As a Christian, do you put your arms up when you pray in church?

[trumad]

I don't because it kind of freaks me out... Sorry..it just does and always has...

[HereSince1628]

1. This belongs in the lounge

[HawkerHurricane]

2. Oh, Gawd...

now we're going to worry about someone because he 'prays funny'?
Look, I vote on issues and character. How a person prays is way down on my list when considering candidates. It's right above what color underpants s/he wears in importance.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rasputin1952]

5. Welcome to DU...

and don't forget your mylar drawers!

O8)

[Limbought]

10. Welcome Acumen.

[Bertha Venation]

29. Welcome to DU.

:hi: Don't resent it too much -- if it bugs you that much, just participate in dispelling the stereotype. :)

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Rabrrrrrr]

35. So far your'e the only one who felt slammed

and almost everyone who has answered is an obvious church-going person.

[Bertha Venation]

50. Bummer!

The guy got tombstoned? Bummer. What did I miss? 08)

[Rabrrrrrr]

54. Don't know if he was tombstoned or just deleted posts

Can't remember the guy's name.

The posts were deleted while I was responding to him. I came back to say "You're the only complainig" (or whatever I said) and when I finished saying it, poof, he was gone.

[chocolateeater]

4. No

But I have seen others do it. If they feel more comfortable talking to God like that, I say more power to them. O8)

[mourningdove92]

6. A simple bowing of the head works for me.

But hey, I have no problem with how anyone prays. Its one of those, you know, personal choice type things.

[Democrats unite]

7. Only if the spirit moves me.

Also you caould have kept this in the original thread, there are rules about this. But then again...

[Kamika]

8. No

When I see ppl do that I picture myself doing it and get embarassed heh.

[Limbought]

9. I do!

It helps to hold the roof up ............ LOL.

My niece & nephew were baptised last year. On my way into the church I ran into an old friend. She looked at me in amazement & said "What are you doing here?"

My reply: "I got a call last night that hell was freezing over & to make sure I got here by 10."

[Bertha Venation]

31. Great reply.

I have a friend who would've done that had she seen me in church after I came out to her. Funny thing is, I was still going to the same church after I came out -- she just made sure she didn't see me. :shrug:

PS No, I no longer go to such a church.

[MaineDem]

11. Nope...it freaks me out too

And holding hands, as well.

[buckeye1]

12. church behavior

I always kneel and put my hands together. Then I bow my head. Thats how I am a big dog here. They eat it up. God only answers when someone gets lucky. There was a time when it was God's will when people died. Marketing killed that. Everyone thinks they are a winner now.
Why would God have gender? If GoD can see all and hear all,is there a point?

Just a few thoughts.

[salin]

13. Personally, no

It has never been a norm at any of the Churches I have attended. But I really don't think how other people worship is any concern of mine.

[Deja Q]

14. Not just freaky...

I see these adverts for Christian worship music, as I prefer being aware of God but not practicing organized religion, which just happens to be the reason why humanity is such a warmongering worthless mess of a species...

I digress, I'd love to describe how they look in those commercials, but that WOULD be baiting.

[Catshrink]

28. Those commercials are Christian rock concerts

compare them to other rock concerts and you'll see similar behaviors. Not a big deal.

[Kamika]

46. There is REAL christian rock and punk you know

Some way better then regular too

[AntiCoup2K4]

56. Could you possibly be referring to.....

Stryper (a.k.a. "Transvestite Bees For Christ")

[Maddy McCall]

60. OMG ...LMFAO`

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

[Rabrrrrrr]

61. Oh, man that band sucked!!

What a joke.

But kamika's right - there are some Christian rock bands that actually rock, and have lyrics that are theologically sound and not sophomoric panderings like so much contemporary Christian music is.

Bands like DC Talk and Delirious? are great - and if you don't listen to the words, you'd never know they were Christian bands.

[bluedeminredstate]

15. My Calvanistic upbringing

didn't allow for any embarassing displays in church. No swaying to the music, no "Amen!" echos after the minister said something
amen-worthy, no hands anywhere but on your lap. Very WASP-y.
That said, I have no objection to people waving their arms around - I just find it embarassing and I kind of cringe when I see it. I can't help it, that's just the way I was brought up in my Congregational Church.
:shrug:

[populistmom]

18. Similar here

I'm a New England Methodist (although even in the midwest Methodists are rather mellow) and that's just not our thing. I suppose there's nothing wrong with it if it is your thing, but I guess since I'm not used to it, it wouldn't feel comfortable or natural.

[mitchum]

37. another (lapsed) Methodist who would feel really weird with any...

overt display of emotion in church (if I still went)

[CanuckAmok]

40. Not to stir it up, but...

Isn't there something in the Bible about NOT being demonstrative and showy during prayer? I always thought those Falwellesque spectacles were part of the mass-conformity drill; "Look over here, I'm praying--my arms are up. Anyone who isn't holding his arms up now is not praying, therefore is a heretic in need of salvation".

I hope I don't sound disrespectful--I just assumed that overt display was a recent phenomenon.

