WITH REVERENCE AND AWE

Today I read D.G. Hart and John R. Meuther's 2002 book With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. It is very good. Hart and Muether do a fine job of developing an historical-theological account and defense of Reformed worship in contrast to contemporary trends within the tradition.

Several things about it were particularly helpful to me: (1) the emphasis on maintaining a proper distinction between the world and the church, (2) the correlation demonstrated between the quality of our Sabbath observance and the quality of our worship, (3) the correlation demonstrated between our confession and our liturgy, (4) the explanation of the dialogical nature of covenantal worship, (5) the emphasis on the ordinary means of grace, and (6) the explanation of the categories of element, form, and circumstance in worship.

This quote from Calvin was particularly striking (from his work entitled The Necessity of Reforming the Church):

I know how difficult it is to persuade the world that God disapproves of all modes of worship not expressly sanctioned by his Holy Word. The opposite persuasion which cleaves to them, being seated, as it were in their very bones and marrow, is, that whatever they do has in itself a sufficient sanction, provided it exhibits some kind of zeal for the honour of God. But since God not only regards as fruitless, but also plainly abominates, whatever we undertake from zeal to his worship, if at variance with his command, what do we gain by a contrary course? The words of God are clear and distinct: "Obedience is better than sacrifice." "In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (1 Sam, 15:22; Matt. 15:9). Every addition to his word, especially in this matter, is a lie. Mere "will worship" (Col. 2:23) . . . is vanity. This is the decision, and when once the judge has decided, it is no longer time to debate (81).

Also, on the correlation between Sabbath observance and worship Hart and Muether write:

When American Protestants changed their observance of the Lord's Day, they also developed a peculiar form of spirituality, a particular understanding of how spiritual growth should take place. This form of piety is connected to the cultural context of religious disestablishment. Since the War for independence, American churches have found themselves in a religious free market where the most successful competitors are those that offer the most attractive product to religious customers. Without financial support from the state, churches have been forced to adopt market strategies to grow and develop.

How do religious freedom and the disestablishment of churches shape Christian piety? The answer can be found in much of the corporate life of contemporary evangelical churches, which consists of highly programmed activities conducted throughout the week for all ages and interest groups. Without such activities potential members may look for another church with the right mix of programs for mom, the kids, teens, and dad, as well as singles and seniors. With a "seven-days-a-week" church, Sunday worship can be reduced to just one more program, no better and no worse than other church activities" (64).