Seeing a Broadway musical is something fun the whole family can enjoy. But is there a show you can take your family to see that exalts Jesus and the gospel? The beauty of Broadway is that it doesn't restrict itself to any theme or genre, including religion and spirituality. Critics argue that productions such as "The Book of Mormon" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" admire religion, rather than contend it. You can find the message of Christ in all art forms, and song and dance are wonderful ways to praise and honor Him. The following NYC Broadway plays can be just as inspirational as a good sermon.

Matinee to Mass

In a 2012 performance of the classic musical "Godspell," Hunter Parrish, a Christian, was given the role of a lifetime when he was offered the part of Jesus Christ. For Parrish, playing Jesus has been an opportunity to teach people to "come together and spread joy." He says he prefers to call his religion a relationship with God and Jesus.

Powerhouse couple Jeff and Nikki Kready also proudly bear their Christian faith while taking on serious roles in the Broadway scene. Nikki says that being a Christian has helped her throughout her career by reminding her that God has a bigger plan for her. Jeff also notes that on Broadway, "you're representing Jesus" to those who may be apathetic or even antagonistic toward Him.

Spirituality at Center Stage

Not all Christian performers act in performances closely associated to their actual faith, but Max McLean's 2010 production of "Screwtape" was essentially a sermon for art-lovers. His famous play was based on the popular novel by C.S. Lewis, which featured letters from a senior devil to a junior tempter.

McLean attends Redeemer Presbyterian Church on the Upper East Side, an entity that specifically offers ministry to Christians in the arts. Although McLean was raised a nominal Catholic, he became a born-again Christian in 1976 at a Bible study group. As one would expect, McLean's life has not been without struggle. He briefly resigned from acting because of its inability to fulfill his spiritual needs and instead enrolled in seminary.

McLean was able to bring his beliefs and career goals into harmony when he started getting more involved in spirituality-based performances. Still, he faces challenges. "You have to make a commitment to execute it really well," he says, "as other people will judge [overtly Christian themes]."

Space for the Religious

As the war on faith will always be fought, the majority of Americans identify with one religious group or another. According to a recent Pew Research report, 83 percent of citizens are religious, and over 78 percent identify with the Christian faith. Spirituality can cause the faithfully dedicated to become combative, but its prevalence in the mainstream media can encourage people to be more open. A unique type of religious tolerance and acceptance exists in the art community. Art, in any form, is a unique, personal and beautiful way to exalt Jesus and spread the Word of God. Fans of Broadway as well as performers can embrace that type of tolerance and acceptance through talent in the theater.