Both religions and musicals work best with energetic and committed believers. Cynicism or detachment would have destroyed the magic - something true of religion, too.

In this quote, "Both religions and musicals work best with energetic and committed believers. Cynicism or detachment would have destroyed the magic - something true of religion, too.", Lisa Randall draws an insightful parallel between religion and musicals. She suggests that both thrive when they are embraced with energy, commitment, and a sense of faith. The essence of these two practices—whether it’s the devotion to spiritual belief or the passion for the art form—requires a deep engagement to maintain their power and significance. Without this, the underlying magic or transformative experience can be lost.

Randall points out that cynicism or detachment can undermine the impact of both religion and musicals. If people approach them with a cold, skeptical mindset, they might miss out on the joy, meaning, and connection that these experiences can offer. In the case of religion, this would mean the spiritual depth and sense of community are diminished. For musicals, it would mean the emotional connection to the performance or story is lost.

The quote also highlights the importance of belief—whether in the divine or in the transformative power of art. For something to truly resonate and be impactful, there needs to be a willingness to believe in its potential. Randall is essentially arguing that both religion and musicals require an open heart and mind, a readiness to fully invest and experience the deeper layers of meaning they can provide.

Finally, Randall’s statement acknowledges that, whether it’s the spiritual or the performative, the experience is most fulfilling when you approach it with a sense of dedication and enthusiasm. Without this, the essence of what makes both religion and musicals so special is diminished, leaving behind only a hollow shell.