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FLIGHT 227
MAIN POINT
This sketch is a study on the subtleties of belief, because belief is no simple topic. We
talk about belief all the time as if it were the very key to eternal life. And according
to Jesus and the rest of Scripture, it is. But what exactly is belief?
The Greek word for belief in the New Testament is pistis, which is alternatively
translated faith. But what exactly is faith? The Latin words, which also name the
characters in this sketch, help us to sort it out a little more specifically.
All three are involved in belief. Factual knowledge is the undergirding of belief. Loyalty
provides the openness to belief. But these two must go a step further and actually place
personal confidence and trust in the object of faith - whether it's an airplane or God
himself. If you really believe in the plane, you'll board. If you really believe in God,
you'll commit yourself intellectually, volitionally and emotionally.
There will always be a certain element of risk in flight and in belief. But your
confidence is that you're willing to stake your life on God and his promises. Nothing is
held back.
CHARACTERIZATION
Notitia: He is pure knowledge and only knowledge. He's your basic
rocket-science stereotype, a calculator and pocket protector type. He is even dressed like
a scientist, a little out of step (think of the professor on Gilligan's Island).
Assensus: He's an exuberant character, with a zest for life. He reminds
me of Dr. Doolittle or Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady. Since we often
associate authority and expertise with a British accent, you can go that direction if you
like (but don't do it unless your actor can do it well.)
Fiducia: This is just a average person boarding a flight. Fiducia can be
portrayed by either a male or female actor, but play the character straight with no
stereotypes. Fiducia is the character with whom the audience will identify.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES
1) These characters don't have to be men. Both Assensus and Fiducia could be female.
Notitia would be a little harder because in our American culture we don't have a very
well-defined stereotype for the female nerd. Hmm ... that's interesting ... could be a
whole sketch in itself!
2) Don't turn Fiducia's confusion into scorn. He/she is not so much angered by the other
two as bewildered.
3) Except for Fiducia's character, don't be afraid to play up the stereotypes for this
sketch. It's a farce, and not intended to be realistic.
RELATED SCRIPTURES
James 2:19 describes the belief (notitia) of demons. You won't find a better analogy. But
also look at the people in 2 Chronicles 32:7, and Peter and the boat in Matthew 14:29.
Interestingly enough, the Hebrew concept of faith assumes obedience and confidence;
there's no room for a purely intellectual conviction.
RELATED THEMES
You can easily tie in doubt and its relationship to the three kinds of belief. Fear is
related as the usurper of belief, and unbelief as its antithesis. Knowledge and commitment
are key words as well. This sketch can draw both believers and seekers into a healthy
examination of their faith. For we all believe in something. We all live by faith.
