When it comes to religion, there are a number of options. While most are raised according to parental beliefs, lifestyle and spiritual aspects, others prefer to continue searching for truth. For, regardless of whatever religious or spiritual path one chooses, the only visible proof is that creation and the universe are a great mystery. Searching is one aspect of spirituality that the Episcopal Church in Davidson NC and other areas promotes.
Episcopalians are a mixed breed with some being more conservative than others. In most cases, it is one of the more liberal branches of the Christian religion. Although, there are some areas in which even these churches and congregations promote beliefs based on biblical text which promote discrimination and hate. Generally, it is left up to each individual clergy member and staff as to whether to support gay marriage or other alternative lifestyles.
Being one of the oldest religions, and the one to come out of Catholicism, many churches and members are new to these newer trends in society. Whereas, many visitors are often taken back at the rituals which were incorporated from orthodox Catholic beliefs of the past. Although while Catholics tend to hold Mary as the most sacred, most Episcopalians believe the story of Jesus and that all can be saved through Christ the Lord.
A welcoming congregation is a congregation that believes in equality. It is a congregation that accepts all people and believes that each and every individual deserves dignity, honor, kindness and respect. In some cases, ministers teach tolerance over acceptance. While tolerance is often appreciated, it is not acceptance nor does it speak to a welcoming congregation. For, unless people accept one another with open minds, open hearts and open arms, it is not acceptance.
The Book of Prayer, the Bible, hymnals and prepared text are often used in each Episcopalian worship service. Unlike other churches in which there is generally a greeting, music and sermon, the congregation plays a vital role in the service. For when it comes to the Episcopal service, the congregation interacts with deacons and ministers with the Common Book of Prayer. In this aspect of worship, the minister will read a prayer from the book. After which, the congregation will respond in kind with a provided response.
Another spiritual aspect that separates this branch of Christianity from others is the call and response format used in prayer and communion. In most cases, the deacon or minister will provide a reading from the Common Book of Prayer to which the congregation will provide a verbal response. While in some churches all those whom have been baptized are welcome to take communion, others require membership.
One thing which differs from the Episcopalians is that of baptism. For, in this Christian sect, one is not saved until baptized. Whereas, in others, individuals must believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior and must invite Jesus into heart and soul along with baptism. In all cases, once an individual has completed these processes, then one is often considered a member and allowed to partake the sanctity of communion.
One big difference between other branches and the Episcopalians is that the church believes each individual need continue a spiritual search. For, unless the individual can find and understand truth and light, then it can often be difficult to have faith in that which is unseen. The Episcopalians are also big believers in the power of prayer. For, prayers answered are often a great way of continuing to build faith throughout life.
Episcopalians are a mixed breed with some being more conservative than others. In most cases, it is one of the more liberal branches of the Christian religion. Although, there are some areas in which even these churches and congregations promote beliefs based on biblical text which promote discrimination and hate. Generally, it is left up to each individual clergy member and staff as to whether to support gay marriage or other alternative lifestyles.
Being one of the oldest religions, and the one to come out of Catholicism, many churches and members are new to these newer trends in society. Whereas, many visitors are often taken back at the rituals which were incorporated from orthodox Catholic beliefs of the past. Although while Catholics tend to hold Mary as the most sacred, most Episcopalians believe the story of Jesus and that all can be saved through Christ the Lord.
A welcoming congregation is a congregation that believes in equality. It is a congregation that accepts all people and believes that each and every individual deserves dignity, honor, kindness and respect. In some cases, ministers teach tolerance over acceptance. While tolerance is often appreciated, it is not acceptance nor does it speak to a welcoming congregation. For, unless people accept one another with open minds, open hearts and open arms, it is not acceptance.
The Book of Prayer, the Bible, hymnals and prepared text are often used in each Episcopalian worship service. Unlike other churches in which there is generally a greeting, music and sermon, the congregation plays a vital role in the service. For when it comes to the Episcopal service, the congregation interacts with deacons and ministers with the Common Book of Prayer. In this aspect of worship, the minister will read a prayer from the book. After which, the congregation will respond in kind with a provided response.
Another spiritual aspect that separates this branch of Christianity from others is the call and response format used in prayer and communion. In most cases, the deacon or minister will provide a reading from the Common Book of Prayer to which the congregation will provide a verbal response. While in some churches all those whom have been baptized are welcome to take communion, others require membership.
One thing which differs from the Episcopalians is that of baptism. For, in this Christian sect, one is not saved until baptized. Whereas, in others, individuals must believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior and must invite Jesus into heart and soul along with baptism. In all cases, once an individual has completed these processes, then one is often considered a member and allowed to partake the sanctity of communion.
One big difference between other branches and the Episcopalians is that the church believes each individual need continue a spiritual search. For, unless the individual can find and understand truth and light, then it can often be difficult to have faith in that which is unseen. The Episcopalians are also big believers in the power of prayer. For, prayers answered are often a great way of continuing to build faith throughout life.
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