My eyes play tricks on me when I see the word "sacred", I think it says "scared." I laugh it off as my very limited dyslexia. However in light of people's attitude toward the idea of something being sacred, I think the mistake is more Freudian than anything. The contemporary Protestant church is by in large afraid of the sacred.
Because of our reformative roots, many think of liturgical practices as too Catholic. Despite several prominent denominations worshiping in this formal manner, it is frowned upon still. In a culture that promotes a finer and finer line between the world and the church, "high church" is an abomination. Don't get me wrong, I love the Starbucks brand of worship and the buddy pastor, but it can run a little thin. High church can be too stoic and inhibit the leading of the Spirit. There must be a balance.
It isn't a surprise that people have made this an all or nothing argument. In an attempt to be less and less like the Pharisees, the church has come full circle in making rules to prevent Pharisaical behavior. It isn't hypocritical, it is just ironic. All over America, churches are planning services right now and the goal is less about leading people into worship and more about defending their position on what worship looks like. If worship is to be about lessening ourselves and honoring God, this seems counter-intuitive.
Where can a creed and hands raised high find a home? Corporate worship is naturally an extension of our personal worship. If it isn't, we won't achieve the fullness of the church. Our lives must reflect both the intimate and personal relationship of Christ and the majesty of the holy God. When I picture my reception into glory; I think of the embrace of Jesus, immediately followed by casting my crown before the throne of God. I think there needs to be a proper duality in our relationship. God is Abba and Adonai, and when He is acknowledged as such, we will know Him truly.
Because of our reformative roots, many think of liturgical practices as too Catholic. Despite several prominent denominations worshiping in this formal manner, it is frowned upon still. In a culture that promotes a finer and finer line between the world and the church, "high church" is an abomination. Don't get me wrong, I love the Starbucks brand of worship and the buddy pastor, but it can run a little thin. High church can be too stoic and inhibit the leading of the Spirit. There must be a balance.
It isn't a surprise that people have made this an all or nothing argument. In an attempt to be less and less like the Pharisees, the church has come full circle in making rules to prevent Pharisaical behavior. It isn't hypocritical, it is just ironic. All over America, churches are planning services right now and the goal is less about leading people into worship and more about defending their position on what worship looks like. If worship is to be about lessening ourselves and honoring God, this seems counter-intuitive.
Where can a creed and hands raised high find a home? Corporate worship is naturally an extension of our personal worship. If it isn't, we won't achieve the fullness of the church. Our lives must reflect both the intimate and personal relationship of Christ and the majesty of the holy God. When I picture my reception into glory; I think of the embrace of Jesus, immediately followed by casting my crown before the throne of God. I think there needs to be a proper duality in our relationship. God is Abba and Adonai, and when He is acknowledged as such, we will know Him truly.
0 comments:
Post a Comment