Timid singers or shrinking wall flowers need not apply to sing in Global/Church of the Eternal God COG services. If you sing too softly you are sinning against their god. Loud singing is a requirement!
In services, most of us do not have many opportunities to audibly participate, except for saying “Amen” to the opening and closing prayers, after having listened carefully and attentively to every word of the prayers, and for singing joyfully during the song service. We cannot overemphasize the importance of participation in the song service with all of our heart, concentrating on each word which we are singing, and agreeing with it completely, knowing that we are not doing so to impress others, but because we are worshipping God when we sing out loud. There have been rare occasions when a brother or sister was told not to sing so loud, but this would be highly inappropriate “advice.” In fact, the song leader should encourage the congregation in words and by his own example to sing out loud and with enthusiasm.
Notice what we read about singing songs and hymns to God:
“Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands: Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious” (Psalm 66:1-2, AV).
This is the law as laid down by Norbert Link
After decades of living in one, I have become very familiar with the way the human body works. Usually, you receive early warning that defecation is imminent from a build up of intestinal pressures, ie, gas. Even if you courteously choose to flex your sphincter muscles to choke this back, there are still internal noises that are both audible and embarrassing. Quite honestly, these could be more distracting to those around you than it would be for you to get up and visit the restroom. It is also a cinch that if you are utilizing all of your will power to avoid an accident, you really are not absorbing what the speaker is saying, anyway. So, put that in your pipe and smoke it, Norbee-poo! Your people are not allowed freedom of dissent, so looks like it's up to me to expose you to the truth.
ReplyDeleteHaving said all of that, at least loud singing provides a time of good cover for relaxing, and simply allowing the gas to escape. You may cause your neighbors to gag, but odor is far more difficult to trace than noise. I mean, even the guilty party could twitch his nose, raise his eyebrows, and look around, thus skillfully deflecting suspicion.
Seriously, folks, this is another example as to how legalism is just plain stupid. This stuff doesn't enhance people's worship, it just makes them paranoid of God, while in some cases causing permanent damage to the intestines. Find a church that's more intestine and bladder friendly!
BB
I sing so poorly that I consider it an act of mercy and great kindness to my fellow man, by gearing it down a number of decibels!
ReplyDeleteJoe Moeller
Cody, WY
(2014 UCG Council - Write In Candidate)
"OH, SHUT UP!" I love to sing this song loudly.
ReplyDelete