Here is my interpretation of the cartoon in the previous post.
Stage 1: I read a number of comments on blogs saying 'it's funny 'cause it's true...' I think I'd like to say that 'it's sad because it's true'. At the extreme the movement in theology, which is then outworked in worship, is from one position of power 'God told me so' to another 'Father knows best'.
I'm also wondering whether the 'alt-worship' guy is also a position of power within this...but i'm still formulating that.
Stage 2 - The arrow was added to highlight that the movement can go both ways. I read from left to right and therefore whilst this was no explicitly spelt out in the first cartoon it was implicitly there. The movement goes both ways...
Stage 3 - The cyclical nature of this evolution highlights that it is not an evolution at all. We start in the same place that we begin. A place where we are either defined against something, or our definition is so strong that there is a lack of integration with the previous way of worshipping. The movement can be either way and perhaps there can even be arrows connection all the stages.
Stage 4 - You break the cycle, you can worship authentically in a catholic environment and authentically in a charismatic one. You recognise the vastness of God and move beyond neatly defined worship styles to encounter God in a diversity of ways.
I know a nun. She loves and has a deep reverence of the sacraments, and she has an authentic catholic faith. Yet, I have been with her when she has been dancing in the spirit and praying in tongues for the healing of people. She is not defined by one or another but is humble enough to be open and respectful of both traditions.
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