Amusement park ride at Norwich Cathedral draws criticism

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness. Matthew 23:27

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; II Timothy 3:1-4

If the following item seems familiar, it's probably because it's an excellent companion piece to my recent post Rochester Cathedral provides more evidence that the Church of England is beyond the possibility of satire (August 3, 2019). As reported by BBC News, August 9, 2019 (link, video in original):

The clergy at a cathedral has been accused of being unprofessional and "poisoning the medicine" a church offers by installing a fairground ride.

A full-size helter skelter has been put in the nave of Norwich Cathedral to give people a different view of the inside of the building.

The Right Reverend Dr Gavin Ashenden, former chaplain to the Queen, said the cathedral had made a "mistake".

The cathedral said it was a creative way to share the story of the Bible.

It took four people two days to build the 55ft (16.7m) fairground ride in the Norman cathedral.

The cathedral said it allowed people to stand close to its medieval roof, believed to be the largest display of its kind in the world.

Dr Ashenden, Missionary Bishop for the Christian Episcopal Church, said the clergy at Norwich Cathedral had been "unprofessional" and were "making a mistake about what a cathedral is good for".

He said there was no evidence that tourists become Christians and "just to put in entertainment is naff".

"For such a place, steeped in mystery and marvel to buy in to sensory pleasure and distraction, is to poison the very medicine it offers the human soul," he said.

The Reverend Canon Andy Bryant, from Norwich Cathedral, said he could see why people would be surprised to see the helter skelter.

But in addition to showcasing the roof, he said it was "part of the cathedral's mission to share the story of the Bible" and was a "creative and innovative way to do that".

Norwich Cathedral is not the only place of worship to use unconventional methods to attract members of the public.

The central aisle of Rochester Cathedral has also been converted into a crazy golf course.

The apostle Paul, writing under divine inspiration, didn't tell Timothy to find a "creative and innovative" way to "share
the story of the Bible." He said, merely, "Preach the word..." (II Timothy 4:2). The Church of England and its clergy don't seem to believe in the truth of Hebrews 4:12:

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Newspaper "Religion Calendar" items offer an interesting snapshot of the current scene

From the Edmonton Journal 's Religion Calendar, July 11, 2015 (bold in original, links inserted by blogger):

Summer Silent Directed Retreat: Sunday, 5 p.m. to July 16, 1 p.m., at Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Ave., St. Albert. Refresh your spirit and renew your relationship with God on this summer retreat. Spiritual directors: Patricia MacDonald, Fr. Mike McCaffrey, archbishop emeritus Sylvain Lavoie, and Pat Jamison. Call 780-459-5511 or visit starofthenorth.ca

Ramadan Iftar Dinner: Tuesday, 8:30 p.m. at the legislature grounds. Cultural exhibition, live music performances, pocorn and complimentary sundown Iftar dinner, the traditional meal that celebrates the end of daylight fasting during the Muslim month of Ramadan. RSVP to edmonton@interculturaldialog.com by Monday.

All Beings Confluence: July 19, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Southminster Steinhauer United Church, 10740 19th Ave. A community-based interactive project inspired by Carolyn McDade, a composer, social activist and environmentalist whose music has sustained and nourished many over the decades. It is an ever-expanding installation of more than 250 sheer fabrics created by many different individuals. Walk among them to experience being a part of a vast, complex and interconnected whole. For information: allbeingsconfluence.wordpress.com

Mindfulness Meditation Circle: July 22, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Star of the North Retreat Centre, 3A St. Vital Ave., St. Albert. Mindfulness practice helps to reduce stress, improve attention, boost the immune system, reduce emotional reactivity, and promote a general sense of health and well-being. All are welcome: beginners, newcomers as well as seasoned practitioners. For information, contact Laurel Vespi, or visit events at stonecirclecoaching.com

Christian Weekend Retreat Yoga: July 24, 7 p.m. to July 26, 1 p.m., at Providence Renewal Centre, 3005 119th St. Practise yoga postures and breathing techniques that will calm the busyness of your mind, open your heart to God, and help your body build flexibility, strength, and balance. Bring a yoga mat and blanket. Contact Kathy, 780-701-1854, or visit providencerenewal.ca

Meditation Retreat: July 25, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at Providence Renewal Centre, 3005 119th St. Instruction in meditation with Kushok Lobsang Dhamchoe, a Buddhist monk who is a knowledgeable teacher and lifelong practitioner. Contact the Gaden Samten Ling Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Society office, gadensamtenling.org, 780-479-0014, or visit gasamling.ca

Gilligan's Island Vacation Bible School: July 27 to 30, 6:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 9009 163rd St. Join Gilligan and his mates for an enriching week as we discover the hidden treasures of the Bible. Crafts, science, music, drama and more. Free event. For information, contact sonja@hosannalutheran.ab.ca, 780-484-3932, or visit hosannalutheran.ab.ca

Vacation Bible School: Aug. 17, 6 p.m. to Aug. 21, 9:30 a.m., at Millwoods Presbyterian Church, 6607 31st Ave. Vacation Bible School for stories and songs, games, crafts and snacks. Join us for all the fun.

