Journals

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It is an obvious fact that liturgy is at the Cross-roads. How should is adapt? 'Reformed worship’ is considered but a striving to recover Christian worship should be the aim. The temptation to please must be resisted. If common language is used in common worship people may be deprived of exalted worship. The church’s first task is to face God in adoration, before it can serve humanity. Worship in the Reformed Church concentrates on words but actions should be encouraged e.g. standing for the Words of Institution at Communion. It could also involve silence, kneeling, and processions amongst other things.

Ecumenical consideration of the practice of others should be given before any major changes to public worship are made. After the reformation Scotland did not know worship as was desired by Calvin. Puritan influences and the post-Calvinist theology of the Westminster Confession led to ‘wordy’ worship with extemporary prayer. A second reformation of worship came about in the second half of the nineteenth century. The author states people today need reminded of the Christocentricity of worship and points people to the important book by J.J. von Allmen entitled ‘Worship, its Theology and Practice’. Three of von Allmen’s points are highlighted. 1) In worship the church recapitulates the history of salvation and sets forth the perfect life of worship which is seen in Jesus Christ. 2) Worship is the Epiphany of the Church. 3) The Church in her worship foreshadows the Judgement and the renewal of the World. The importance of weekly Eucharist, as was the tradition in the church for the first five centuries, is emphasised. Confession of sin has too large a place in Reformed Church services. More lay participation in worship should be introduced.

This was a centenary tribute to Robert Lee( 1804-1868) former minister of Old Greyfriars. In his day he was accused of ‘innovations’. The lecture outlines his views and the changes he brought about and how these views have continued to influence changes in understanding and practice relating to music and instrumental accompaniment, thoughtfully chosen words for prayers, posture and church interiors.