by Brian G. Heyer
We hold the solas - sola scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide, as dear tenets of our understanding and teaching of our Confession. One of the errors of "contemporary/whoopee worship" is the not-so-subtle rejection of these solas.
I believe the label for the root of these errors is the return to the ancient falsehood of mysticism. This is the sum of the devil's lie: It's not enough to gain a trust in the saving faith given through grace as promised in the Bible. In addition, the lie continues, you need to have subjective religious emotions and experiences to improve the quality of your relationship with God.
Because of the solas, of course, we understand that everyone already has a relationship with God. It's one of wrath and punishment, unless one is led to trust in the promises of scripture. Our works and obnoxious worship do not improve that relationship. Sola fide is our answer.
Does contemporary worship provide comfort for those with weak faith, or just distractions? If one struggles with weak faith, does contemporary worship entice him to find just the right emotional combination to unlock a trusting faith? What if he's not clapping loud enough? What if he doesn't feel the revivalism? If the worshipper vainly sings about himself and his own emotions toward God in a hypnotic mantra, is he comforted by what he does for God? Does he have to wait for the interlude to learn what God has done for him? What if he can't hit the high harmonies for excellent worship experiences? Contemporary worship trains participants to seek and expect an experience, but if the spiritual amplifiers don't go to "11," then what? How can we merit the treasures of heaven? Sola gratia is our answer.
Whoopee worship is self-idolatry. And Old Adam needs very little encouragement to worship himself, hence its appeal to modern America. "Emergent church" founder Doug Pagitt proudly admitted recently that Biblical, doctrinal issues were purposefully omitted so there would be no barrier to church growth. Instead, a church's niche should be found with spirituality surveys, business marketing principles, SWOT analyses, better theatrical production values, and engaging "conversation" that doesn't lead to answers. If the church's practices don't point straight back to the Bible and sound doctrine, people are led astray. Sola scriptura is our answer.
I believe this is why the COP has urged WELS members to understand that doctrine and practice are intertwined. Adopting the practices of those that reject the solas not only are a reflection of their unsound doctrine (mysticism, emotional manipulation, decision theology, etc.) but eventually sound doctrine, such as our solas, will be tossed aside. It's as predictable as saying dogs will chase cats. After all, ears must be tickled ever more rigorously to keep the attendance trending up.
