Yes… and no. Early this morning, I finished reading John D. Witvliet’s essay, Theological Models for the Relationship between Liturgy and Culture in his excellent collection, Worship Seeking Understanding (Baker, 2003). Heady and academic stuff, as the title demonstrates. But the concepts that he unpacks are important for every pastor and worship leader to encounter and grasp. There are some groups who resist the surrounding culture at all costs. The Orthodox Church, along with certain Anabaptist sects (such as the Amish) are probably the most radical in this regard. But there are other traditional groups who avoid cultural infiltration like it was the plague. On the other side of the spectrum are evangelicals who will do most anything and everything in order to satisfy the god of relevance. Neither pole on the spectrum is to be desired. Cultural influence, or inculturation, in corporate worship is unavoidable and should be, in some measure, embraced and celebrate
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ReplyDeleteInteresting and entertaining for sure. I agree with the sentiments raised by the author, but (from my very limited experience) it only focuses on half of the equation - passion. In the name of passion, worshiping thoughtfully sometimes gets either ignored or avoided altogether for fear that thinking stifles passion. The opposite should be true, though, if we choose good songs. Thinking deeply about spiritual truths we sing should stoke our affections and passions for Christ, not throw a wet blanket over them.
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I liked the way he wrote. I think there would be more interest in worship if we gave it more time to take us into the Presence of God. Two or three songs are not going to do that. If people were to experience His presence and realize that He inhabits the praises of His people, I think they would give their hearts to this and become more engaged. I am not sure we can get there in an hour service....
ReplyDeleteI've been really focused on this topic recently; mainly because of the terms addressed in Kauflin's book, Worship Matters. Thanks for posting.
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