In the Confutation, the Evangelicals were commended for noting that *particular* rites do not have to be the same everywhere in the church in order to maintain the unity of The Church (i.e. we dont have to use the same language, the same exact liturgy, have exactly the same blessings and prayers in order to know that we still share the same Christ). But the Confutation did assert that there are *universal* rites that do have to be done everywhere in the church to maintain the unity of The Church (e.g. worship on the Lords Day - the Roman Church asserts this as a holy day of obligation). As you will see in the section below, the Evangelicals (and, I might humbly add, we) grant the usefulness of common rites and customs. But our righteousness and faith is not in these, and therefore they cannot be mandated as placing one in or out of The Church. These days, when everyone is off doing her or his own thing, and many congregations write their services from week to week, this doesnt seem like something that is in contest any more. But I would offer you the insight common customs are good for unity and good order, and to train and educate.... and the notion of a base-line of common practice in worship shouldnt be thrown out too quickly...... But just as the dissimilar length of day and night does not injure the unity of the Church, so we believe that the true unity of the Church is not injured by dissimilar rites instituted by men; although it is pleasing to us that, for the sake of tranquillity [unity and good order], universal rites be observed, just as also in the churches we willingly observe the order of the Mass, the Lords Day, and other more eminent festival days. And with a very grateful mind we embrace the profitable and ancient ordinances, especially since they contain a discipline by which it is profitable to educate and train the people and those who are ignorant [the young people]. But now we are not discussing the question whether it be of advantage to observe them on account of peace or bodily profit. Another matter is treated of. For the question at issue is, whether the observances of human traditions are acts of worship necessary for righteousness before God. This is the point to be judged in this controversy, and when this is decided, it can afterwards be judged whether to the true unity of the Church it is necessary that human traditions should everywhere be alike. For if human traditions be not acts of worship necessary for righteousness before God, it follows that also they can be righteous and be the sons of God who have not the traditions which have been received elsewhere. (Apology VII, VIII.33-34)
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 22:01:18 +0000
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