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Unlock This CourseWorship is the way Christians show love, thanks and respect to God. Christians worship in many different ways. The biggest difference is whether the service follows a fixed pattern or not.
Key terms:
Catholic, Orthodox and many Anglican (Church of England) services are liturgical. In a Catholic Mass or an Orthodox Divine Liturgy, the words, readings, prayers and actions follow a set pattern that is much the same all over the world. The congregation joins in with fixed responses and often says a creed together. Anglican churches use books of set services, such as the Book of Common Prayer or Common Worship. Priests may wear special robes, and there may be incense, candles, bells and music. These set actions and objects make up the ritual.
The same words are used by Christians in many places and in many centuries, which links the congregation to the whole Church. Because the order is fixed, Christians can follow it even if they are new or are visiting another church. It is dignified and gives a sense of the holiness of God. A set service also makes sure that Bible readings and set prayers are always included, and in the Mass and Divine Liturgy, Holy Communion too.
A priest leads. The congregation stands, sits or kneels at set points. They say or sing set responses. The Bible readings are chosen for each Sunday of the Church year, so they follow a cycle and are not picked by the leader. The sermon is part of the service but is not the main focus.
Baptist, Pentecostal and many other Free Church services are non-liturgical. There is usually a rough plan, but no fixed words. A typical service has hymns or songs, a Bible reading, extempore prayer by the leader or by members of the congregation, and a sermon, which is often the centre of the service. Many Baptist and other Free Church Christians believe the Bible should be heard and explained, so the sermon is often the centre.
Liturgical: fixed words and order, led by clergy, with ritual. Non-liturgical: free order, extempore prayer, a sermon or open worship, led by the Holy Spirit as believers see it. Quaker worship has no set words at all.
Worship is not only a Sunday service. Many Christians also worship in small informal ways, alone or in small groups.
These activities are individual or small scale, so believers can grow in faith at their own pace and focus on their own needs. They suit non-liturgical worship but are used by Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican Christians too.
Many Christians use both forms. A Catholic may go to Mass on Sunday and say a private prayer at night. Some situations suit one form better:
It gives unity, because Christians share the same words across the world and through history. It has tradition and dignity. It stops worship depending on one leader's personality. Paul wrote that everything should be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40).
It allows freedom, so worship can be fresh and relevant to people today. It lets the Holy Spirit lead. Some Christians say fixed words can become empty habit, and point to Jesus saying that God must be worshipped in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Many Christians combine them. Some Anglican churches have lively modern services, and some Free Churches follow a set pattern each week. Quakers would argue that even sermons and hymns can get in the way of hearing God, while Catholics and Orthodox Christians would say that worship without the set ritual is missing something. Most Christians accept that both forms help people to worship.
(a) Outline two features of non-liturgical worship. [4 marks]
(b) Explain why liturgical worship is important for some Christians. [6 marks]
(c) 'Worship is better when it has no fixed order.' Discuss this statement, considering the arguments for and against. In your answer you should include reference to teachings, other points of view and your own reasoned opinion. [10 marks]
(a) Non-liturgical worship has no fixed words (1), so the leader and congregation can pray extempore, making up prayers on the spot (1). It often centres on a sermon (1), where the Bible is read and explained to the congregation (1).
(b) Liturgical worship is important to Catholics, Orthodox Christians and many Anglicans because it follows a set order (1) that has been used for centuries, so they feel linked to the whole Church through history (1). The same words are used in many countries, which shows unity (1). The ritual, robes and music give a sense of dignity and of the holiness of God (1). It makes sure that Bible readings and set prayers are always included (1), and familiar words can comfort people at times like funerals, when it is hard to find words of their own (1).
(c) Plan. For: freedom lets the Holy Spirit lead, and Jesus taught that God must be worshipped in spirit and truth (John 4:24); worship can be fresh and relevant to the people there; fixed words can become routine. Quakers wait in silence because they believe God speaks to anyone directly. Against: Paul taught that everything should be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40); the liturgy gives unity with other Christians and with the past; without a plan, worship may depend on one leader, and new people may not know what to do. Conclusion: neither is better for everyone, because it depends on what a Christian values, such as freedom or tradition; the best worship is where believers truly meet God, whatever the form.
In a 10-mark 'Discuss' question, name a group for each side (for example Catholics for liturgy and Quakers or Pentecostals for free worship) and finish with your own reasoned opinion.