So I've seen in videos before of Charismatic churches where people will run around the church, and dance and jump. I've never understood this, seeing as I would think that would be irreverent.
CUSTOMS are cultural.... and often not solely understood in didactic ways.
I think if an objective person were to look AROUND THE WORLD at Christian customs and practices...... Coptic Orthodox, High church Anglicans, Pentecostals, Presybterians, Catholics..... they would be stunned at the rich diversity. Frankly, I like this aspect of Christianity. I think of it a bit like the amazing diversity of foods available in places like LA or New York..... amazingly different (incredible to think of how folks can do such different things with ingredience) - but mostly GREAT. Some like Texas BBQ better than Korean BBQ, some like Greek better than Mexican - but generally, it's quality and delicious. Just keep an open mind.... and give it a try (I have a policy of never asking what it is - till after the fact, lol).
The Lutheran Confessions state that "it is not necessary that all everywhere worship the same." We CAN eat something other than McDonald's hamburgers (even if they've sold zillions of 'em). We may need to learn.... to expand our "envelope" .....keep an open mind.... but there's GREAT stuff out there! Many would consider Greek Orthodox worship a bit.... odd. But I think if keep an open mind, learn, understand, "taste" - we may discover something rich and wonderful (even if our tastes lean toward something else)?
- Josiah
