“The liturgy understands that humans need to actively participate and not be spectators,” Smith said.
The above statement caught my eye. He is, of course, absolutely right.
A friend of mine has been attending a NJ church called “The Water” (or just Water (?) which has a lot of the feel-good stuff,uses big screens, has rock-style music, etc....BUT :
The group is said to be “full Bible” (whatever that means), and goes out of its way to perform good works-year round.
Members actually spend their vacations ministering to the poor, handing out clothing, food, toys, etc.,and generally “acting like Christians”.
They have relatively enormous attendance at their services-which are held in rented premises.
Which is “more Christian” ??
“The above statement caught my eye. He is, of course, absolutely right.”
I’m not saying this just to be contrary, but because it is very important to me: I couldn’t disagree more strongly.
If I wanted glad-handing, applause, banjos, tambourines, and the rest of that protestant crapola, I’d go be a protestant.
One of the most wonderful things about the Church is her dignity, and the dignity she accords the faithful.
People should keep their hands to themselves.
He’s right but take it further: God genetically coded us to seek Him and need Him. I am convinced that the Sacraments, those outward signs, are given to us for our souls- but also to nourish us viscerally.
Humans do better with a glass of wine a day. It’s no fluke Christ came at a time when wine was very important to humans and used it in the Mass. Humans find frank “confessing” to be healing. Humans need authority, and signs, and symbols, and community, and ritual to be mentally healthy and happy. Humans need God on many levels. We are each programmed to search for Him; to recognize Him when we find Him; and to thrive when we live with Him.
That’s why people who don’t search for Him, recognize Him, or live with Him are so unhappy. We are coded to need Him, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.