Worship Wars
Theme of the Week: A Diverse Communion
Philip Ryken
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
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Key Bible Verse: I hear that there are divisions among you when you meet as a church (1 Corinthians 11:18). Bonus Reading:1 Corinthians 1:10—17 ; 14:26
Two Americans went to Paris. Since their church back home met in a shopping mall, what impressed them most was Notre Dame Cathedral. Gazing up at its ornate rose window, one whispered, "Just imagine singing praise choruses in this place. But where do you suppose they put the screen for the overheads?"
That scene appeared as a cartoon in Leadership magazine. To appreciate its humor, one probably has to be a veteran of the wars over style of worship. While some Christians fought to maintain traditional liturgical forms, others wanted to be more contemporary. So they discussed the relative merits of pipe organs and drum sets. They debated whether the minister should preach from behind a pulpit or atop a bar stool.
As in all wars, there were casualties. Some congregations split up as members decided to worship their own separate ways. What started the worship wars? Was it simply a matter of musical taste, or was something deeper at work? Did it have something to do with the generation gap? Was it about outreach and evangelism? Or was it a matter of spiritual maturity?
—Philip Ryken in City on a Hill
My Response: What may my reaction to others' worship styles say about my spiritual maturity?
Thought to Apply: Be united with other Christians. A wall with loose bricks is not good. The bricks must be cemented together.
—Corrie ten Boom (Dutch speaker)
Adapted from City on a Hill (Moody, 2003) by permission.
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As Head of the Church, O Christ, give me a love for Your Body that transcends personal preferences and cultural norms.
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