Seminary Life

Hello Hello. Nathan here. This is my first ever blog post =) I find it absolutely fascinating that I am writing to a completely unknown audience, potentially anyone, who may visit our blog. So its with reverence that I write knowing my words are being recorded and published online. Although, in reality, I shouldn't be too scared, its more than likely only a dozen or so people, otherwise known as friends, are regularly checking this blog. So, if that's you - thanks for visiting, it's a pleasure to have you reading!

I have just come back from our second Liturgics Workshop at ALC. I find myself, once again, contemplating the state of worship in our church; especially the practice of chanting. These workshops, you see, seem to revolve around hymn singing and chanting various aspects of the p36 and p6 Liturgy in the LHS (Lutheran Hymnal with Supplement). I guess I feel a little taken a back with the whole thing because chanting and following the p6 liturgy, as it is written, is very foreign to my previous church experience(s). I am actually quite surprised that chanting is still taught/encouraged. I thought it had been abandoned long ago as did the chanting classes I have often heard talked about by current pastors in the LCA. Now don't get me wrong for a second. All I am saying is that chanting is foreign to my experience. I don't immediately throw something out because its old. I also don't usually get too fussed with music in worship. I have often said that churches who fight over the music should not play music at all because every good theology student knows that music is adiaphora (Greek for something neither commanded nor forbidden). 

I suppose what I am saying is that I am a little surprised at the polarisation that is happening here. So far in my studies we have been taught not to over-emphasis one aspect of worship with another, but, as it relates especially to music, we should develop a balanced approach and appreciate the best of all worlds. Therefore, it seems a little strange to be thrust straight into the p6 liturgy with chanting as if this is how church should be "done". I feel like the first two years of my theological studies have just been formative work and now I have graduated to the real work - knowing and using my Lutheran Hymnal. And, again, I think there are some great hymns in the hymnal, I don't want to discount that, and indeed the order of service is a special gift handed down through the church, but, it all seems a little to rigid to say (or imply) that this is how church is "done". It doesn't seem consistent with what I have learnt so far and, yes, perhaps just very foreign to my background.

Anyhow - we all had a great laugh in class as we each tried to sing different parts of the liturgy. I have to confess that its a lot harder than it looks when you are singing without musical accompaniment! I faltered quite a few times but seemed to do good enough to pass. I think I'll need some further practice before next week!

Thanks for reading my first post. It's been fun sharing life as it happens here in Adelaide with Nathan & Anisia. We are still over-the-moon with engagement happiness and if you haven't read the engagement story I suggest you do! We love sharing it! And, we just love being in love, with each other, now, and for the rest of our lives. 

- Nathan