May I ask for a clarification? Are you arguing in favor of chorals? That is, incense was part of the sacrificial system...so would you advocate for burning it?
confused reader...thank you for your reply
Without wishing to sound snarky (curmudgeonly, yes; snarky, no), I was arguing for care and reflection regarding liturgical questions, especially by OPC ministers. Whatever one might think of choirs, I believe the Rev. Tracey failed on this count.
To the next question, there's a world of difference between would and could. Both choirs and incense were part of the sacrificial system, which is to say they were part of Temple worship. As singing was part of Temple worship and now is incorporated into New Testament worship, we have a precedent by which one could argue for the burning of incense in the Church's worship. (I'm assuming, of course, that C. Reader's questions have an eye towards New Testament worship regulation.) I don't know whether I would make such an argument. Whether such an argument would be exegetically sound is another matter entirely. Clearly, exegesis has led us to conclude some parts of Temple worship (such as the sacrifice of animals) must be abandoned while others (such as singing) should be continued.
Again, let us reflect on such matters with care and a refusal to rely on oversimplifying formulae.
To the next question, there's a world of difference between would and could. Both choirs and incense were part of the sacrificial system, which is to say they were part of Temple worship. As singing was part of Temple worship and now is incorporated into New Testament worship, we have a precedent by which one could argue for the burning of incense in the Church's worship. (I'm assuming, of course, that C. Reader's questions have an eye towards New Testament worship regulation.) I don't know whether I would make such an argument. Whether such an argument would be exegetically sound is another matter entirely. Clearly, exegesis has led us to conclude some parts of Temple worship (such as the sacrifice of animals) must be abandoned while others (such as singing) should be continued.
Again, let us reflect on such matters with care and a refusal to rely on oversimplifying formulae.
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