(This is an article focussing on a subject from my last article, 'Two-Thousand Year Generation Gap?'. To read the full, original article, click here)
It is popular in many circles to preach and teach against religion itself. "I don't have religion; I have a relationship," is the common phrase now. Jesus just wants you to love Him and be in a "relationship" with Him, not observe a stuffy old religion about Him. But does it occur to anyone that perhaps religion is one of the very ways we express our love for Him? If you want to talk about dull, try being in a "relationship" with someone who talks of a love for you, but has no way of expressing that love! One of the reasons why this way of thinking is so prevalent for many is because unfortunately some in the Church have tried to make religion stiff and impersonal; religion, as an expression of love, is meant to be deeply personal, but that does not mean it is up to you and you alone to decide what religion is. Remember it is an expression of love which means it is meant to be two ways; Jesus has some say too! Remember also that the reason why religious activities and traditions were begun in the first place is because Jesus Himself prescribed them for us.
04 February 2011
Two-thousand Year Generation Gap? - Music
(This is an article focussing on a subject from my last article, 'Two-Thousand Year Generation Gap?'. To read the full, original article, click here)
Music is a big issue for everyone, whether they love or hate tradition. I have been to churches where they outright will not allow anything more than fifteen years old to be played. A lot of churches do not consider hymns to be appealing to a certain demographic, and therefore dismiss them completely. Worship services must have new and loud music, especially for youth groups, and if the older folks want to have some of the songs they grew up with, they can go to their own separate service. The younger generation doesn't "feel God's presence" if there is no dancing or jumping and such; if they cannot dance to it, they cannot worship to it. But if you were to take a random, non-Christian person off the street and present them with both a worship service at any typical youth convention and then a secular concert, could they honestly tell the difference? Remember that God tells us to "shout/dance/jump around and feel that I am God"...no, He says "be still and know that I am God."
Music is a big issue for everyone, whether they love or hate tradition. I have been to churches where they outright will not allow anything more than fifteen years old to be played. A lot of churches do not consider hymns to be appealing to a certain demographic, and therefore dismiss them completely. Worship services must have new and loud music, especially for youth groups, and if the older folks want to have some of the songs they grew up with, they can go to their own separate service. The younger generation doesn't "feel God's presence" if there is no dancing or jumping and such; if they cannot dance to it, they cannot worship to it. But if you were to take a random, non-Christian person off the street and present them with both a worship service at any typical youth convention and then a secular concert, could they honestly tell the difference? Remember that God tells us to "shout/dance/jump around and feel that I am God"...no, He says "be still and know that I am God."
Two-Thousand Year Generation Gap? - The Danger of Forgetting History
(This is an article focussing on a subject from my last article, 'Two-Thousand Year Generation Gap?'. To read the full, original article, click here)
It is the time-tested traditions, hymns, etc. that have defined the Church and nurtured its people since its humble yet powerful beginnings two-thousand years ago. I find comfort in knowing that when I sing this hymn or that hymn, I am singing the same truths and words that shaped the thought and lives of men like St. Polycarp and Martin Luther. These hymns link us to the strength of faith that has stood the test of time, and in fact link us to the time of Christ Himself! In fact, Jesus Himself, when He worshipped in a religious service, did so in a liturgical manner! And it isn't just the ancient heroes of the faith to whom we lose our connection; what about the elders in our own churches today? How can we learn from their wealth of wisdom and experience if we want to create this gap between generations? Is it not a bit arrogant to think thatwe're the ones who finally got it right and to call the faith of centuries of saints, martyrs, and history-makers "boring"? I would go so far as to say that it goes beyond arrogant and deeply into the realm of dangerous.
It is the time-tested traditions, hymns, etc. that have defined the Church and nurtured its people since its humble yet powerful beginnings two-thousand years ago. I find comfort in knowing that when I sing this hymn or that hymn, I am singing the same truths and words that shaped the thought and lives of men like St. Polycarp and Martin Luther. These hymns link us to the strength of faith that has stood the test of time, and in fact link us to the time of Christ Himself! In fact, Jesus Himself, when He worshipped in a religious service, did so in a liturgical manner! And it isn't just the ancient heroes of the faith to whom we lose our connection; what about the elders in our own churches today? How can we learn from their wealth of wisdom and experience if we want to create this gap between generations? Is it not a bit arrogant to think thatwe're the ones who finally got it right and to call the faith of centuries of saints, martyrs, and history-makers "boring"? I would go so far as to say that it goes beyond arrogant and deeply into the realm of dangerous.
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