Posted on 08/22/2005 6:26:33 PM PDT by sionnsar
As this piece points out, the churches where you are least likely to hear Scripture read during services are often those where the authority and teaching of Scripture are most emphasized, particularly evangelical churches. Strange, but true. And the writer’s experience is that even Anglican evangelical churches often read Scripture in their worship less.
My personal experience as one with a evangelical/fundamentalist background? My current REC church is the first of my church homes where Scripture is regularly read during services outside the context of the sermon.
I think this is one way is which evangelical-style worship impoverishes itself. As I’ve experienced first hand, there is a power to formally reading the raw word of God in worship. I'd much rather sit and listen to the reading of Scripture than sing one more “praise and worship” song. And Scripture reading is a prominent feature of Jewish and Christian worship through the centuries. Why cut oneself off from that?
Yes, I greatly value the role of Lector, of reading the Scripture lessons aloud during services.
My reading duties begin this Sunday.
Oh, but our country is the new Israel, the nation of God's favor! </sarcasm>
When Osteen does mention God, he is preaching a different god than the God of Scripture and the historic Christian faith.
What utter folly, and how wickedly deceived are the followers of this Snake Oil Salesman.
They see what they want to see and hear what they want to hear.
And God's people said, Amen!
Oh, but our country is the new Israel, the nation of God's favor!
Not always a comfortable place to be. "For three sins of Judah and for four. . ."
How many types and how many (truly) Evangelical churches have you visited? Although there are many churches that call themselves Evangelical and others that are that do not read as much of the Word as they once did, there are still many that do. It is a treat to find one of those. At the church I attend, for instance, as a congregation, we read aloud almost a full chapter or a Psalm each week which has to do with the sermon. And that doesn't count that the pastor reading the passage on which he will be preaching.
On the other hand, I have noticed that the scores of masses I have attended, although they do read scripture, it is usually a small portion and often has nothing to do with the homily. And not all the book are read. So maybe there are many that read less scripture than in a mass, but I would say in general that the Scripture is the focus rather than in the mass where it is more of a side item than the entree. From my observations.
I don't understand how one can really worship without the Eucharist. But that's why I'm a Catholic.
Do the new Assyrians/Babylonians, on their way to conquer us in retribution for our sins, speak Chinese, Arabic, or Spanish? </sarcasm, sort of>
"Small portion"? It's a lot more than one or two verses; three readings and a psalm on Sundays.
And the homily is supposed to be an exposition and explanation of the readings. If that's not what the priest is doing, he's not playing from the Church's playbook.
Thanks for your input. It settled my mind a bit, because this church is definitely on the "Welcoming" trend, even touting an "Espresso Bar" for all to gather.
Ugh.
I'll keep praying for my daughter to come to her senses.
Ugh. There's a local church ("River of Life Fellowship"?) that, on its radio ads, offers newcomers "A free drink from the Espresso Bar." I wince every time I hear that.
Wow, a priest not following the playbook, that never happens (Sarcasm)
We hahve Bible study during the week, in addition, to the readings each day, and the homilies given by the priest that address the readings.
Teaching in two places!
Thanks for your input. I was thinking this was a strange phenomenon.
The Emergent church nonsense strikes again.
Can't use the Bible, it isn't seeker-friendly!
ping
But then you have people like this:
Lutheran leader calls for an ecumenical council to address growing biblical fundamentalism
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1467440/posts
** scripture.......often has nothing to do with the homily.**
Hmmm Strange. The priest is directed to preach on the Holy Scripture. What you may have witnessed would not be according to what is supposed to be done.
I have been to a "Holiness" church locally where they didn't even pray. I have been at an Assembly of God in Wake Forest, NC where the pastor preached that worshipping God is equated to making love to a spouse. Nothing surprises me anymore.
carefull...there are some here on FR who would declare you downright Pharisaical for opposing making a mini-mall out of the narthex. :)
My grandfather's Southern Baptist Church only ever used one short scripture reading as a jumping off point for the sermon. Since there was no set plan of reading, it was easy for the Pastor to jump around and avoid inconvenient verses.
I liked to needle him that we had 4 times as much Bible reading in the Catholic Church - Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle, and Gospel.
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