A Brief History Of Drama In Worship

Worship as the celebration of God's saving acts in Christ is itself dramatic, enacting the relationship between God and his people and reenacting the living, dying, and rising of Christ. The article below traces this theme throughout the history of Christian worship. Drama and Worship During Biblical Times Hebrew worship, beginning with the early sacrifices made by Abel and his successors Abraham, the patriarchs, and the priesthood of Israel, is a dramatic portrayal of the relationship that men and women have with God. In the sacrifices of the Old Testament, a common pattern emerges, which, at its very heart, is a powerful four-part drama. First, the worshipers went through an extensive preparation and personal cleansing, followed by a ritual of preparing an animal for slaughter. Next, the animal in a ceremonial rite was "offered" as a gift to God, who is the giver of all gifts. Then, in another ceremony the animal was butchered, and certain parts were burned on the altar. Finally,…