Martin Luther: An Evolution of Faith
This former German priest became one of the leading figures of the Protestant Reformation. Luther taught that salvation is not earned by good deeds or by purchasing indulgences but only by the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
This formidable theological giant also confronted issues such as greed and the necessity of interpreting scripture through thorough exegetical study informed by the Holy Spirit. Luther provided future generations of theologians with the radical concept of the God from Below, the God who has special concern for the poor and oppressed.
"Al Staggs powerfully conveys Luther's convictions about justification by grace. Furthermore, as Stagg's Luther critiques the greed and conspicuous consumption that the reformer witnessed in sixteenth-century German, the audience hears a challenge that still applies to Christians today."
Joy A. Schroeder, Associate Professor of Religion and Church History, Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Capital University
Oscar Romero: A Martyr’s Homily
Al presents Archbishop Romero delivering an impassioned homily just minutes before his assassination which occurred on March 24, 1980. His message is a call for the church to understand and to live out its calling to speak and act on behalf of the oppressed.
"Recently I had the pleasure of witnessing a performance by Al Staggs acting in the role of Archbishop Oscar A. Romero. I am writing to recommend this work to anyone who has the opportunity to sponsor or see it. I do so without hesitation. I am very devoted to the memory and the life of Oscar Romero, and I think that Al Staggs certainly does justice to his memory and the power of his witness for justice. "
-(Rev. Msgr.) Michael D. McCarron Pastor, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Newport News, Virginia
Walter Rauschenbusch and The Kingdom of God
Rauschenbusch applied the teachings of Jesus and the Hebrew Prophets to the crying social issues of his day. He saw child labor and economic disparity as terrible social ills which he felt should be addressed by the church. Rauschenbusch wrote that "whoever uncouples the religious and the social life has not understood Jesus."
His message concerning the Kingdom of God is particularly relevant to the church's challenges for the twenty-first century.
"Walter Rauschenbusch's prophetic words and mission have come alive for a new audience thanks to Al Staggs' stagecraft."
-Paul B. Raushenbush, Associate Dean of Religious Life Princeton University and great-grandson of Walter Rauschenbusch