The Worship History in Christianity - Essay Example

Task: Introduction Worship in the world exists in a number of forms. These are the Muslim worship, the pagan worship, and the Christianity worship. This essay shall discuss the Christianity form of worship. Worship in Christianity refers to, humble response based upon God’s work and archived through His activities. Worship is expressed in words, actions, or signs, through immense and compliant adoration for God. Worship involves prayer, testimonials, singing and dance, as well as preaching the Holy Scriptures (Webber, 100). In Christianity, the worship history started from the creation story. After five days of creation work, God created man. Later God allowed man to dominate over the rest of His creations. This meant that, man could use the rest of the creation in the satisfaction of his needs. Consequently, man had to show gratitude for such a provision. The discovery of a superior being, regarded as the originator of all the creation, resulted to its worship (Schultze 74). The book of exodus in the Old Testament reveals God’s love to his people. God rescued the Israelites from the oppression they were undergoing in Egypt. He further offered protection to them throughout their journey to Canaan. They therefore, conducted worship as a means of appreciation. The above incidents reveal his caring nature. This history creates the foundation of the today’s church worship. Christians, therefore, understand God’s nature in a more appropriate manner than pagans do. Webbers view about worship Webber says that, worship enables people to understand God’s salvation (Webber 103). He argues that, during worship, believers perform functions in the declaration of their acknowledgment for God’s salvation. Additionally, worship facilitates the recognition of the position of the church, its collective appreciation, as well as its significance. He also argues that, worship lets believers to meet their God (Webber 102). He says that, when people recite the Holy Scriptures and preach about them, they receive the God’s power. Webber argues that, worship motivates people to achieve a certain goal. He articulates that it gives hope for a good future to believers despite the life challenges (Webber 102). He utilizes the example of the exodus story in the Old Testament alongside the passion and the resurrection, along with the return of Jesus Christ. Webber further articulates that Eucharist celebrations stand a vital position in church worship (Webber 110). He argues that, it renews the affiliation between man and God and it brings about transformation. Camp’s views about worship Camp argues that, worship shows loyalty and acceptance to their mighty creator, who deserves praise and has bestowed authority over their life (Camp 130). He argues that, church worship, enables believers to portray a behavior that replicates the nature and image of God. Cap says that, worship builds up and reshapes believers thus making them different from non-believers (Camp 141). In addition, Camp views worship as a way of restoring peace in the world. He gives an example of how peace shall prevail after the overturning of the present world. He concludes that, those who engage in true worship shall enjoy eternal peace. Camp argues further that, through worship, people adore and glorify God. He says that, this God loves everybody including that difficulty to love (Camp 145). He too articulates that during worship, believers glorify God who brings salvation unto them. Webbers’s view about the function of worship, Cleary shows that, believers believe in the existence of an almighty being. They believe that he dominates human beings, as well as other creatures. Human beings, therefore, have a duty to acknowledge its role, which results into their engagement in worship activities. However, Webbers arguments ignore the aspect that, church worship does not entirely represent human being’s acknowledgement for God’s salvation. Moreover, Cap’s argument clearly indicates that people’s practices of worship depict a total submission and dedication to their creator. However, in church worship, the entire behavior of the believers rarely, portrays the God’s image. Concisely, I thus agree with both arguments. The reason behind this is because without the acknowledgement of a superior being, church worship would be meaningless. In addition, the allegiance accorded to that superior being, enhances loyalty by the believers. Therefore, worship serves the purpose of bringing a united system of believes that are necessary for a moral conduct. Role of worship in churches Worship enables believers to show their gratitude to God for His deeds to them (Webber 112). Believers communicates this gratitude though sacrifices and offerings. Worship also acts as a way of discovering the liaison existing amid the Supreme Being and human beings. Therefore, human beings maintain that relationship in an endeavor avoid the consequence arising upon the breakdown of the relationship. In addition, worship is crucial in bringing renewal to human beings (Camp 140). When human beings go wrong they present sacrifices in order to pacify God. They also pray and repent for forgiveness. This serves to enrich them and revamp their relationship with God. Additionally, human beings also communicate to their God through worship. They conduct prayers and offerings in order to address their message to God. Worship in Christian churches serves to strength their faith. In addition, worship is a sign of communion. This arises from the fact that it builds and maintains strong relations (WannenWetsch 247). The unified belief system forms a compact community. These vital relationships represent the eternal community formed at the heaven. Consequently, Christians leads a peaceful and humble life in order to affirm these relationships. Lastly, church worship among Christian reflects the eternal life that they hope to lead in paradise. Means of worship in churches Worship in the church is conducted though two main forms. Foremost, there is narrating. The believers recite the Holy Scriptures through prayers or preaching. They also read the scriptures to clearly understand God’s kingdom. The clear understanding of God’s kingdom enables believers to discover God’s salvation thus engaging in his worship (Camp 144). The other form of worship is about performance. This entails the Arts such as musical instruments, architectural designs, sculptures, and narratives. Therefore, believers compose songs, which reveal God’s nature and discloses the close relationship between them. They also organize festivals and feasts. These functions enable believers to remember their obligations. They also remind themselves about God’s preparation of saving humanity. They also show their appreciation for God’s caring nature (Webber 102). Therefore, they worship him for purposes of extending the same caring to them. The additional means involves praying, preaching, Eucharist celebrations, offerings, and sacrifices. Implications of worship on daily life Webber argues that, worship activities entail the services offered by believers to their God as a gratitude for his blessings and protection. This serves to cement their association with God thus, their hope for a continued God’s protection. For instance, the sacraments, builds and sustains vital relationships. The followers believe that these sacraments symbolize the eternal feast that they will share in heaven (Borchert 50). Acts of worship such as proclamation implies togetherness where people witness the God’s established kingdom. Since believer’s good deeds describe their worship for God, their blessings to them reveals internal relationships. This means that when people dedicate their deeds to praising God, they end into adoring him. In addition, giving voluntary services to God reveals God’s worship. The respect for God’s authority and greatness is indicative of the right worship. Therefore, worship places God at the highest position and humanity at a lower position. Therefore, worship is a form of adoration and revelation of God’s greatness over His creation. The use of arts in worship sends a message about our actions. It also presents our needs to God. For instance, dancing in church shows our happiness and reveals God’s presence in the worship. Conclusion Church worship plays a vital role in human being’s life. The implications indicate that the communion in worship transforms man and strengthens his faith. The rewards of eternal life found in worship, motivates man to put emphasis on the evangelical work. Therefore, worship provides hope to the believers despite the challenges met in the world. The sacraments, liturgical dances and the communion are important elements in worship. They bring about spiritual growth to believers who perform a true worship. Work cited Borchert, Gerald. Worship in the New Testament: divine mystery and human response. Danvers, MA: Chalice press, 2008. Print. Camp, Lee. Mere Discipleship: radical Christianity in a rebellious world. Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press, 2008. Print. Schultze, Quentin. High-Tech worship? Using presentational technologies wisely. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2004. Print. WannenWetsch, Bernd and Kohl, Margaret. Political worship: ethics for Christian citizens. Oxford, OX: Oxford University press, 2004. Print. Webber, Robert. The divine embrace: recovering the passionate spiritual life. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2006. Print. 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