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See also my previous posts:

Today's "Vacation Bible School" offers more "vacation" than "Bible"

More evidence that today's yesterday's evangelicals are tomorrow's today's liberals

Gospel mimes "preach" in Detroit

And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 10:7

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! Romans 10:15

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. II Timothy 4:2

Here's another example in the long and dishonourable tradition of entertaining goats rather than feeding sheep. I can see problems with the idea of "miming" the gospel. For one thing, the gospel of Jesus Christ consists of doctrine, which includes words and ideas that may be difficult or impossible to communicate using pantomime. To the extent that mimes fail to accurately communicate the teaching, the audience (the term "congregation" seems inappropriate in this context) will fail to correctly understand the gospel. Another thing that mimes seem to have difficulty comprehending is that many, if not most people (including this blogger) really dislike mimes (as CBS found out when it gave the duo Shields and Yarnell their own TV variety show in the summer of 1977 and the early months of 1978), which will have the effect of automatically alienating a large segment of the audience.

As reported by Oralandar Brand-Williams of The Detroit News, July 14, 2012:

Detroit — When James Hayes began performing mime in churches more than a decade ago, some congregations turned him away, saying the art form "was not of God."

But now, the artistry of silent film actor Charlie Chaplin and French mime artist Marcel Marceau has given way to an increasingly popular art form being used to preach the Gospel in pulpits across the country.

"We want to take the songs and bring them to life," said Hayes, founder and chief executive officer of Run the Race Performing Arts Ministry, which teaches mime to churches.

Hayes, a Detroit resident, is organizing a conference called the Gathering of the Mimes in the city, bringing together more than 200 performers and an estimated 1,000 observers.

The event, which is free and open to the public, is being held through today at Chapel LIFE Church, Williams Chapel, 3100 Elmwood in Detroit.

Hayes, who has degrees in acting and education, has been performing mime in churches since 1998. He wears white facial makeup and white gloves along with dark clothing to accentuate his facial expressions and body movements to illustrate sermons and song.

"In the past, churches were like, 'What is it?'" said 31-year-old Hayes, a member of Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church on the city's east side. "But now you can't go into a church without mimes being there. They're everywhere."

Most gospel mime acts perform to popular gospel songs. A gospel mime traditionally wears black and white. Some choose to wear robes.

Mime performer Myra Morrison, a 47-year-old Farmington Hills resident, also uses the art form to minister at local homeless shelters.

"It illuminates what's being spoken," said Morrison, moving her hands to illustrate.

Cass Tech High School senior Randall Murray said gospel mime is becoming increasingly popular among younger church-goers.

"It's something new to young people," said 17-year-old Murray, a member of the "2 C Remnant" mime group from Second Canaan Missionary Baptist Church.

"The focus is communicating the message of the gospel, and our mime ministry is another way of doing just that," said Melvin Epps, spokesman for Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.

Today's "Vacation Bible School" offers more "vacation" than "Bible"

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7

As reported by Jessamy Brown of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on June 19, 2011:

Call it vacation Bible school on steroids.

At The Hills Church of Christ in North Richland Hills, more than 6,300 people attended last week's "Summer Spectacular" event designed to bring the story of Noah's ark to life, complete with a petting zoo and a Broadway-style musical that recounted the tale over three nights.

It's a stark contrast to the VBS days of the past, when kids made praying hands out of plaster and listened to Bible stories before nap time.

Today's summer-based schools are more akin to day camp than Sunday school, with churches using elaborate props, electronics and themed curricula that can be bought from church denominations or publishers.

The materials make it easier for church officials to plan the events and provide lessons that connect to the religious concepts they want to emphasize, church youth directors say.

"I like to say it's not your mom and dad's VBS," said Patty Weaver, children's minister at The Hills. "We believe that God's word is so powerful that if we make it culturally relevant then it will really penetrate the heart of the child. It just needs to speak to their world today. We need to make sure we're telling it in a way that connects with children."

Today, Travis Avenue Baptist Church in Fort Worth launches its VBS program, which is advertised on a billboard on Interstate 35W.

Children in kindergarten through sixth grade will participate in the "Big Apple Adventure." They'll do games and activities to help them learn a concept each day, all based on landmarks they would see on a New York City trip.