[calimary]

44. Well, there is this:

“When you pray, go to your inner room, close the door,
and pray to your Father in secret.” --Matthew 6:16.

Always something good to rub in the noses of those ashcroftian/bushian HEY, EVERYBODY, WATCH ME PRAY AND BE HOLIER THAN YOU folks.

As for the hand-raising (and hand holding), it creeps me out and I refuse. It's too revival meeting for me as a longtime Catholic. My husband went to this presbyterian church where they did that a lot, especially during praise singing. I found myself wondering why the choir leader didn't just get everybody top hats and canes. I wanted to tell her this was CHURCH. NOT the Copa.

But then again, that's just me.

[polmaven]

47. That is exactly how I feel about it

I was about to post the same opinion about it. It is, to me, ostentatious and "showy". Those TV commercials for the sacred music usually show people with their hands in the air, and the most pained expressions on their faces. Praying really shouldn't hurt that much!

Now, today, while the choir was doing their thing, we were all invited to use some rhythm instruments...tambourines, shakers, even just plastic containers with uncooked pasta, to keep time, or, if we had no "instruments", just keep time with our feet or by clapping, and sing along to a very lively and popular hymn. It was loads of fun. We were making a "joyful noise", and having a ball doing it. To me, that is what church should be. It shouldn't be painful or boring or "heavy". It should have some joy and some celebration of God's love...."Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands..."


I will not say those who were brought up to make a show of their faith are wrong...just that it isn't for me!

[Rabrrrrrr]

16. I have when in pentacostal and other churches that do it

Though not much.

I'm not real comfortable with putting my arms up; but for those who want to, all the power to 'em.

We're all called in different way. :-)

[salin]

17. hey as long as I am not

standing next to you when you go to raise the arms... its cool with me ;-)

[Odessey]

19. No

I'm a pretty traditional Roman Catholic. There are many in our parish who choose to pray with their hands up - particularly during the Lords Prayer. I prefer to meditate on the prayer with hands folded in prayer and eyes closed. I also dislike the part where we have to shake hands. I can hardly avoid that without looking anti-social. However, if some feel like being more 'animated' in their prayer style, then that's their personal choice.

[Bertha Venation]

32. Welcome to DU, Odessey

:hi:

[Liberal Christian]

20. I'm not a hand-raiser

I am, however, a fidgeter, so I'm not good at sitting still during prayer time. I tend to shift positions, sometimes with head bowed, sometimes looking up at the cross or the stained glass windows, whatever way seems to help me be open to the time of prayer. Sometimes I have my hands on my lap turned up in a posture of openness, sometimes I have them clasped in supplication, sometimes ... well, who knows???

[nini]

21. no..

It doesn't feel natural to me either so I don't do it just to be like the others. It would be hypocritical to do so if it doesn't feel right.

[kodi]

22. sure, when i'm trying out a new anti-perspirant

its handling those damn rattle snakes i hate at my local services.

[The Zanti Regent]

23. I could care less

I walked out of a church for the last time in 1986. Haven't been back since and haven't missed anything. I got tired of hearing crooked preachers demanding money and denouncing Democrats. Once all of my family were hard core Democrats, now they all converted to the Assemblies of GAWD and are hard core Republicans. Typical Christians, BS about Jesus but follow Ayn Rand. No thanks!

Nice to have Sundays as a real day of rest where I can sleep in till noon!

As to all those lies they tell about going to hell, I sugget that these phonies pay a visit to Skid Row in Los Angeles and see the rotted "fruit" of their brainwashing, er, faith!

[brainwashed_youth]

24. no

because I most of the people I know who do it do it for attention. I prefer to talk to God quietly with no one noticing I'm doing it

[corporatewhore]

25. I have been to churches where arms were raised

and it didnt freak me out because it is a different culture and i thought it was interesting you are going to have a hard time if different practices in differen cultures freak you out

[Bertha Venation]

26. No, but I used to.

When I was a kid I went to the Saturday night concerts at Calvary Chapel in Santa Ana. I'm probably not the only So. Cal. native here who remembers those. I think I got saved six times in four years at those concerts.

I don't doubt the sincerity with which the music was played and the message preached, but in retrospect I see those concerts for what they were: terror instilling sessions, with the "solution" given conveniently at the end.

Being emotional critters, humans are easily manipulated: get them loosened up with singing, clapping, cheering, shouting; sing them some sad songs about "the end times" ("life was filled with guns and war, and everyone got trampled on the floor--I wish we'd all been ready"), terrify them by revealing hell -- then tell them "but wait! There's a way out!" :eyes:

Oops. Kinda ranted there, didn't I? So to answer the question, yes, I used to raise my hands in prayer, and in singing praise to God. And for those who still do so, more power to them. For me, it's unnecessary.

[supernova]

27. Presbyterian check-in

No. Praise music, uplifted arms, dancing are really not Presbyterian style. Traditional Calvinist worship style. I'm a pretty reserved person in public.

Personally I could go for some more animated, contemporary music once in a while. Music always loosens me up, but the traditionalists would pitch a fit. :P

I have a good friend in our congregation who is studying to be a minister (we marched in the anti-war rallies together last year!) who does do uplifed palms. And it looks right on her. Go Maryanne! :D

So I say do what feels comfortable for you in talking to God. Far as I know, the talking is important, not the position.

