Why Many Worship Options Are Important

Last night I went to a free concert in my community that featured a Baptist choir. I have always loved hearing gospel music. The church I go to does not engage in the same music style but when I was a little kid and would go to parades downtown that had gospel choirs, those were my favorite floats.

I invited a few friends who did not want to attend. I invited my family members but they didn't want to attend. I felt comfortable going alone so I did. In some ways, it was nice to just absorb and reflect. In my religion and other religions, there have been times when accusations have been made (and sometimes confirmed) that somebody was silenced. This is a sad situation that I do NOT condone.

However, this is done because of bad decisions INDIVIDUALS make. It's not a policy contained in the doctrine of Jesus Christ. I don't choose to be Christian because of sidebars and personal politics. I choose to be Christian specifically because of the doctrine of Jesus Christ. This doctrine, in spite of what some may say or do, includes basing actions on LOVE and TOLERANCE and KINDNESS. Other religions embrace these virtues as well.

I feel like being Christian means we should prioritize these attributes. I fall short but I try to. Silencing church members or manipulating them isn't following Jesus Christ. In my religion, there is an implied conduct that is more on the quiet side for worship and I'm used to it. As I watched these Baptist singers though, I deeply appreciated another way. If ever a religion seems to NOT silence the members, this would be it. They cry out and that's embraced. They look up, raise their hands to the heavens, chorus up sermons and songs with "Amens" and "Praise the Lords". Their voices are welcomed, appreciated, and joined. Nobody is hushing them or shaming them or invalidating their feelings. I could see how beautiful this is! I could feel a power in it and I loved that! However, I also thought about myself trying to worship this way and it would be disengenuine simply because it's not my style. I wouldn't feel comfortable calling out or raising my arms above my head. If these were required to show devotion, I would fail because I'm more of a practice-spirituality-in-private kind of a person that goes to great lengths NOT to draw attention to myself. I want other people, who do find this form of worship to be natural, to have a right to worship this way. I enjoy experiencing it. I just don't think it's perfect for everybody. I don't believe my form of worship is perfect for everybody. Some need to share, call out "Amen!", and maybe even need to be standing up dancing to some music and I want their rights protected. Some people find their peace, balance, and reset out in nature.

I want to support variety and individual choice and appreciate how different options can provide the most benefit for seekers of truth and wisdom. I want to condemn silencing truth both in and out of religion. That's just manipulation and it's ugly. I've been to a variety of churches over the years and I hope to gain more experiences over time.