What I think about Non-Liturgical Anti-Traditional Denominations

A Life Learning Grace: Sursum Corda ^ | 8/04/2006 | jmahar

[sionnsar]

When one is accused of mass labeling groups or people as inferior and less than great, one might find a bit of defensiveness rising to the surface. 'I never said that'—comes to my mind. But in thinking about my posts I do come on strong, and try as best I can to show why a Traditional and Liturgical approach to Christianity is superior to others. There are several reasons for this.

I grew up outside of traditional circles; I devalued them...

[sionnsar]

[jmahar is young and relatively new to Anglicanism, but he's also not afraid to speak his mind. Take a look at his blog. --sionnsar]

[sionnsar]

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Speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

[nmh]

Great quote:

"If there were any word of God beside the Scripture, we could never be certain of God's Word; and if we be uncertain of God's Word, the devil might bring in among us a new word, a new doctrine, a new faith, a new church, a new god, yea himself to be a god. If the Church and the Christian faith did not stay itself upon the Word of God certain, as upon a sure and strong foundation, no man could know whether he had a right faith, and whether he were in the true Church of Christ, or in the synagogue of Satan."
-- Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, First Protestant Archbishop of Canterbury

Indeed!

Man's adding on turns what was original Christianity, the Bible into a comfortable counterfeit. It is the reason many, who claim to be Christian, get so nasty. They prefer man's words over God's Word.

Yes, there is much truth to what you say. A "traditional" worship service does show respect. Hopefully it is in the heart/mind as well. As for "contemporary" worship - it's pointless. Most people dress better for work than they do for church and it's not that dress is everything but it does show RESPECT. Today people roll in with jeans etc.. and very casual in their "worship" of dumbed down songs. It's the same words over and over and over again. Hymns have depth and substance. Perhaps as people have become more dumbed down and distant from God this pleases THEM more rather than trying to praise Him.

The "Praise Bands" sound like secular rock concerts. There is nothing soft or reverent about them. Again, it is the "church" trying to conform to the world. We are warned against this:

Rom.12:2

[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

For these kinds of churches it has become a numbers game. Touchy, feely crap that has no substance. It's a club like atmosphere with Rick Warren books pushing a works driven salvation. It's too bad ministers and pastors lack the you know what's to stand firm on what God has said through the Bible.

[nmh]

I glossed through you article ... perhaps you should actually read the Bible and compare what is taught where you are v.s. what God has clearly stated. You'll find the camp you are in to be a dressed up counterfeit that I mentioned in my first reply.

[Tax-chick]

Will have a look at a convenient time.

[sionnsar]

You need to pay a bit more attention to authorship when responding...

[Huber]

Wonderful enthusiasm, but he could benefit from a copy of Strunk and White...

[sionnsar]

Click through and tell him...

[ScubieNuc]

As a non-catholic, I found this man's opinion to be fair and balanced (sorry Fox for the steal). Here is a small cut and paste....

"I wouldn't attend an Baptist church...I have been ruined on Anglicanism. Do I think that their structure (as I understand it ) of church leaves something to be desired? Yes. But thats OK. Every body has this kind of opinion. Why isn't every Christian a Charismatic? Because many of them object to what they see as 'mere lunacy.' Are they right to think that? Maybe, but they are entitled to their opinion."

I also agreed with this quote....

"Where is our love of rightly dividing the word of truth? Does Christianity have more to do with us, or with Jesus?"

I'll admit to "trolling," looking for something to admittedly appose, but I found his blog to be reasoned and sensible. If only a person could find more of this.

Sincerely

[Huber]

nah...

wouldn't want to put a damper on his enthusiasm...

[freedumb2003]

I do have to say that I really enjoy and respect sharp theological thinking and writing.

Both the quote and the supporting response are very siccinct and very "thoughtful" in the highest meaning for that word.

[Creationist]

I am a Pentecostal.

I do not believe that a prayer book is required. I believe that everyone should pray the prayers of their heart.
1 Thessalonians, chapter 5

"16": Rejoice evermore.
"17'": Pray without ceasing.
"18": In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
"19": Quench not the Spirit.
"20": Despise not prophesyings.
"21": Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
"22": Abstain from all appearance of evil.
"23": And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

James, chapter 5

"16": Confess your faults one to another, and; pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Ritual is not always a good thing if the Holy Spirit is not in control of the sermon.