The church sanctuary is being decorated in a 15-foot backdrop of Times Square. Officials rented a Statue of Liberty prop from the Tarrant Baptist Association that it made for a training session, said Scott Eudaley, children's minister.

Theme programs

Travis Avenue Baptist started using themes in the late 1990s to help make the program more engaging to today's youth, Eudaley said.

First United Methodist Church of Mansfield is also using the "Big Apple" theme at its vacation Bible school this week...

...The "Big Apple" program is produced by Nashville-based LifeWay Christian Resources. A basic sampler kit costs $69.99 and includes clip-art decorations, Bible study cards, leader guides and a music CD, according to LifeWay's website.

The Hills created its own curriculum for the Summer Spectacular, enlisting an army of volunteers to decorate the church with huge rainbows, life-size stuffed animals and a paper cutout of an ark in each classroom.

The lesson for junior high students included a PowerPoint presentation.

At the end of each night, families crowded pews in the auditorium to watch a 42-member cast in Noah: God Keeps His Promises, a musical written by a church member with lyrics set to songs by contemporary artists such as Lady Gaga.

As the old saying goes, "What you win them with is what you win them to," or put another way, "what wins them is what keeps them." If all you're providing to children in church is entertainment, that's the only thing that will keep them there. What does a "Big Apple" theme have to do with the Bible? And wouldn't an old hymn or two provide better Christian instruction for children than lyrics to songs by Lady Gaga?
This nonsense isn't just found in Fort Worth. From the religion Calendar of the Edmonton Journal on July 2, 2011:

Wii Love Pizza, July 9, at 5: 30 p.m., Zion Baptist Church, 11908 132nd Ave. Games night for 12-to 20-year-olds. For more information, call 780-454-1347 or visit zionbaptist.net

Vacation Bible School, July 18 to July 22, 9: 30-11: 30 a.m., Callingwood Road Presbyterian Church, 6015 184th St. Fun, crafts, songs, stories and snacks for kids ages four to 12. To register, call 780-487-8531 or e-mail crpc-pas@telus. net....

...PandaMania Vacation Bible School, Aug. 8 to 12, from 9 a.m. to noon each day, Zion Baptist Church, 11908 132nd Ave. Kindergarten to Grade 6. Register at 780-454-1347 or zionbaptist.net

Not "fools for Christ's sake"--just fools

A church from the hopelessly apostate United Church of Canada placed this item in the Edmonton Journal's Religion Calendar for June 5, 2010 (bold in original):

Worship in Whiteface Service, June 13 at 10:30 a.m. at McClure United Church, 13708 74th St.; part of the clown ministry, being fools for Christ's sake (1 Cor. 4:10); symbolic and non-verbal liturgy, transforming the irrational into understanding.

Unfortunately, such nonsense is no longer to be found just in mainline churches.

I prefer pastors who are adults

More from the former Paramount Theatre in beautiful downtown Edmonton; I suspect the female speaker is a blonde. It’s also, like, you know, an excellent argument against keeping a journal.

Universalist drivel from contemporary "Christian" performer Jason Upton

If you want to hear a really stupid message, go here and listen--if you can make it all the way through. I have no idea what Hebrews 8:10-11 has to do with what passes for his message; and I didn't know that not using one's imagination made one a heretic. This is what happens when you take your theology lessons from 3- and 8-year-olds. If you go to Mr. Upton's blog, you'll find that he's promoting the usual suspects such as Henri Nouwen, Thomas Merton, Brad Jersak, etc. I liked City Centre Church better when it was the Paramount Theatre.

About those 30-day sex challenges...

HT: Lighting the Way

Barry Smith of Impact Community Church in Sacramento, California is the latest pastor to issue a challenge to married couples in his church to have sex for 30 consecutive days. This is yet another church that claims to use "cutting edge techniques," but in this matter they're so 2008.

It was in February 2008 that Pastor Paul Wirth of Relevant Church in Ybor City, Florida issued the same challenge to his congregation. I'm not aware if any follow-up has been done to see if there has been a baby boom at Relevant Church in the last couple of months. The statement of Relevant Beliefs provides more evidence that you can't be a satirist anymore. The reader of these "beliefs" may notice that there's no clear statement that either Jesus or the Holy Spirit is God.

In November 2008, Pastor Ed Young issued a 7-day sex challenge to his congregation at Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas. I suppose that Texans figure that they can accomplish in 7 days what it takes the softies in Florida 30 days to accomplish. The results of Pastor Young's challenge have yet to be determined.

These "pastors" talk about sex with all the maturity of 12-year-old boys who equate naughtiness with courage. I hereby challenge the above-named pastors and others of their ilk to refrain from talking about sex from the pulpit for 30 days; it would be a refreshing change. Those of us who are single and trying to live lives of obedience to the Lord aren't getting much help from churches.