Is the Liturgy Reasonable?

 A friend recently asked a question about the reasonableness of being religious. I had a whole response, but the part that I’d like to share more widely is the way his question helped me to articulate why I keep harping on the 7 Central Things.

Doing the historical liturgy, regardless of belief, is a reasonable thing in the same way Buddhist mindfulness exercises and Hindu yoga practices are reasonable things to do. The Seven Central Practices of the Liturgy allow people to safely practice skills in church that make the world better outside the church.

Gathering in community is hard, just go to a school board meeting.

Remembrance of Baptism affirms dignity and self-worth, something many people struggle with.

Confession and Forgiveness blunts the human impulse for revenge.

Reading Scripture offers multiple metanarratives to interpret life with, and frameworks for telling and hearing stories.

Giving thanks regularly opens up possibilities for contentment.

Communion helps people to join in “the commerce of the City of God” which ultimately is about recognizing and offering generosity.

Being Sent out into the world with a charge to be aware of the holiness of other people makes for gentler people.

So, the practices of the Church, when done well, ought to: help people to be in community, increase their sense of self-worth, get over slights and make sense of life, and be more content, generous, and gentle. I experience these benefits of the liturgy regularly.