Sent to me recently, via Fr. Z, I think. Anyway it is a classic example of many things. First, it is really bad liturgical design in the chancel. The back walls appear to be poured concrete, the floor bare concrete, the altar a strange shaped lump of concrete with a couple of holes in it, and the ambo made out of some sort of stone (or poured concrete to look like stone), with an overgrown and distracting planting off to the left (facing the altar), a crucifix hidden in the shadows, and a banner that seems an odd contrast to its surroundings. . . Then there are the dancers and their costumes. . . 'nough said there, don't want to get into too much trouble. Finally there is the dance. Why is it that David's impromptu dance before the Lord has become the script for modern liturgical ideas when an unbroken history of reverence is quickly discarded in favor of a circus atmosphere? Oh, well. . . at least it did not happen in a Lutheran church. . . as if this were any real consolation. . .
Nope, I must admit that I have never met a liturgical dance I liked. And still counting. . .
And on top of it all they choose a SHAKER hymn with which to dance!
ReplyDelete"Liturgy" and "impromptu ought not be used in the same sentence, or the same Sanctuary...
ReplyDeleteAt least they're not dancing to a Christianized version of "She's a Brick House".
ReplyDeleteWOW ~ thanks for posting this... Instead of bringing the wonder and awe of Christ-centered worship, it made me laugh in a quezzy sort of way. And then it brought a profound sadness. The sadness is that God's TRUE gift given us in His powerful Word and blessed Sacrament isn't quite enough for many people. This whole "dance" cheapens the hold body and blood of the Lord with its trite silliness. It is a queer thing to bring into buildings that we properly call "sanctuaries", if people still use such words for "worship spaces". God help us. Hosanna! Bless you, my brother.
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