I read with interest and empathy the letter of Marion Smyrl, “Return to Roots,” addressing manner of dress and applause at worship services. While my language might not have been as forthright, some points were certainly made that I do think we Baptists need to address.
I have no particular problem with the way one dresses. Dress is a matter of choice. When one is clean and comfortable and respectfully dressed for church, that is certainly enough, but applause is another thing.
Sunday, July 15, a baptismal service was held in my church, and for the first time in my life I heard applause following the baptism of each candidate. Yes, there is applause after special music and other events also. My generation was taught in school and church that one does not applaud religious music. I heard one very talented musician say, “We are not asking for applause and do not welcome it. That is not why we perform. We do it to make our contribution to the worship service and to honor God.” Have we lost our feeling for good manners, good taste, and a sense of reverence?
Applause is just one of the issues that concerns me. So many churches, mine included, bombard us with the electronic world – that is, the use of media. Sometimes it is hard to listen to spoken words and music when, at the same time, attention is diverted to flashing images on large screens. This trend includes recorded or “canned” music, which in itself often presents problems with volume, timing, and other electronic glitches – all of which are disruptive in a state of worship. In addition, so-called “praise music” is replacing many standard hymns and great religious classical pieces. Much “praise music” is repetition of a line or a chorus without much substance.
In discussing these trends, I have been told that the aforementioned has taken place to benefit the young people who are accustomed to video screens, more upbeat music, and greater freedom of expression. Further, if the church does not provide that, the younger generation will not attend a Baptist church. They will go elsewhere. That may or may not be true. This generation is living with extreme freedom of expression. We all are.
We engage in video games (both large and handheld), phones with screens and music, music plugged directly into the ear, multiple televisions in the home, cars, planes, computers at home, school and work. It is hard to escape the electronic explosion. Don’t misunderstand: I am thankful for the world that electronics has opened to us in medicine, work, entertainment and education.
However, my point is this: Should there not be a place where much of this is put aside so we can hear “the still small voice of God,” and seek that “place of quiet rest near to the heart of God”? In so doing, we are making a “joyful noise unto the Lord.”
It is my belief that we are possibly catering too much to today’s trends in church services. Yet, I am aware that each generation must make its own contributions to worship, or else we will be back in the days of the Puritans. But let us be mindful of the changes that we make so as not to neglect the beauty, dignity, and reverence of worship in the house of the Lord.
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