thing.  It seems like some things just don’t jive.

P2:  Let’s see what doesn’t jive.

P1:  OK, this guy name Paul who used to go by Saul—must have been on the run from the law or something, told people in Thessalonica to mind their own business.  Now that’s sound advice, just ask any mother or teacher.

P2:  First, Paul had a lot to say about the law but he wasn’t on the run from it.  Next, it seems that you agree with what he had to say.

P1:  Yes, but then this guy named James says if you get into somebody’s business when they get off course, then that’s a good thing.

P2:  It is a good thing.

P1:  But what about minding your own business?

P2:  That’s a good thing as well, but if I saw you drowning would you want me to mind my own business and watch you die or would you want to practice my life saving techniques and bring you to the safety of the shore.

P1:  Who wouldn’t want to be rescued, but this James character says he is talking about turning a sinner from the error of his ways.  That sounds like judging and I read that we should not judge others unless we too want to be judged.

P2:  First of all, let me say that I am proud of you for reading your Bible.  These are good thoughts!

P1:  I thought that you would be upset with me for disrespecting your Bible.

P2:  You are just wrestling with things that every believer has to sort out.  OK, let’s go back to rescuing a drowning man.  The lifeguard has to make an assessment before committing to rescue.

P1:  What?

P2:  Is he really drowning?  If he is, then he must be ready to get physical—to take hold of the man and forcefully pull him to safety.  A drowning person is governed by panic and will pull the rescuer under if a casual rescue is attempted.  In some case, it’s necessary to knock out the drowning person so he does not drown both of them.

P1:  Is that why they call you Bible-Thumpers—you go around knocking people out with your Bibles.

P2:  Not exactly.  Have I ever thumped you with my Bible?

P1:  No.  You just keep inviting me to worship and to this thing you call the truth.

P2:  That’s right.  I can’t thump righteousness into you, but if I were to try, know that I would use my Amplified Version.

P1:  Yeah, OK, I think that was you being funny, but what about judging?

P2:  Don’t judge anyone so as to condemn them.  We are not entitled to condemn another person.  Jesus died to take away the sin of every person on the planet, past and present—permanently.

P1:  Wow! Now that is some propitiation with alliteration!

P2:  How do you know that word?  Most people don’t use propitiation in daily conversation.

P1:  I have been studying.  Let me see if I understand all of this, or at least these things that we have been talking about.

P2:  Hit me with your best shot.

P1:  In as much as possible, I should lead a quiet life and try to get along with others and tend to my own business—like staying away from gossip and the like.

P2:  Yes.

P1:  Unless someone who is a believer is headed down the wrong path and doesn’t seem to be able to get back on course by himself.  Then it’s OK to get into his business so long as I do it out of love and not self-righteousness.

P2:  Wow!  I don’t think you are confused at all.

P1:  It actually made sense to me, but I needed to bounce it off a, err, off a…

P2:  Bible Thumper?

P1:  Yeah, a Bible Thumper.  Do you mind me calling you that?

P2:  I prefer disciple or Christian, but if it keeps you reading your Bible, I will be your designated Thumper.

P1:  Cool.  I’m wanting to read more.  I don’t know what it is.

P2:  My turn to lay a label on you.

P1:  Go for it.

P2:  You are hungry for God’s word.

P1:  That’s it.  I’m hungry for God’s word.  Hey, did you know it seems like it is living and active?  I mean more than ordinary words.

Both start to walk off the stage together.

P2:  I’m going to enjoy being your designated Bible Thumper. 

P1:  Let’s go read something!

Lights down.

The end.