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Netherwood Park church of Christ
-- Carman's Corner |
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| VOL. 32 |
July 2, 2000 |
NO. 25 |
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RESPONSIVE READING IN WORSHIP |
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"After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea."
Colossians 4:16
RESPONSIVE READING
An article passed across my desk recently objecting to the reading of Scripture in unison or as a group. It was implied that since the Bible does not specifically authorize such a practice that it was sinful to do so.
BIBLE READING
Is it wrong to read Scripture? Of course not! In fact, reading the Bible will cause one to be blessed. "Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy,"
Revelations 1:2.
CONGREGATIONAL READING
In the book of Nehemiah we read of an occasion when reading of the Bible was done for hours at a time by Ezra and a host of other religious leaders. Was there any responsive reading? I don't really know, but the text says the people listened attentively, lifted up their hands, and said a hearty "Amen". Nehemiah 8:1-8.
HOW ABOUT SINGING?
It is amazing how critics pick their areas to be absolutely certain as to what is right and wrong. Those who say we cannot read in unison have no problem whatsoever singing in four part harmony. The truth is, the Scripture does NOT AUTHORIZE four part harmony by direct command. Those singing in harmony would be quick to point out that singing in unison or antiphonally or in harmony all fulfil the biblical commandment to sing. God does not care "how" we carry out the command so long as we sing.
The same is true of reading. God does not care if one person reads or if the entire congregation reads together in unison. As long as the words can be understood, then we have done a good thing. When Peter and John were released from prison,
Acts 4:23-26, the entire congregation "raised their voices together in prayer to God", and they quoted from Psalm 2:1-2! We can read Scripture in unison. The authority to do so is implied by the command to read!
-- George Carman
