Multimedia tools and other forms of modern technology play an increasing role in modern religion – nothing wrong with that! Out here in Wisconsin, we sometimes have PowerPoint presentations in our training meetings, for example. But our efforts pale in comparison to some other groups.
The above clipping comes from the May 20, 2006 religion page of the Post-Crescent newspaper, where I was frustrated to see that one of our Protestant competitors had decided to show up our missionary musical devotional last week with a special “Kaleidoscopic Worship” service. Sounds mighty interesting – which is a real shame for us!
Sadly, our conservative Stake President rejected my plans for a total immersion virtual reality cube multisensory aromatherapy ska/reggae service – even after I cut out the massage therapy portion. (The only total immersion he’ll allow is in plain old water with converts dressed in white.) Once again, I wonder how we can possibly compete.
I suppose that the temple experience could be described as a true form of “kaleidescopic worship” or “multimedia worship”.
Years ago I was in a Hebrew class with a fairly orthodox Jewish teacher. He asked the class what we thought a temple would be like in the modern age. I just listened as I wanted to hear what others had to say. I can’t even remember what exactly elicited the response but at one point he snorted a bit derisively and said “Do you think there would be computers in a modern-day temple?”
Hahahaha!!….
Its a shame we are left to rely on such old techniques to capture the attentions of potential converts…
you know, stuff like the Holy Spirit, and actual Priesthood Authority….
Is amazing we even have enough members to keep the door open!
Your Stake Pres. should be fired… he doesn’t sound like he’s worth all the money you guys are paying him!
HAHAHAHA
Free food? Send them your teenagers!
Jeff—-you bring up some interesting points. Truly—-very interesting. Appleton Alliance Church on the North Side of town—-which is already the second biggest church in the area is embarking on an aggressive building to add on to its already large facility. They are looking at building a chapel with over 3,000 seats. Imagine that. But to balance that they are building a white, traditional church on the hill behind the main complex. That will have 150 seats and will be like the churchs of the early 1900’s. It will be for weddings and funerals.
They have 12 ministers at that church.
Since when was it our place or purpose to compete with other churches. Concerning the baptism ceremony you obviously don’t understand its nature; the most important is that its in the way the Lord has established and that there be an enviornment where the Spirit can dwell. There is a time and place for everything, a baptism is not the place for “ska/reggae” music, but rather music more inviting to the Spirit and more fitting to the sacredness of the ordinance.
All in good fun, my friend!
I think (in fact, am more sure than not) Jeff is being quite ironic here, knowing his sense of humor. He’s probably mocking the superficiality of other churches.
On that note, I hear there’s a St. Wendy’s Church of Frosties down the street? Who’s in?
Apparently the church isn’t getting enough to come on a regular basis; the leader(s) needed to find a reason for new people or already inactive members to come. Is the church about worldly aspects, such as technology, food, or bands, or is church about Heavenly Father? Certainly the world is controling the church and public opinion more than Heavenly Father.
There’s certainly an element of modern technology that brings people to church.
Here in the United States at least, I doubt many would come to church if we didn’t have air conditioning technology installed in most of our chapels.