Plays

A QUESTION OF FAITH
by Edward Clinton

2 men- Arthur and Eben middleaged – One adult woman Sarah, and their young daughter age 12-14

When Eben and Sarah’s daughter Rachel becomes deathly ill, they follow the teachings of their religion and refuse medical treatment. Eben’s best friend, Arthur, a lawyer, becomes an advocate for Rachel and tries to convince Eben to get medical care for Rachel. When Eben refuses, Arthur takes Eben to court and their friendship is tested. There are many relevant issues raised in this play that in the end dramatize the essential Question of Faith and what it means to have faith in today’s world. This play deftly explores the relationship of faith to everyday life in America, business, law and parental responsibility.

EXCERPT from A Question of Faith by Edward Clinton

ARTHUR: The purpose of this hearing is for the court to decide if you have the right to decide when and if your daughter will be allowed to die.

EBEN: I don’t. No one does. Only God. You see, because if you can’t tell when life begins, you can’t tell when it ends…

ARTHUR: (Totally enraged.) You're going to debate this!

EBEN: Yes! Yes!

ARTHUR: Then tell all the people buried in the cemeteries that life has not ended.

EBEN: Tell all the people breathing by machines, having plastic parts inserted into their bodies and clauses into their wills concerning death with dignity that life has not ended.

ARTHUR: In your lecture, Mr. Swaggins, you explained why we can’t say when life begins or ends, which leads me to the conclusion that you don’t even know what life is, so if you don’t know…

EBEN: Life is a question of faith. Without faith there is no life. Without faith there is nothing. Ask your brilliant mathematicians. Even Einstein said that everything he learned only taught him that there was something more, some greater power. You see, every person needs to believe in something greater than themselves…