Worship (J): From Middles Ages to Modern Times

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.3rd century – church buildings (converted houses)4th centuryInflux of O.T. culture (priesthood, church/state, and more)Influx of paganism (holidays, images...)BasilicasRole of Imperial support5th centuryRelicsCult of saintsMaryThe stern ChristHigh Middle AgesSerious ecclesiastical abuses (crusades, Inquisition, etc)Congregations pay little attention during servicesYet it was also an age of saints!Reformation – Center moves from Eucharist to sermonRestoration Movement – even less ceremonyModern timesSeeker-friendly services"Satisfying“ worship – yet satisfying us or God?Modern worship scenariosHouse churchesPark services (trees)Renting spacesRenting synagoguesRenting churchesChurches with buildingsUnderground churchesOh, Worship the King!.Oh, worship the King, all glorious above.And gratefully sing his power and his love;Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,Pavilioned in splendor and girded with praise..Oh, tell of his might; oh, sing of his grace,Whose robe is the light, whose canopy space;His chariots of wrath the deep thunderclouds form,And dark is his path on the wings of the storm..The earth with its store of wonders untold,Almighty, Thy power has founded of old,Established it fast by a changeless decree,And round it has cast, like a mantle, the sea..Thy bountiful care what tongue can recite?It breathes in the air, it shines in the light,It streams from the hills, it descends to the plainAnd sweetly distills in the dew and the rain..O measureless Might, ineffable Love,While angels delight to hymn Thee above.The humbler creation, though feeble there lays,With true adoration shall sing to Thy praise..Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,In Thee do we trust, nor find Thee to fail;Thy mercies, how tender, how firm to the end,Our maker, defender, redeemer, and friend!