Scott Aniol
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The liturgical nature of culture
Culture flows out of and reflects the religious commitments, beliefs, and values of a people group, and it does so as it is cultivated over long spans of time.
Worldview-forming worship
It is for the purpose of understanding the formative relationship between religion and liturgy that studying the liturgical story of Christian religion is so critical.
How liturgy tells the story of the Christian faith
One of the best ways to truly understand what lies at the core of the Christian faith is by studying its worship. You see, the Christian religion is more than its theology.
The Holy Spirit's work in worship: Extraordinary experience or disciplined formation?
If the Holy Spirit actively works in worship, the results will be something extraordinary, an experience “quenched” by too much form and order. A common perception, to be sure, but how grounded in Scripture it this expectation concerning the Holy Spirit’s work in worship?
How should churches respond in a post-Christian culture?
Although the circumstances are certainly not exactly parallel, Christian worship in the West faces many of the same challenges as this tragic account of Israel’s captivity.
Why we let the little ones come to the service
There is no doubt that welcoming children into the service is difficult for parents, but I am convinced it is the best thing for the children, the parents, and the whole church.
The culture changing Gospel
One of a missionary’s most challenging issues is what kind of music to use as they plant indigenous churches. Two extremes exist.
Which advent is in view in 'Joy to the World'?
One of the interesting questions raised about this hymn, however, is whether it refers to the first or second advent of Christ.
Thanksgiving: The primary worship response
How many of us really see gratitude as an important part of our worship? How many of us consider thankfulness to be a truly significant expression we offer to God?
Similarities and Differences Between Hebrew Worship and Pagan Worship
There is no doubt that some of the practices of ancient Hebrew worship bear remarkable resemblance to the worship practices of the pagan nations around them. Other nations practiced similar sacrificial systems, had temples and priests, and many scholars note the the idea of covenants established by God with his people is virtually identical to that of other peoples of the ancient near east. How can we account for these similarities?