I think it is crazy how church services have become way more casual in the 2000s than any other time period. Church services during the Medieval time period were very structured with times to pray, sing, and fast and typically lasted all day with little breaks. All of their songs were of the mass ordinary and were to be sung in monophonic Gregorian chant and had no instruments. The lyrics of the chants were repetitive and very serious in their meanings. During this time, everyone was dressed in their finest attire since it was the "holy day" of the week. In contrast, I remember last Sunday at church many people were wearing blue jeans with t-shirts. The music was very typical contemporary Christian music with guitars, drums, a keyboard, and singers. The stage had different color fluorescent lights. The service lasted a little bit over a hour right before lunch time started, so we had adequate time to eat.
I think it is fine whatever way anyone chooses to worship as long it gives glory to God, but my concern is has church become too "comfortable." The setting and atmosphere of many churches nowadays can lead us to not meaningfully worship. Many churches say, "Come as you are." "We should come as we are" with a heart wanting to hear what God has in store for us. We need to quit blending in and start living apart from others. Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
I commented on Rachel and Ian's blogs.
I totally get what you are saying. God accepts us at our worst, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t come to him with our best.
ReplyDelete~Madalyn Dillard
I agree that some churches are too "comfortable" or "relaxed". While that does allow more freedom with worship and for it to be more personal, it can be too relaxed.
ReplyDeleteI remember when I was taking Introduction to Christian Worldview, we talked about how there are many churches that have become more like the world in order to attract said world. We discussed how modern-day Christianity has become much more commercialized; softening the blows of certain Biblical truths and skimming over the more convicting passages. While this strategy does attract many people, in the end, the church has failed them because they are merely encouraged to continue living their same life with no major consequences. In short, I think a modern-day revival is much needed.
ReplyDelete