A number of people have commented on my last post...thanks. To follow on there are a number of thoughts that come to my mind but the first is that we have to unpack what we mean by the words we use. Most are a reflection of our own values and behaviours that we project into the meaning of the words. Worship is a classic. Usually in the west it means something we enjoy. I can't help but think it should be asked does God enjoy it (In asmuch as God enjoys as we understand the term!). Therefore when a church has a worship service who is it aimed at? I would contend it is usually aimed at making the people that attend feel good and is often nothing more than a marketing excercise!
Like wise Triumphalism. We in the self centred, self focused west see it winning so we are on top...be it financially, relationships, stuff etc. I would contend that in part the triumph of the resurrection is focused on the rights of the poor and oppressed to be fed, housed and free and we as the people of the resurrection are to work towards this which will ultimately be found in heaven.
There are many examples of how we misuse words for our words and I think that many of the large churches and christian movements reinforce this...often overtly and often subtly as the medium really is the message.
This entry was posted by Angry and Shallow, on
Wednesday, December 06, 2006.
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4:11 pm
Hey Darryl, too often in the past I have sung my heart out in the hope of something in return.
I can't find your email address... I need to ask a few questions about a certain incident that has occurred within the boys home. Could you email me on peterharvey.nz@gmail.com and I’ll reply.
8:12 pm
Good word Darryl, I had a Catholic priest tell me one time that protestant worship was very self centered. Ofcourse I was aghast. But he pointed out that the goal of protestand worship seemed to be making yourself feel good, or atleast closer to God. But that in the catholic liturgy the focus was connecting with the church, with history, and with God in reliving the celebration of the Eucharist, and the confession of faith. And your enjoyment basically had nothing to do with it.
I can't seem to understand why we don't see the worship in serving the poor, standing for justice, taking care of God's beautiful creation.
rev
10:47 pm
I like to use the defintion of worship as 'giving our world back to God'. We see all within our orbit and we make it into an offering twards God. Its a big idea and incorporates 'praise and worship' as well as action. So it incorporates what we do in our world, including how we treat the poor.
6:03 pm
Hirschy as always you say it well. Yes I agree with you. My concern is that if we do not continually menmtion the poor they will be ignored, seen as a cute or cool group to observe or as a distraction to our worship.
I also wonder if giving our world back to God is actually admiting to what it and we really are. We come as broken not whole, we come as needy not fulfilled and we come as failures not victors! In this worship we want to adore the One who forgives and involves Himself with us and our world as we are. Cool aye!
6:03 pm
Hirschy as always you say it well. Yes I agree with you. My concern is that if we do not continually menmtion the poor they will be ignored, seen as a cute or cool group to observe or as a distraction to our worship.
I also wonder if giving our world back to God is actually admiting to what it and we really are. We come as broken not whole, we come as needy not fulfilled and we come as failures not victors! In this worship we want to adore the One who forgives and involves Himself with us and our world as we are. Cool aye!
5:02 pm
Very right sounding that, and hard to disagree with. I'm not sure I do entirely agree though.
On one hand, the word worship is a giving thing, and I don't think we understand that any more. It is not the two slow songs we sing after the three faster 'praise' songs on a Sunday. It is honouring God with our time, focus and posessions in any way - not to get a return, but simply because God is WORth it.
On the other hand, I do think there is a place for seeking the touch of God. Worship isn't the right word, and I think this is a reason for this type of discussion. The singing really is just a form of prayer. No more, no less. An prayer IMHO is intimate, two way connection with God. We bless God with our time, words and creativity, and he blesses us back. And it feels good. It's both giving and recieving. Anything else is not really communion. Like sex, really.
1:23 am
This is a great discussion here, yet it never ceases to amaze me how much ink has been spilt on the topic of worship, when Jesus never asked to be worshipped. Pretty amazing ey?
I once heard that you become the God you worship, I think that is spot on, the main thrust of worship is towards personal blessing and personally enriching, satisfying experiences.
Who are we trying to kid with songs like, "Here I stand, Bless Me" type choruses?
4:32 pm
Now that just sounds like the ravings of an angry young unoh activist. :-)