[Lostmessage]

57. I am checking in

Are we the only two?

[hlthe2b]

30. No, but I've been a guest at more

"expressive" churches with larger African American congregations where this was common. It seemed so very natural for the attendees that it didn't seem at all unusual to me-- though I am admittedly a rather introverted (repressed) type of "infrequent" church-goer. Actually, it was pretty lively and interesting.

I contrast this with a very different feel than I've gotten from glimpses at the evangelical crowd on their televised "revivals." I will apologize in advance if I offend anyone, but the latter evangelicals do not strike me as either spontaneous in their expressiveness nor caught up in the exuberance of the moment. Strictly MY impression and perhaps an artifact of televised coverage, but it all looks a bit sensational and purposefully staged and not a forum where I would feel comfortable. Granted, that is only the appearance to me and I suspect that in reality, many of these worshipers are quite sincere in their expressiveness. More power to them, I guess.

Me, I find spirituality more readily on the top of some mountain top, deep in the woods, or looking out of the ocean-- arms raised or hands in pocket--no matter.

[_NorCal_D_]

34. Well,

I have no problem with individuals professing their faith enthusiastically, so long as it doesn't revolve around preaching hate, calling for a crusade, or other dangerous/detrimental activities.

Personally, I prefer closet praying. B-)

[scarlet_owl]

36. Personally, I don't. But why does it matter if someone does?

People pray in all kinds of ways and the raising of arms in church doesn't "freak me out" any more than a Muslim kneeling and bowing in a mosque or a Jewish woman covering her eyes for the Sabbath blessing. As long as a prayer is sincere and not done just for show, it shouldn't matter what position it is said in.

[F-5]

38. No, I don't.

Any tv show that shows that on TBN and that other station reminds me of a cult. Those people are complete whackos.

I just fold my hands onto my lap and pray. There's no need to do all that "cult-like" crap.

[CanuckAmok]

39. Is that during prayer?

My mistake, I thought that was the response when the collection plate was being passed around.

But then, I went to a church with Deacons named "Knuckles" and "Bonecrusher", so when they collected, THEY COLLECTED!

[INTELBYTES]

41. Some people in our Church lifts their arms.

I've done it before, but not really big on it. But if the Spirit moves you to lift them, thats what you should do.

[roguevalley]

42. No. I don't know why they do it. But if you notice, Muslims do that for

a moment before kneeling. I'm sure there are as many
nuts out there that would be offended that 'Islamics'
raise their hands as they were when bush said everyone
worships the same God in Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

I don't do it because it freaks me out. Its the non-
denominational protestant upbringing in me.

[blondeatlast]

43. I was raised Presbyterian, my father was Catholic and very interested in

other faiths. I've been to 7th Day Adventist, Gospel Baptist, and Quaker ceremonies along with many others; and of course, white bread Presby.

The Lord has moved me at every one. FWIW, I never felt it necessary to to be overt about my OWN method, I just quietly prayed.

[youngred]

45. Not my cuppa

but whatever, as long as they used some deoderant

[Lydia Leftcoast]

48. No, that's a charismatic (Pentecostal or Pentecostal-influenced) habit

and one that came into popularity only about 25-30 years ago.

[SOteric]

49. Nope. I'm Catholic.

We're on our knees a lot, but that's the extent of the exercise at mass.

[Bridget Burke]

51. Hard core Fundamentalists HATE the Charismatics....

I found this little gem at the Fundamental Evangelistic Association website:

www.rapidnet.com/~jbeard/bdm/Psychology/char/charisma.htm

Among the "dangers" of the Charismatic movement, "It encourages its followers to stay in apostate Protestant churches as well as Roman Catholic churches and other churches which preach and teach a false gospel..... It encourages women to forsake their God-given place in the home and in the Church...."

The movement grew out of Pentacostalism but several denominations now have Charismatic congregations. The Catholic Charismatic Renewal began in 1967.

It may not be your style (or mine) but, if they're angering the Fundies, they must be doing something right!

[BrotherBuzz]

52. Nope, and I don't raise my arms....

in a roller coaster either.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

53. Only when they tell us they're passing the collection plate

badum-bum

[VOX]

55. Haven't been to church since 1981...

but I seriously doubt that the congregation of good old Westwood Methodist is waving their arms...

[AntiCoup2K4]

58. Doesn't bother me one way or the other

If people have their arms up or down (provided they use deodorant), are standing, sitting, or kneeling, or whether they are in a Catholic church, a Protestant church, a synagogue, or a sweatlodge.

The real question is whether the person is sincere in their beliefs or just goes to the place of worship for appearances sake. Frankly, I'm surprise the wrath of God doesn't automatically flatten any church that George Bush Jr sets foot in.

[Brother Buzz]

59. I don't dare raise my arms....

because I don't know the answers, and besides, I wouldn't want to draw attention to the blood seeping from my palms.

[regnaD kciN]

62. Only when the clergyman is pointing a gun at me...

;-)