Worship music
I respectfully disagree with Richard Berry’s comparison of the ungodly behavior of the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai with contemporary worship (Feb. 1). The chosen people fell away in an orgy of corruption that displeased God, but it is unfair to equate that revelry with the worship of almighty God that happens in Baptist churches across Texas every week.
My church expresses worship with both traditional and contemporary styles, and they enable us to voice our devotion to God in meaningful ways. This past Sunday, the texts of the contemporary songs we sang included, “Today is the day you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it,” “Worthy is the Lamb, worthy of our praise, worthy is the One Who has overcome the grave,” “Praise Adonai from the rising of the sun to the end of every day” and “Amazing love, how can it be that You, my King, would die for me?” Looks like pretty sound, biblically based theology.
The Bible says God delights in the praises of his people in different ways—some from centuries back and others written recently. Having led worship for more than 30 years, I thank God that young and not-so-young people are in our churches, expressing heartfelt devotion to God with many authentic styles! There is no golden calf—just a merciful, awesome God to whom I delight in giving my praises.
Jim Cleaveland
El Paso
Church’s voice
The church without voice has limited power. Many church members fear for their rights to worship, to have freedom of speech and to be free. It is like the government has put the church in a box, sealed it and has stored it away out of sight. As long as the church keeps to itself, the government won’t do anything to it. Can our rights survive without the church standing up for what is right?
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During colonial times, the church was not quiet. Christians understood that without the church standing up for what is right, America would lose its freedom and people would lose their rights. Unlike the Pilgrims, we have allowed the government to hide us away, and many Christians are oblivious to what is happening! Without the church standing up and protecting our rights, the government will steal them from us. I believe this is one of the reasons why separation of church and state was so important to the colonists.
The church gaining back its rights will definitely not happen on its own. We need patriots who understand what the government is doing and who will fight for their rights. We need pastors, willing to step out of the box and preach vigorously about these issues. We need the people of the United States of America to stand up and take action.
Lilly Cool
Tyler
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