UPC church distributes prayer altars: Good idea or future garage sale piece?

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

What? I wouldn't dedicate it as a place of prayer only, just for the memories, for my daughter to know that Prayer begins in the home, and that prayer and time needs to be dedicated not inanimate stuff. You pray at home right? Do you use the room or the closet you pray in for anything else?

Oh I know, Carp...it's just the way you said it and with a big grin. I thought it deserving of a whack on the head...

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Barb

Oh I know, Carp...it's just the way you said it and with a big grin. I thought it deserving of a whack on the head...

I for one CAN take a whack on the head...from some folks at least.

[Encryptus]

Originally Posted by Daniel Alicea

I think you've based my fixation on the events of the last week ... this is unrelated.

Rosary beads are used by many groups and denominations, including Muslims ... I am sorry if you've equated that to a slam ...

You made a general statement ... and I simply "nit-picked" as to it's validity by giving examples to the extreme.

The sensitivities are a very high ... I'm gonna walk.

Perhaps the thought of Apostolic crucifixes would be less offense.

Maybe someone could put Acts 2:38 on the back.

Then people would be thinking correctly instead of Hail Marys and the such...

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Encryptus

Perhaps the thought of Apostolic crucifixes would be less offense.

Maybe someone could put Acts 2:38 on the back.

Then people would be thinking correctly instead of Hail Marys and the such...

Uh-oh, this sounds dangerously close to putting the apostolic movement on a collision course with the religious postmodern revival.

[Encryptus]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

Uh-oh, this sounds dangerously close to putting the apostolic movement on a collision course with the religious postmodern revival.

Not sure what you mean by the term, is that anything like hiding behind slogans, and themes instead of learning theology?

If so, then that would often seem to be the case.

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Encryptus

[/B]


Not sure what you mean by the term, is that anything like hiding behind slogans, and themes instead of learning theology?

If so, then that would often seem to be the case.

Yes and no, it is the introduction and implementation of symbolism (i.e. candles, icons...) into personal worship, reflection and repose, and not necessarily the abandonment of theology.

I heard of one church that put together a "reflection" course in which it had certain milestones set up where folks could re-visit experiences with God throughout their life. As they prayed and literally crawled through the darkened course stopping at those milestones, good and bad, they came out the other side with an incredibly powerful spiritual experience. I can picture that.

Some of it sounds pretty awesome, and if the Apostolic church ever DID embrace SOME of the elements it could be powerful beyond measure. The bad thing is that it could lead further into all sundry weirdness.

[RandyWayne]

Whenever I think of personal "church pews" or "prayer altars" in the home a number of images come to mind. Images of Steve Martin kneeling before a photo of his mama surrounded by lit candles ("Ooohhhhh Mama!") or "Carrie" being locked in the closet by her overbearing catholic mother. There is just something a little creepy about it.

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

Whenever I think of personal "church pews" or "prayer altars" in the home a number of images come to mind. Images of Steve Martin kneeling before a photo of his mama surrounded by lit candles ("Ooohhhhh Mama!") or "Carrie" being locked in the closet by her overbearing catholic mother. There is just something a little creepy about it.

That is why I said I would also use my little pew to sit on and tie my shoes.

I agree with you, however I believe our children are at a deficit in being taught that everything Jesus needs to start in the home. I am not putting something so important as the spiritual health of my kids into the hands of the institution. no way. Being disappointed with the institution should not equate with being disappointed with God, and unfortunately this is the case in many situations.

Originally Posted by Carpenter

Being disappointed with the institution should not equate with being disappointed with God, and unfortunately this is the case in many situations.

How true it is.

[James Griffin]

Originally Posted by Carpenter

Yes and no, it is the introduction and implementation of symbolism (i.e. candles, icons...) into personal worship, reflection and repose, and not necessarily the abandonment of theology.

I heard of one church that put together a "reflection" course in which it had certain milestones set up where folks could re-visit experiences with God throughout their life. As they prayed and literally crawled through the darkened course stopping at those milestones, good and bad, they came out the other side with an incredibly powerful spiritual experience. I can picture that.

Some of it sounds pretty awesome, and if the Apostolic church ever DID embrace SOME of the elements it could be powerful beyond measure. The bad thing is that it could lead further into all sundry weirdness.

Apostolics often seem to make idols of their slogans, (and turn verses into slogans as well) so I guess incorporating tangible icons would be a short step for some.

Personally, most could use more structure. The closest thing to a ritual Jesus instituted was communion, a sacrament which Apostolics seem to observe least of all.

On the other hand, Apostolics have their own rituals, some of which they do not even recognize as such.