Throughout nineteenth century America, religious officials often condemned the dramatic theatre as an inversion of the house of God, similar to the church in architectural structure and organization but wholly different in purpose and values. This book explores the many ways in which religious institutions have had a profound effect on the development of American theatre. The author analyzes the church's critical view toward common theatre practices, including the use of female and child performers and the inherently uncontrollable nature of the stage. Three appendices provide period correspondence concerning the church's impact on the theatre, including an excerpt from Mark Twain's February 1871 Memoranda, in which Twain criticizes an Episcopalian reverend for denying church burial to a popular stage comedian.