There were no snakes or bears at the cabin, but it did rain much of the day on Saturday, keeping us inside. The beach club's outdoor wiener roast was held inside. Not much got done around the cabin. So, I came home a bit introspective.
Here's what I was mulling over on the drive home.
During one of the most solemn days of the year, and you know that isn't Christmas, a Protestant parish I know of has a huge turn out. Practically everyone in town shows up -- standing room only. One of those "get there early to get a good seat" occasions.
What is it that brings everyone in? Christ's passion?
The pastor of this parish is locally known for his Friday evening large mural painting event, performed live before the congregation. The theme of the painting is always related to Holy Week somehow, as a form of ministry.
What do you think of this type of thing?
A. Great, it brings in people who wouldn't otherwise be there.
B. Interesting and enjoyable. Nice to see someone share their God-given talent.
C. This is something better done at a separate function in the church hall or basement, not during a service.
D. Inappropriate. He's upstaging the Lord.
E. All of the above.
F. None of the above.
Discuss amongst yourselves.
2 comments:
I'd say at least AB&C (I don't know about D as I haven't seen his presentation so don't know his attitude). I think there's a very important fact, its protestant (and probably not mainstream prot.) so there's no sacramental activity going on. I would place it in the same catagory as a production of "Godspell" or "Jesus Christ Superstar", for the audience its entertainment (maybe it gets 1 or 2 to start thinking about spirituality), for the presenters it's an expression of their spirituality (at whatever their existing spirituality is), for God it's an opportunity to tweak some consciousnesses, but in he big scheme not as effective as a Lenten Mass or Stations or... At least they're going Something!
AA:
It is a very mainstream Protestant congregation. I know there's no sacrament, but some folks are just showing up to see him paint, which diminishes the whole reason for being there. But, then there's the thought that if you can get the people's backsides in the seats, then maybe you can reach them. As a Catholic, the social aspect and focus of it are a bit off-putting.
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