gracewaves
Inactive User
Greetings!
I am seeking some thoughts from different Reformed points of view on a topic related to worship. Not too long ago, our church started reciting the Westminster Confesssion of Faith as part of our worship service. I subscribe to the Westmister Confession of Faith, and I believe that we should spend more time using the cathechism in teaching.
What should be the considerations in determing whether or not or how to use the Westmister Shorter Catechism in worship? The use of the psalms in responsive reading is a wonderful part of worship. It would be nice to do have responsive readings of other areas of the Scriptures in both the new and old testaments as well. The recitation of the Apostle's Creed seems appropriate as a testament to what we believe.
While I don't think the use of the Shorter Catechism is proscribed in worship, as I understand many dear brother's in the Lord might believe, I find its use in worship a problem.
1. The language is antiquarian - "consisteth", "estate", etc. People attending the service might not understand it. The meanings of the questions and answers are not explained.
2. The use of the catechism in this way could contribute to the notion that being a Christian is primarily a matter of having the right answers to the right questions rather than being a new creation justified by faith and sanctified through the workings of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds.
3. The Scriptures are more edifying and authoritative. Few can dispute their use in worship.
Thanks,
Seeking His Glory,
Gradie Frederick
Elder, Grace Church (OPC)
Westfield, NJ
I am seeking some thoughts from different Reformed points of view on a topic related to worship. Not too long ago, our church started reciting the Westminster Confesssion of Faith as part of our worship service. I subscribe to the Westmister Confession of Faith, and I believe that we should spend more time using the cathechism in teaching.
What should be the considerations in determing whether or not or how to use the Westmister Shorter Catechism in worship? The use of the psalms in responsive reading is a wonderful part of worship. It would be nice to do have responsive readings of other areas of the Scriptures in both the new and old testaments as well. The recitation of the Apostle's Creed seems appropriate as a testament to what we believe.
While I don't think the use of the Shorter Catechism is proscribed in worship, as I understand many dear brother's in the Lord might believe, I find its use in worship a problem.
1. The language is antiquarian - "consisteth", "estate", etc. People attending the service might not understand it. The meanings of the questions and answers are not explained.
2. The use of the catechism in this way could contribute to the notion that being a Christian is primarily a matter of having the right answers to the right questions rather than being a new creation justified by faith and sanctified through the workings of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and minds.
3. The Scriptures are more edifying and authoritative. Few can dispute their use in worship.
Thanks,
Seeking His Glory,
Gradie Frederick
Elder, Grace Church (OPC)
Westfield, NJ