[tarmac]

There is an old theological principle called lex orandi, lex credendi, which essentially means that the way in which you worship God reflects the way you think about God. Clapping hands to congratulate creatures at a time specifically reserved for reverent song or silent prayer to God implies that creatures deserve more attention than God in His own house.

The time, to which you refer, has been specifically reserved by man, not God. The way I think about God, is that an event which brings joy to his creatures, would be pleasing to God as well. Therefore, God might very well be leading the applause. Provided God has hands, of course.

[wideawake]

The time, to which you refer, has been specifically reserved by man, not God.

Incorrect. The Mass was instituted by Christ, not men.

The way I think about God, is that an event which brings joy to his creatures, would be pleasing to God as well.

Joy is a passion experienced by created beings. God does not experience joy - God is joy and the source of all true joy.

Therefore, God might very well be leading the applause. Provided God has hands, of course.

I'm perfectly willing to consider the possibility that people may be moved to clap in Church as a direct movement of the Holy Ghost. But I don't think the Catholic clappers are amking that claim.

[Aquinasfan]

The way I think about God, is that an event which brings joy to his creatures, would be pleasing to God as well.

The liturgy is the public prayer of the Church. That is why the congregation, the Body of Christ, sings, reads, stands and kneels in unison. There is plenty of time during the rest of the week for private prayers and devotions.

And you can clap for the choir all you want in your Church.