Steve Thompson has a question that he would like to see discussed. Please add your input if you think you can help. The only stipulation in responding is to please be Christlike towards people with different views than yourself. Here's Steve:
"Basically, I have been asked to do my 1hr Gospel Juggling Show which I perform regularly, but this is the first time I will be doing it in a Catholic setting (always performed my shows for Protestant outreaches up til now but a Catholic Church has asked me to perform a 1hr show at their Youth Festival (summer camp). I am sure that Christian performers regularly perform with many different Christian denominations and maybe they have certain things they keep in mind for what particular subjects to avoid (such as not talking about Baptisms at a non-Baptist type Church as a very loose example!) There are many subtle (and not so subtle) differences between all the Protestant denominations so if anyone also has little bits of advice for dealing with performing for each of those settings, it will be useful also. I imagine that this topic could be quite a debate if we can get other Jugglers involved in coming up with suggestions and hints/advice!" -Steve Thompson, England
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Correction: the spelling of Steve's last name is "Thomson"
Thanks Jesse for posting this message up for me. I can't believe that no-one is responding to it yet! I had better post up some further information I have received from a Christian Clown who is a Catholic.
********************
Differences aren't that great really [between Protestant and Catholic]. Worship style of the average sunday Mass goer probably a little conservative but at a youth festival things will be more lively.
Theologically -
Catholics believe in the Virgin Birth, they accept infant Baptism, they "pray" to the saints and to Mary ( often misunderstood as placing these equal to God - what they are actually doing is asking them to intercede for them), they reject divorce.
They are not alone in any of these things - some Christians of other denominations share some or all of that.
Biggest exclusive difference is Holy Communion. I'm sure you're already aware of the Anglican belief of the "Special presence" in the Eucharist. Catholics believe in transubstantiation - i.e that what they receive at communion is actually the body and blood of Christ, transubstantiated during the consecration (the name given to the part of Mass just before Communion).
A huge concept to get your head around! So what does it mean in practice?
It will only really affect you if you're performing in the church itself. Somewhere behind or to the side of the altar is a tabernacle - the really special place they store the bread which has already been consecrated. The utmost of reverence is expected in this area - hardly surprising when you consider the belief that Jesus is physically present there. This is why Catholics genuflect (drop on one knee) before going into the pews. They also genuflect or stop and bow their head as they pass the tabernacle.
There's a great light hearted yet serious book called "How to Survive Being Married To a Catholic" which gives all anyone could ever need to know. Most Catholics learn the explanations for some of their own rituals there.
********************
It would be great if we could share and swap advice on this subject. Hope to hear from people soon.
Last chance to leave a comment to help a fellow Christian Performer who will be performing in front of a Catholic audience for the first time this weekend.
Even if you have never posted a message on a bulletin board, please e-mail me with any thoughts or ideas. All fellowship and advice greatly received! steve@jugglingworld.biz
God bless
Steve
Post a Comment