A Test On Orthodox Worship

1.

Which of this list are CONCEPTS that are commonly found in modern evangelical worship, though they may be called by different names or done differently? (choose as many as apply)

A.

Scripture reading
B.

Confession of sins
C.

Exaltation of Christ
D.

Celebrating the Lord's Table
E.

Chatting with visitors and making them feel comfortable
F.

Public prayer, both spoken and sung

Correct Answer(s)
A. Scripture reading
B. Confession of sins
C. Exaltation of Christ
D. Celebrating the Lord's Table
F. Public prayer, both spoken and sung

Explanation
In modern evangelical worship, several concepts are commonly found, even though they may be referred to differently or performed in varying ways. These concepts include scripture reading, confession of sins, exaltation of Christ, celebrating the Lord's Table, and public prayer, both spoken and sung. These practices are integral to evangelical worship and are aimed at engaging with scripture, acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for sins, glorifying and honoring Christ, commemorating the sacrifice of Jesus through the Lord's Table, and communing with God through prayer, both spoken and sung. Additionally, chatting with visitors and making them feel comfortable, although not explicitly mentioned in the question, can also be seen as a concept commonly found in modern evangelical worship as a means of fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

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2.

What in orthodox worship is significantly different from the experience in most American evangelical churches? (choose as many as apply)

A.

Use of icons, providing visual reminders of the great cloud of witnesses whom we are joining
B.

Use of incense, being a physical reminder of the overwhelming presence of God
C.

Broad-ranging prayer, beginning with prayers for the church around the world and governments, and ending with prayers for those currently in the process of repenting
D.

Placing a wall or fence between the people and the altar, that the mystery of the body and blood of Christ is kept hidden from all but a few eyewitnesses
E.

The worship leader (bishop, deacon, priest) faces forward with his back to the people through almost the entire assembly, because he is representing them to God rather than speaking to people
F.

Congregational singing and prayer, joining with the worship around the eternal throne
G.

A proclaimed message delivered with authority, teaching and applying the principles of Scripture to those in attendance

Correct Answer(s)
A. Use of icons, providing visual reminders of the great cloud of witnesses whom we are joining
B. Use of incense, being a physical reminder of the overwhelming presence of God
C. Broad-ranging prayer, beginning with prayers for the church around the world and governments, and ending with prayers for those currently in the process of repenting
D. Placing a wall or fence between the people and the altar, that the mystery of the body and blood of Christ is kept hidden from all but a few eyewitnesses
E. The worship leader (bishop, deacon, priest) faces forward with his back to the people through almost the entire assembly, because he is representing them to God rather than speaking to people

Explanation
In orthodox worship, there are several significant differences from the experience in most American evangelical churches. One difference is the use of icons, which provide visual reminders of the great cloud of witnesses whom the worshippers are joining. Another difference is the use of incense, which serves as a physical reminder of the overwhelming presence of God. Additionally, orthodox worship includes broad-ranging prayer that begins with prayers for the church around the world and governments, and ends with prayers for those currently in the process of repenting. Furthermore, a wall or fence is placed between the people and the altar to keep the mystery of the body and blood of Christ hidden from all but a few eyewitnesses. Lastly, the worship leader, whether a bishop, deacon, or priest, faces forward with his back to the people throughout the assembly, representing them to God rather than speaking to the people.

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3.

It would be fair to say that the emotional focus of most evangelical assemblies is preaching, with music second. It would be equally fair to say that the emotional focus of orthodox worship is prayer and the Table.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The explanation for the given answer "True" is that the statement accurately reflects the emotional focus of most evangelical assemblies and orthodox worship. In most evangelical assemblies, preaching is the primary emotional focus, while music holds a secondary role. On the other hand, in orthodox worship, the emotional focus is centered around prayer and the Table (referring to the Eucharist or Communion). Therefore, it is fair to say that the emotional focus differs between these two forms of worship, with preaching being prominent in evangelical assemblies and prayer and the Table being prominent in orthodox worship.

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4.

Just as with the Roman Catholic church, so in Eastern Orthodox churches, there have been several attempts to reform the church from within, in the end splitting the church with many Protestant Reformation groups splintering off.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
The statement is false because the Protestant Reformation did not split the Eastern Orthodox Church. The Protestant Reformation was a movement that primarily affected the Roman Catholic Church in Western Europe, led by figures such as Martin Luther and John Calvin. The Eastern Orthodox Church, on the other hand, remained separate from the Roman Catholic Church and did not experience a similar split during the Reformation.

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5.

Orthodox worship is ancient Christian worship, but it is not Primitive. In other words, it seems to have frozen the worship culture of the years 200-400, but not the very first generation.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that while Orthodox worship is ancient Christian worship, it is not considered primitive. This means that it has preserved the worship culture of the years 200-400, but not the very first generation of Christianity. This suggests that while Orthodox worship is rooted in tradition and has a long history, it has evolved and adapted over time rather than remaining unchanged since the beginning of Christianity.

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6.

The earliest followers of Christ seem to have had no great reaction against use of images and icons, which date back to synagogues before the time of Christ and into the earliest of house churches.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The statement suggests that the earliest followers of Christ did not have any strong objections or negative reactions towards the use of images and icons. It implies that the practice of using images and icons in religious contexts predates the time of Christ and was already prevalent in synagogues and house churches. Therefore, the answer is true.

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7.

Evangelicals in general have a much better grasp of historical worship practices of the New Testament church than do Orthodox churches.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
B. False

Explanation
This statement is false. The claim that evangelicals have a better grasp of historical worship practices of the New Testament church than Orthodox churches is not supported by evidence. It is important to note that both evangelical and Orthodox churches have their own unique traditions and interpretations of worship practices. The understanding of historical worship practices can vary among individuals and communities within each tradition. Therefore, it is not accurate to make a blanket statement about one group having a superior understanding of historical worship practices compared to the other.

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8.

Orthodox worship does not change; indeed, it cannot, because there is no authority to override the ecumenical councils.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that Orthodox worship remains unchanged because it is based on the decisions made by the ecumenical councils. These councils are considered the highest authority in the Orthodox Church and their decisions are binding. Therefore, there is no authority that can override or change the established practices and traditions of Orthodox worship.

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9.

The concept of art and complex beauty is laced throughout Orthodox worship, largely because of emphasis on the royal nature of Christ.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The explanation for the given correct answer is that in Orthodox worship, there is a strong emphasis on the royal nature of Christ, and this is reflected in the concept of art and complex beauty. Artistic elements such as icons, mosaics, and intricate church decorations are used to convey the majesty and splendor of Christ. This emphasis on beauty and artistry enhances the worship experience and helps to create a sense of reverence and awe.

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10.

Orthodox worship spends very little time in chatting with newcomers or self-consciously explaining details to make the unchurched comfortable, because the assembly is for God, not for pre-believers.

A.

True
B.

False

Correct Answer
A. True

Explanation
The explanation for the correct answer, True, is that Orthodox worship places a strong emphasis on the reverence and worship of God, rather than catering to the needs and comfort of newcomers or non-believers. This means that there is less emphasis on explaining the details of the service or spending time chatting with newcomers, as the primary focus is on the worship of God.

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