Eternal Approach

I was looking at a book published by a local church that my wife and I visited recently. The book explained the doctrines held by that local body. What struck me was how the book used the term “sacraments”.

In another search, I found a book that discussed how people are increasingly “drawn” to the Anglican Liturgy (which is the formal style and rituals of that denomination – with its many “sacraments”).

Much of this rising interest in the traditional, liturgical churches stems from a desire many have to return to the outward feelings experienced in these church environments. Experiences that include worship services with candles, a beautiful sanctuary, quieter music, stained glass windows, clergy in robes, no drum and electric guitar setup on stage, and the use of old hymnals instead of jumbotrons.

This old style of things is something I’m very familiar with. Having grown up in a traditional Methodist church with a much quieter and more formal style.

Which, by the way, has its appeal. And, IF the UMC had actually preached the gospel and stood on the fundamentals of the faith, I’d still be there.

What is disturbing about all this is how Evangelicalism has jettisoned most of the Traditional stuff in favor of the “Contemporary”. Even as so many other religious groups are going back to the traditional rituals and the “contemplative” religious atmosphere.