Chapter 1 emphasizes the central position that the worship service occupies in the life of the
believer, but then the whole person of the believer. The atmosphere is therefore vital. This is
researched in part 2 by an exegetical study of 1 Corinthians 1-14, as well as the rest of
Scripture. The variations through history are also studied. The atmosphere in the worship
service should be such that the worshipper meets God with the necessary awe and respect.
The service must also create an atmosphere of love, warmth, friendliness, and joy. All present
must be invited and made welcome by the service. The atmosphere must further encourage
and create room for everybody to participate and use their specific gifts. It can therefore
change from service to service and within a single service. Important instruments in the
atmosphere are the liturgical space, symbols, rituals, physical movement, gestures, music, song
and the senses. Part 3 studies the contribution of adjacent sciences, like the theory of
communication, cognitive science, symbolism, music, architecture and multimedia. These
sciences support the principles of part 2 and give important perspectives for the practical
application thereof. The situation in practice is studied by empirical research. The atmosphere
is clearly not sufficiently integrated in the worship service. Although some elements are
present, they are purely coincidental. A specific aimed strategy is lacking. Part 4 tries to bridge
the gap between the base theory (part 2) and the practice (part 3) by suggesting practical
guidelines. Because every congregation is in a unique context, a model is given to realize the
principles. The image of the 'house of God is used to summarize and explain the principles.
The final conclusion is that atmosphere plays a vital role in the worship service. In practice very
little is made hereof. If the Atmosphere in the worship service is adjusted to what it should (and
can!) be, the worship service will come closer to the purpose for which it is there and will it
become even more of a meeting of the total person with the totality of God and with the totality
of the fellow believer and the world. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Liturgics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/116 |
| Date | January 2004 |
| Creators | Leuschner, Friedrich Wilhelm |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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