The Crucible and Global Issues: Oral Presentation

Introduction

• Presentation on The Crucible by Arthur Miller and its relation to global issues.
• Focus on the American government's role and the impact of religion on politics.

Slide 2: Government's Role and The Crucible

• Declaration of Independence: Secures natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness).
• Debate needed to determine what freedoms are granted.
• The Crucible illustrates the negative influence of religion in politics.
• Religion can lead government astray from upholding natural rights.

Slide 3: Religion and Government Officials

• Religion places God in ultimate power; government leaders align with divine authority.
• Danforth's pride represents merging of status with divine right.
• Questioning government equated with questioning God in a religious society.

Slide 4: Religion as an Explanation

• Religion explains the unknown; dismisses need to uncover truth.
• In crises, religion can lead to scapegoating (e.g., witch accusations).
• Political careers at risk if accused of being anti-God.

Slide 5: Bias and Consequences

• Bias in government leads to condemnation of non-Christian viewpoints.
• Danforth and Paris judge Proctor based on religious bias.
• Gospel becoming law equates to suppression of freedom of religion and speech.

Slide 6: Contemporary Political Context

• Donald Trump: Efforts to impose Christianity in government.
• Mass layoffs, religious rallies, and deportations exhibit signs of a new "witch hunt."
• Target of this hunt is immigrants.

Slide 7: Removal of Opposition

• Federal workers aligned with leftist beliefs targeted for termination.
• Bias in government results in removal of opposition, akin to events in The Crucible.
• Trump's "Faith office" aims to stop anti-Christian bias, limiting diversity of opinions.

Slide 8: Religious Influence on Politics

• Trump administration uses religion to legitimize practices.
• God Bless the USA Bible endorsed by Trump, aligning with religious messaging.
• VP JD Vance's comments appeal to conservative Christian values.
• Trump administration seen as aligned with Christian values, justifying actions.

Slide 9: Impact on Immigrants and Workers

• Religious beliefs used to justify actions against immigrants, violating rights.
• Trump's deportation policies seen as religious duty by followers.
• Government's religious alignment leads to exclusion and dehumanization.

Slide 10: Conclusion

• Single belief in government can shift focus from protecting equality to enforcing that belief.
• Both The Crucible and current politics show dangers of one belief dominating a nation.
• Holding leaders accountable for preserving natural rights is crucial.
• Diverse beliefs necessary for a fair and functioning society.

• End of Presentation: Emphasized the importance of preventing any single religious or political belief from dominating government practices.