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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Opus 2013-6: Rituals Stimulate Remembering

A good while back I was listening to Alistair Begg talking about baptism.  He mentioned how many people had already been baptized so they might not be interested.  This got be to thinking about weddings.  When we attend a wedding we are there to honor those being married ,but there is more to it than that. 

Some are looking forward in their own lives.  They hope or assume that they also will be getting married someday and exchanging vows.  For some it is mystery.  For some it is anticipation.  For some it is romantic. 

Some are looking backward.  Part of the spiritual impact of married couples attending a wedding is to identify with the couple on the platform and renew our vows, at least in our hearts.  We took the step years ago.  We swore similar oaths years before and being in such a service can bring the covenant back to life. 

Many events we participate in have the value of pointing us back to decisions we have made, remind us of our commitments and strengthen previous bonds.  How we allow ourselves to be drawn in and allow our hearts to reach out will determine whether these rituals are empty or of great value.

Look to the year ahead.  You may attend weddings.  You may watch babies baptized or dedicated.  Bar mitzvahs.  Confirmations.  Swearing in ceremonies.  Graduations.  You may be involved in milestones of other people’s lives.  They want to share them with you.  Allow them to remind you of the red letter days in your life. 

May this be a happier and more productive year for you.

homo unius libri

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Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.