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1='''This is an original essay'''
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It is my belief that worship will always be based primarily on one of two things, either reverence or emotion. From what I see, Traditional worship is primarily reverence-based, while contemporary is more feelings/emotion-based.
It is my belief that worship will always be based primarily on one of two things, either reverence or emotion. From what I see, Traditional worship is primarily reverence-based, while contemporary is more feelings/emotion-based.
==Reverence-based worship==
==Reverence-based worship==
What I am calling reverence-based worship is that which treats God as one is is high above us, yet has stopped down to out level. It recognizes that although he is higher than us (Isaiah 55:9), he has brought himself so low as to die for us, care for us, and listen to us. In turn, we worship him with gratefulness and reverence as a humble response to Him great kindness. This will usually not be devoid of emotion, as it should not be. However, emotions are directed focused as respect and honor. While such worship is not based on the Old Testament, this is usually kept in mind to some extent because in it God shows his holiness and might. While the New Testament concept of God's condescension and closeness is prominent, it is understood from the concept that He is so much above men. This leads to a certain formality in worship which many see as dry, dead worship, or even something done by rote simply because it should be. However, wholehearted participants in this worship will entirely disagree with such an evaluation.
==Emotion-based worship==
==Emotion-based worship==
In what I am referring to as emotion-based or feelings-based worship, The Old Testament is generally considered less relevant. The idea of God's closeness, availability, and friendship are first and foremost in this kind of worship and attitude. Excitement and gratefulness are expressed in emotionally powerful music and other expression. This kind of worship is energetic and can be physically and emotionally draining, which is often seen as good. This kind of worship is seen by some traditionalists as reckless and disrespectful. However, participants in this kind of worship disagree, saying they are pouring out their feelings to God.
==Why is reverence important?==
The main difference between these styles of worship is the view of God which the people have. A pastor I spoke with at one point on the topic of contemporary worship offered his opinion that, {{cquote|They do they things because they do not know what worship is, and they do not know what worship is because they do not know who God is.}}
He did not mean that these people do not know God as their savior. Rather, he meant that they do not understand Him as a whole. They understand his closeness and friendship with us, but not his royal omnipotence and omniscience, as well as his many other great properties for which He deserves respect and honor. In Revelation, he is labeled as the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). This means he is above every earthly ruler. Imaging the following:<br />
You are invited to meet with the Queen of England. For a British person, this would be more of an honor than for someone of another nationality, but even for an American such as myself it would be an honor. After much planning and preparation, to arrive at the Queen's palace. You are allowed to enter the great gate and pass through the enormous royal building. Finally, you are brought in to the Queen, who is dressed as would be expected and is wearing her crown. As seen as you see he, you stroll up to her throne, and say, "Hey queen! How's it goin'? Cool crown by the way!"<br />
Of course this would be inappropriate! You are not in a casual atmosphere, and you would hopefully recognize this and act with respect towards her. You would act respectfully and in a dignified manner, even if she is not your queen. Now Imaging you are entering the courts of heaven, to bring praise and thanks to God, as David Speaks of in Psalm 100:4. This is not a casual environment either. Rather, it is a place of reverence and awe.
In Psalm 96 we see the following:
{{cquote|
<sup>6</sup>Splendor and majesty are before Him, Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. <sup>7</sup>Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples, Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. <sup>8</sup>Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name; Bring an offering and come into His courts. <sup>9</sup>Worship the LORD in holy attire; Tremble before Him, all the earth. <sup>10</sup>Say among the nations, “The LORD reigns; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved; He will judge the peoples with equity.” <sup>11</sup>Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and all it contains; <sup>12</sup>Let the field exult, and all that is in it. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy <sup>13</sup>Before the LORD, for He is coming,For He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness And the peoples in His faithfulness.}}
David again and again paints the picture of reverent but joyful worship in this manner. Reverence does not prohibit exuberance, but only controls it.