LOW CHURCH Meaning and
Definition
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Low church is a term used to describe a Protestant religious movement or denomination that emphasizes simplicity and a minimalistic approach to worship and religious practices. It is typically contrasted with High Church, which refers to a more formal and ritualistic style of worship.
In a low church setting, the emphasis is placed on individual faith and a personal relationship with God, rather than on elaborate rituals or hierarchical structures. Low church congregations often prioritize informal and intimate worship services that involve congregational participation rather than relying heavily on clergy-led ceremonies. The focus is often on preaching, teaching, and the study of scripture, with an emphasis on personal piety and evangelical outreach.
Low church traditions tend to reject the notion of sacraments as channels of God's grace and may have a more symbolic understanding of practices such as baptism and communion. They also tend to downplay the use of liturgy and elaborate ceremonies, choosing instead to offer a simpler, more direct approach to worship.
Overall, low church is characterized by a more democratic and egalitarian style of religious practice, with an emphasis on individual spiritual experience, evangelicalism, and a simplified form of worship. The label "low church" is often used to differentiate these Protestant traditions from more formal or ritualistic expressions of Christianity.
Etymology of LOW CHURCH
The term "low church" originated in the context of the Anglican Church in England during the 17th century. The word "low" in this phrase is used in comparison to the term "high church", which refers to a more formal and ceremonial style of worship within the Anglican tradition.
The etymology of "low church" can be understood by examining the historical and religious background of the term. During the English Reformation in the 16th century, the Church of England underwent a significant transformation as it separated from the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church of England was divided into different factions based on their theological beliefs and practices.
The high church party in the 17th century emphasized liturgical ritual, hierarchy, and the use of elaborate ceremonies. They viewed themselves as the defenders of Anglican traditions and sought to maintain the continuity of the pre-Reformation practices in the Church of England.
Similar spelling word for LOW CHURCH
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