CONFUSION ABOUNDS!

Mike Johnson

FROM HUNTSVILLE: I agree with “West Coast.” Protestant worship services are mostly selling tickets to ball games, pictures, records, and signing petitions on political issues. There is very little spirituality. And the music is a disgrace. No hymns anymore, just modern junk. –Disgusted

GREENWICH, CONN:  That Protestant person is not alone with the complaints about social activities and fun stuff in their worship services. In recent years, the primary source of funding in many Catholic parishes is bingo. –Anonymous

Fort Lauderdale: I agree with the “West Coast.” There is little worshiping and quiet meditation in our church. No time for it. Too busy congratulating couples on new babies, wedding anniversaries, engagement, and leaning on parishioners to shell out more money…pray at home. –John H.

Washington D.C.- Here in the East, it is show-biz time in the Lutheran church. We are asked to “pass the peace.” People from all sides grab your hand, mutter “peace be with you,” and the scene resembles fruit basket upset. Applause is common. Our minister parades newly baptized babies down the aisle. Everything is so laid back; you might as well be in an amusement park. –No Name

The above quotes came from a newspaper column a few years ago. The article came about because a concerned person from the West Coast had written in about modern-day worship services. He said the services had become too social and frivolous. The columnist asked for comments about this observation. Some people liked the “modern” approach while others did not. The above represents some views of those who did not like the modern trends. Their statements may not reflect the opinions of many.

Worship should involve reverence and respect for God. It is serious, and we must worship in the right way and with the right attitude (Jn. 4:24, 8:32; Mt. 15:8-9)  However, the trends and perspectives today are but a symptom for an even more significant problem, which is a general lack of respect for God’s Word and Bible authority.

We should realize that the work of the church and the way we worship God should not be decided by mere human opinion or preference. People need to return to the Bible; all must learn that God’s Will, recorded for us in the Scriptures, is vital. Indeed, the Bible is to be our authority (Col. 3:17, II Tim. 3:16-17), and we must not add to it or take away from God’s Word (Rev. 22:18-19, II Jn. 9, I Peter 4:11, Gal. 1:6-10). The question, “What does the Bible teach?” is hardly ever asked anymore. Instead, in matters about religion, it is “what I feel,” “what my parents always believed,” “what is the easiest doctrine to follow,” or “what is the most popular” instead of what God says in His Word. John 8:32 says, “And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.” God’s Word must be respected.