Tag Archives: Normative Principle

The conservatism of the normative principle

The conservatism of the normative principle

At this year’s Conference on Conservative Christianity (which concluded Tuesday), Steve Thomas of Huron Baptist Church made a point in one of his sessions that I found remarkably insightful. Most of those attending the conference would either embrace the regulative principle of worship outright, or would advocate something very much like the regulative principle. The… Continue Reading

The Liberating Regulative Principle of Worship

The Liberating Regulative Principle of Worship

Uncertainty reigns today in churches over whether or not certain service elements are really helpful for congregational worship. What is acceptable? Sacred dance? Liturgical painting? Puppet shows? Drama? Some godly Christians, attempting to enhance their worship, believe they have freedom to anything to their worship that they think good. Other godly Christians are then constrained… Continue Reading

Worship That Is Acceptable To God

Worship That Is Acceptable To God

One of the most widely debated issues in churches today revolves around the subject of worship. What does worship that is acceptable to God look like? What is the substance of acceptable worship? What elements are included in acceptable worship? Can we use drama in worship? What about elaborate ceremonies and rituals? What kinds of… Continue Reading