What is a non-denominational service like?

[Peter_J]

Btw, other than myself nobody seems to say “non-denominational religions” anymore. I wonder why that is.

 

[Lenten_ashes]

Some would use that word because they feel it is foreign to their traditional ways of worship. I come from a tradition where the praise and worship format is normative, but in earlier decades (such as the 1960s), adoption of contemporary worship was often seen as the “malevolent” influence of Pentecostalism and the charismatic influence.

When I was researching my master’s thesis, I found an obscure book written by a Baptist preacher in the 1960s that basically asserted that Pentecostalism was taking over the other denominations through contemporary worship music, and that, of course, the spirit behind the music was demonic in origin rather than godly.

It definitely is the norm for a wide variety of evangelicals. I often feel out of place in a church that practices more traditional worship practices.

Ive been hearing the same for many years about tongues as a heavenly language. The more rigid fundamentalists sometimes claim if it isn’t a actual discernible language then it is demonic in origin and to be avoided.

Now i see the same sort of backlash against the Charismatic Renewal of the Catholic church.

I hope i never get so set in my ways that I’m unable to see the beauty of other expressions of the faith.

 

[Padres1969]

Btw, other than myself nobody seems to say “non-denominational religions” anymore. I wonder why that is.

Not sure why anyone would have used the term “non-denominational religions” anyway. They’re all generally speaking Christian churches. Not different religions. Granted each is in effect a denomination unto itself.

 

[Peter_J]

Not sure why anyone would have used the term “non-denominational religions” anyway. They’re all generally speaking Christian churches. Not different religions.

Interesting thought … Perhaps in time people will likewise say that we Catholics aren’t a “different religion” either.

 

[Padres1969]

Interesting thought … Perhaps in time people will likewise say that we Catholics aren’t a “different religion” either.

In my experience they don’t.

At least most of the time. The one time I have seen it become problematic is when Catholics are referred to as a “denomination” and they object to it. Since denomination is one of the typical ways to describe the different groups that make up the overall Christian religion.

 

[jimkhong]

You beat me to it. The most recent non-denom I visited followed that exact format above but had no roots in Pentecostalism. In fact the church had until a few years ago been a Baptist church before they became non-denominational. In fact having praise elements including contemporary music appears the norm in non-denoms in my experience, not the exception. Having no relation to what tradition the pastor or church may have come from originally be it Pentecostal/Charismatic or not.

I see that as a very positive development in Christianity. Charismatic worship have ‘infiltrated’ (haha, I still get a kick out of using the word) into Catholic worship in the 70s and I see of late many Protestant churches far from the Catholic tradition deploying very liturgical practices. It is the cross-fertilisation of ideas which can only uncover more modes of worship in which more people can find comfort.

As long as those who are comfortable with ‘un-inflitrated’ un-alloyed modes of worship also have the right to their worship without feeling they are lesser in communion as a result. I would really be happy if a Catholic Church with several Sunday masses can have one mass charismatic and another folk, and another Tridentine, etc etc. and they can still come together for a common mass on feastdays without rancour.

I hope nobody tells me ‘dream on’.