Final answer:
Patrick Lee-Browne's use of religion in his plays is part of a historical continuum where religious drama has evolved from liturgical roots to addressing modern social issues through a religious lens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patrick Lee-Browne's integration of religion into his plays draws from a historical tradition where religious themes were a dominant feature in theater. From the emergence of religious dramas post-1200 AD that became independent of the liturgy, to the inclusion of moral and ethical questions in contemporary works, the interplay between theater and religion remains significant.
In early periods, outdoor plays and pageants would often depict biblical events and communicate church doctrine through forms such as mystery cycles and morality plays. Moving to the modern day, theater continues to address religious aspects, but the perspective has shifted to a more nuanced critique of how religious beliefs intersect with social issues, as can be seen in the inclusion of religious discourse in discussions of racial injustice and moral obligations.
This evolution indicates a continuum where themes of faith and the divine figure prominently within the fabric of dramatic storytelling, while also adapting to contemporary societal attitudes and concerns.