PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

CHAPTER 11
WHEN WE WORSHIP DIFFERENTLY
WHAT THE SIX PARADIGMS MEANS TO US
Christians worship differently. That's because we are different . . . different mixture of
spiritual gifts . . . different callings . . . different personalities . . . different backgrounds. . . and
different doctrine. We also have different methods of teaching and different ways to express
worship. Our differences are a fact that produce as many different individual responses to
worship as there are different expressions of worship. And the intensity of people's response to
our differences in worship, is as deep as the differences among people.
WORSHIP EYES
Some have wide open worship eyes to see the various ways that people worship the
Triune God. They rejoice in the diversity of worship as much as they rejoice in worship itself.
They shout praises with the Renewal Church, they study the Word of God in the Bible
Expositional Church, and they are quietly respectful in The Liturgical Church.
Others have clouded worship eyes. They only tolerate the differences in worship
expression. While they would never shout "Hallelujahs," they conclude, "It's alright for them,
but that's not my style." Some from the soul-winning Evangelistic Church will not criticize the
quiet Liturgical Church, but tolerate them as long as their commitment to doctrinal purity
remains true. Clouded eyes say, "live and let live."
Some have blinded worship eyes. Because they are blind, they criticize those who are
different. They criticize others for several reasons, i.e. (1) others compromise scripture, (2)
others neglect scripture, (3) others mis-interpret scripture, or (4) others wrongly apply scripture.
This critical group is not saying those different from them are un-Christian or disobedient to
Christ. They are not calling others heretics or cults. They are just critical of the way others
worship God.
A last group has hardened eyes toward differences in worship. This last group sharply
criticizes those who disagree with them. They claim that those who worship differently from
them are wrong. Over the years, I have heard representatives from just about every worship
expression claim,
"My way (of worship) is the best way because . . ."
And they give biblical argument to prove their scriptural method of worship. But their
criticism of others usually goes a second mile. They attack others with the claim,
"My way (of worship) is the only way because . . ."