Silvertusk wrote:No you are being a big help. It is a tricky one.
I don't think we have to conform to anything - we are basically representative of our respective religions so we do not have to be politically correct in any sense apart from maybe not saying that the other religions are wrong.
It is an all boys school and as a teacher I obviously want to make it as interesting and interactive as possible.
I am starting to have an idea which is -
1) Place various objects around the room which some people associate with worship - such as a football, some money, a picture of a pop star or film star, a computer game etc. and when the students come in - ask them what feelings do the objects give them.
2) Get them to talk about how important the ideas these objects represent to them are to them. If these objects don't represent anything that they are interested in then get them to think of something they really enjoy doing.
3) Ask them if they every get bored with the objects or interests of their desire.
4) Move them to a point where they consider that the object of their "worship" is not everlasting or going to be as fulfilling as they believe. Ask them that does the object ever make them sad or angry.
5) Then talk about where worship should be focused - on something that is eternal and good.
6) This will lead me into (hopefully) what Christians believe our object of worship is.
7) Then I can show them the different forms of Christian worship over the centuries - from benedictions to hymns to modern Christian Rock.
Then perhaps do something interactive where they can take part in one of the songs.
Phew....I will have to do this 5 times as well.
We as Christians have a reason to worship, so do not forget that. It is discovered in the message of the Cross and Resurrection as that is the reason for our worship in whatever form it takes.
Vines Dictionary makes this notation of the Greek words used for worship:
Notes: "...
The worship of God is nowhere defined in Scripture. A consideration of the above verbs shows that it is not confined to praise; broadly it may be regarded as the direct acknowledgement to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving or by deed done in such acknowledgment."
Vines Dictionary defines the Hebrew word translated as worship:
"...to worship, prostrate oneself, bow down."
The ancient Hebrew pictograph root word and number value is Shin (300), Chet (8), Hey (5) which shows a living respect toward one greater than you. In other words, one is to live life by living life consumed with YHWH breaking our pride so one can arise to a new day of protection by beholding God's grace that guides our future steps in life. Simply put in layman's terms, the root points to this truth about worship:
walk humbly before the Lord daily because I did not deserve your grace, thank you, I am yours wholly know - guide my life to reflect you on this earth.
Now the bible numeric reveals this from the root word numbers 300, 8, and 5 which is: t
he Holy Spirit helps us walk in a new day by God's grace in order to break the power of apostasy, rebellion, depravity, sin, and hubris. Next, The Holy Spirit teaches us new responsibilities/order so we live life yoked with the only strong one - God - who alone can make us whole and sound.
In other words, you live life in a state of worship. So, what do we bow down too and daily serve? TV, I Phones, X box Games, Sports, religious rituals and duties that call for the take over of the world? Politics? What consumes us the most - our works/duties, or God's grace?
In fact Romans 12:1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 -- Romans 12:9,10,11,12,13,14, 15 --- Romans 12:16,17,18,19,20,21 defines worship very well. No one can worship is this manner unless they are born again Christians governed by the Holy Spirit who is changing one's thoughts so one reflects more Christlikeness and less of themselves by God's grace which empowers us, not our works alone.
I know I am not you but I would mention how in India Hindus murder Christians as do Muslims and ask whom do you serve?
Asking them if these religions produce what Romans 12:9-21 mentions? Let the Holy Spirit have your tongue and expect to be tossed out of the conference or God show up mightily. Again, that is me, as I am a bit more lovingly by the Holy Spirit in your face kind of minister... Life is too short to play namby pamby games when peoples souls are at stake.
Blessings and you call it as you and the Lord see's best and you will do well
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I'm not sure how I'd treat it. 