The phrase "passive spectators" refers to people who are watching something without actively participating or getting involved. They are just observing and not taking any action. Full definition
Most of your shows actually involve the live audience as part of the action of the play in a major way, and it is difficult to accept the ideas of that vital element disappearing as the audience members become passive spectators of shadows on a screen. (religion-online.org)
We are not passive spectators to God's cosmic design of a renewed Eden. (relevantmagazine.com)
We would simply be reduced to passive spectators before its inexorability. (religion-online.org)