WHY DIFFERENT WORSHIP?
Protestant worship patterns differ widely. Many reject devotional veneration of images, while the use of religious art ranges from permissive to restrictive.
Historical context
Reformed and Anglican formularies differ on ceremonies and images, and Lutheran churches have often retained visual art. No single Protestant rule about pictures, liturgy, or music can represent all of these traditions.
Avoid overclaiming
Do not equate all Protestant worship with bare walls, informal music, or rejection of the liturgy. Distinguish religious illustration, representation of divine persons, devotional veneration, and adoration.
Strongest alternative reading
Reformed worship is often more restrictive under a regulative principle; Lutheran churches have commonly retained religious art and substantial liturgical forms, and Anglican practice is diverse. Orthodox and Catholic teaching distinguishes honor directed through an image from adoration of God; many Protestants dispute that devotional practice's warrant.
Key points
- Biblical worship
- Reformation critiques
- Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, and free-church practices differ
Common questions
- Is this church applying a regulative or a more permissive principle of worship?
- Does a disagreement concern the art, the subject depicted, or the devotional action?
Scripture
- John 4:19-26
- Colossians 3:12-17
- 1 Corinthians 14:26-40
- Exodus 20:3-6; John 1:14-18
Primary sources
The Anglican Articles state:
Anglican Article XXII rejects what it calls worship and adoration of images; it does not define every Protestant use of religious art.
The Romish Doctrine concerning Purgatory, Pardons, Worshipping and Adoration, as well of Images as of Reliques, and also Invocation of Saints, is a fond thing vainly invented, and grounded upon no warranty of Scripture, but rather repugnant to the Word of God.
Passage context and translation
Article XXII rejects what it calls the 'Romish Doctrine' of worship and adoration of images. This is a specifically Anglican confessional witness and does not define every Protestant use of religious art.
Before the excerpt
Article XXII. Of Purgatory.
After the excerpt
Article XXIII. Of Ministering in the Congregation.