Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoovie
Hmmm... Cues...
Smooth baby faces a "cue" of male Christian maturity.
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The "clean shaved" face thing goes back to styles that came and went in Roman antiquity. Today, all RCC priests are more or less required to be "clean shaven" to "show their submission to the Pope."
For me, to have another man stand over me and tell me that I must groom myself to appear as a "
kouros" - or "beardless youth" just makes me want to squirm.
WARNING: There is a lot of "male genitalia" that goes along with the "beardless youth" look. Don't click the wikipedia link above unless you're ready for that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hoovie
Demonstration of emotionalism a "cue" of righteousness and worship.
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When the RCC priest raises the host over the altar, it is a cue for the congregation to respond with a statement of worship or adoration. The incense and other tangible features serve similar purposes.
Lacking (because we discarded them) such symbols and cues in our ritual we tend to rely upon manipulation and threats. How many services have I been in where the preacher or another "leader" derides or berates the congregation because of their perceived lack of enthusiasm?
"C'mon! People are standing on their feet and and screaming as they 'worship' the ... [fill in local ball team] ... If they can do that we can do better!!!"
Personally, I wouldn't mind a gentle smell of incense as a "cue" over the trite and manipulative things that get screamed over our pulpits.
Pastors, if the mood of the congregation is dark - why not try lighting a candle for them?
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