Muslim Prayer at National Cathedral?

A few days ago a special Muslim prayer event (invitation only) was held at the so-called National Cathedral in Washington D.C.  This service was condemned by Franklin Graham and a host of other leading Christian personalities.  During the service, there was even a dramatic protest by a lady who has a humble ministry to Muslims, and who is concerned deeply about the "Islamisation" of America.  Read the details of her story here:

The Woman who Spoke up at Muslim National Cathedral

Organizers of the event say the special Muslim prayer event was to promote ecumenical dialogue between Muslims and Christians.  I'm sure soon there will be a special Christian worship service at a grand mosque down the street from the so-called National Cathedral.

I'd be irresponsible if I didn't point out two things:

First, there is no National Cathedral in the sense you probably think.  I fear people are assuming that the National Cathedral is somehow the "official church representing all Christians in this officially Christian (and no other religion) nation." Wrong. The building in question is actually not a church.  It is, in fact, a hyper-eccumenical "spiritual center" that is open to all faiths, perspectives, and etc. ad infinitum.  It only LOOKS LIKE a church (of the most oppressive kind).  

Second, there is a Christian congregation that meets there called "Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington."  They also run the place and offer Christian-like spiritual services. This congregation is of the Anglican (Church of England) kind.  For you church history buffs, the Anglicans are the ones that many of our spiritual forefathers were attempting to escape.  The church of England crowd now goes by the name of Episcopalian. It is well-known that Episcopalian tradition has long ago embraced certain theological ambiguities that could easily accept the truth claims of Islam (ignoring the lack of ambiguity therein).

From these two points I hope you see that no one should be surprised or outraged that a Muslim prayer event was held at the so-called National Cathedral.  Remember also that we do not have any national or state religion that is established by any government.  Further, I hope we all believe in equal protection under the law for all people, regardless of their religious affiliation.

Finally, outrage is no substitute for repentance.

Another reason to stick to the basics

I missed this article earlier in the year, but I did read the how-to guide.  Are you comfortable with this sort of "method" in your church services?  Is this different than what is used at the mass crusades when the counselors come forward first when the alter call is given?

RNS Article about not-so spontaneous "Spontaneous Baptisms"

Is your worship a mirror of heaven?

We looked into Revelation 5 this past week.  One of the striking things is the way in which the worship in heaven of the Lamb and the One who sits on the throne is mirrored on earth. "And every created thing which is in the heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and in the sea, and all things that are in them heard I saying, Unto him that sitteth on the throne, and unto the Lamb, be the blessing, and the honor, and the glory, and the dominion, for ever and ever." (v.13)  This is right after a similar declaration in heaven by others in verses 11-12.  I believe we can have heavenly worship right where we live today.  In our homes, wherever we are, and in our churches.  This worship can mirror what heaven must be like. We can be on guard that we go "in order to" worship (verb) and never just "to observe" worship (noun).  When worship is only a noun we degenerate into spectators who expect entertainment.  Remember, God is the observer in our worship (verb).  Too often we unconsciously expect to observe others' efforts at spiritual entertainment.  We can do this at the movies or concerts, but not in a Christian worship service.  There we are, in community, "on the spot" before the Lord as it were.  And remember (please) worship is not a means to an end, it IS the end.

What happens in a great worship service 

in 2011?

• There is some keyboard based band, with live instruments
• There is a real loud organ
• There are music leaders, singers
• There are visual enticements and helps
• There is recitation of belief and focus
• There is strong congregational singing, reading, participation, praying, testimony
• There is a lot of prayer
• There is lots of Scripture, treated reverently
• There is a strong message, meaningful, intelligent and challenging
• There is a call to response and action and commitment

In summary, there is worship…

KFC: The Best of Sunday

The new KFC commercial jumped out at me during the games.  It goes something like this: They saved the best for Sundays: the best games, the best sleeping late, the best shopping, the best food.  So, KFC fits in perfectly for your Sunday menu.

So, aside from being a transparent attempt to cash in on Chic-Fil-A being closed on Sundays, the commercial has a glaring omission: The best Christian worship!Or, the Best Family time in Church! Or, the most spiritual day for Christians!  Or anything like that could have been included and been true for a vast number of practicing Christians (who are also steroid chicken munchers watching the NCAA Men's B-Ball Tourney).

I noticed that there were no scenes depicting anyone entering or exiting a church building of any type. At least they could have shown a family happily exiting, shaking off their captivity, and diving full speed for KFC! (Believe me, I have experience seeing this type of thing.)

The really odd thing is the punchline in the ad: TGIS- as in, you got it, thank God it's Sunday!  So, after leaving God out of Sunday, we all just thank God for it?

As I said today during the message, worship is something for which we were built.  I think we are longing to worship in spirit and truth from some place deep within.  It is just sad that this natural impulse hasn't translated very much into what people experience in church.  Again the classic clash between religion and spirituality.  Or is it just laziness?  *sigh*

Another consideration for advertisers might be what is the best of Friday- would a Muslim be ill if Friday prayers were not mentioned?  Or how about the best of Saturday- does this sort of leave out the Jewish Sabbath? I mean, if you're gonna leave something out...

I guess Sundays are nice, and some of the "best" is saved for Sunday.  But I have different reasons for this sentiment than KFC (the junk food formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken).