Between Dr. Seuss themed communion and giving communion to dogs, I didn’t think it was possible for any country to beat America at making a mockery of sacred religious services. But I was wrong. Congratulations, England. You’ve bested us Yanks with your latest venture in desacralization-posing-as seeker-sensitive-relevance.
I’m referring, of course, to the sixteen ministers who recently competed to host an “Extreme Easter” service at a UK theme park:
The dare-devil clergy were auditioning to conduct a special service at the theme parks on Easter Sunday and had to prove they were up to the challenge.
Because the special service will be hosted both on the ground and whilst hurtling around at extreme speeds, the vicars were asked to try reading from the bible as they ‘enjoyed’ the rides.
A spokesperson for Alton Towers said they were judged on their willingness to hold an alternative service, experience of varied working environments and… their ability to hold mass at 50mph. Quite a test of faith.
[ . . . ]
Young people are searching for meaning in life and are disillusioned with what they see in the established churches and this alternative would definitely appeal to them.”
Katherine Duckworth, of Alton Towers, commented: “With church attendance in decline and thousands of families set to make the most of the Easter bank holiday, it seemed obvious to bring a celebration of the religious festival to the UK’s two biggest theme parks.
“By having a vicar conduct an Easter service in both locations, we hope to bring the true meaning of the Christian holiday to the services in what’s thought to be a world first dual mass.”
Apparently, some people in Britain think the true meaning of Easter has something to do with roller coasters and funnel cakes rather than a Risen Savior. Sadly, some of those are ministers of the Gospel.
April 19th, 2011 | 10:24 am
It’s sad frankly. And yet I’ve seen some bloggers laud this as a modern positive good idea.
I must be out of touch…thankfully….
April 19th, 2011 | 10:28 am
It reminds me of the stories a few years back of the “clown eucharist” at Trinity Church Wall Street:
http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2005/5/25/clown-eucharist-celebrated-at-trinity-wall-st
Try as they might to dress it up and call it a particular type of outreach, it just seems ridiculous.
April 19th, 2011 | 11:05 am
I am glad I am not the only one who sees the value of honoring and, yes, respecting traditions.
Change is inevitable, but destruction is often optional.
April 19th, 2011 | 11:39 am
Change is inevitable, but destruction is often optional.
Blake, you are my hero.
April 19th, 2011 | 12:43 pm
This practice of engaging in empty thrills and trifling enjoyments was stolen from the pagan holiday known as “Everyday”.
Another instance of Christians claiming pagan rituals as their own.
April 19th, 2011 | 2:11 pm
It could be that young people are disillusioned with the church because so many congregations and their willing pastors are substituting such ridiculous tactics for the Gospel. Why would a service on a rollercoaster interest anyone unchurched who would just as soon ride one without the distraction of a church service?
April 19th, 2011 | 7:01 pm
Precisely, Rich. Don’t “young people” generally find this sort of thing distasteful and condescending? It reminds me of all the “seeker-friendly” youth services I had to endure in my hometown growing up, and how ninety-five percent of my Christian friends became atheists as soon as they reasonably could.
April 19th, 2011 | 7:56 pm
It’s because of this kind of thing that unbelievers think religion is a joke. And also why more demanding denominations are the fastest growing.
April 20th, 2011 | 9:27 am
I think this is an awesome story. One thing that the death and resurrection of our Lord has taught me is that we are not confined to a systematic religion, I often criticize the idea that the Lord only responds to certain methods of observation, and those methods seem more like mysticism and divination, as though we direct God with a reign of prayer beads. I receive just as much counter-criticism for being closed minded and limited to my own “interpretation and methods.” While actually my more charismatic method is releasing God from the box and allowing him to direct the spirit of those that seek to worship him, rather than pushing him into the confines of some restrictive textbook dogma. That said, I pray that the Lord reveals himself to those attending this service, and that they see that the Lord will move the hearts of believers when we allow him the reigns. Certainly relationships in this community will form around this event, and if that is there goal, to bring God’s people together in worship on Easter, I pray for the best turnout.
I can think of 2 things that would be much worse, turning your church into a seeker friendly theme park to attract unbelievers. Or spending the whole paschal week encouraging your children to idolize some furry shopping mall icon.
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