I was taught when I was younger that you do not have to go to church to be a Christian. It was based off of the idea that going to church was actually a work and it was faith that got you into heaven.
In the light of COVID churches are experiencing the reality of this doctrine that so many have taught. Many churches now stream services on line and if their participants watch, it is on their own time in their own way. Possibly not even on the Lord's Day.
Music and preaching seem to be the main point that is communicated during the service. Upbeat music with a modern rhythm and self help preaching designed to get the hearer through another day or week of family or office politics.
However those Christians that value Sacramental Theology value the need to attend church in person. As an Anglican I have learned what Sacramental Theology is and why it is what the early church taught.
The two sacraments endorsed by the Anglican Church are Baptism and The Lords Supper. Baptism was formed in the follow up of Old Testament Circumcision and The Lords Supper is the New Testament version of the Passover.
Baptism is required as a one time entrance rite into the church and the Lords Supper is an ongoing rite of spiritual nourishment for all Christians.
Now here is the difference.....I can listen to preaching, teaching, singing, and praying anywhere I am. However I can only consume the Lords Supper at the alter in the church. I have come to understand this as true worship as it is about Him and not me.
So many churches are trying to create an environment that is exciting for the viewer so that they will be........entertained maybe? And the Lords supper is consumed once every 3 months or so.
I am glad that I see the alter center stage every week where I can commune with God and not a drum set. Because you see, it is the alter that is most important to me.
What say you?