Another Communion Table

I understand that some might say that I am obsessing.   That is an observation that it is becoming harder and harder to dispute.  For those who haven't previously heard my rant(s), I have a huge issue with the above graphic.  It is the Communion Table located within a United Methodist church building in which I recently worshipped.  I once again recall the words of James F. White, a giant in the realm of United Methodist worship and in the worship reform movement in general:

        Show me a church that has an open Bible 

        on the Communion Table 

        and I'll show you a church that doesn't use either one.

This is beyond mere "style" or "preference."  The image above is no less than than an idolizing of a Bible.  I hesitate to us the word idolatry outright, but I would be greatly interested in a dialog with someone who claims that the label does not apply.  In recent posts dated July 14 and 16 I made my case.  But, I go to another church and see the same practice again.  I have to ask, "From what does this practice arise?"

Researching this practice is difficult, and one is hard-pressed to find any positive recommendations for this display.  There are some authorities that report that having a Bible on the Table is a Reformed practice, but a history of the custom is sketchy.  Within those communions there is currently more than a little  discussion concerning the idol-worship aspect of the practice, particularly as it relates to the impression it makes on non-Christians and those who are new to those churches.

My own belief is that it is a confusing method of appointing a sanctuary at best.  With an open mind, I ask, "What does a church say by doing this?"  Does the Table of the Lord become a display stand?  How is this particular Bible, removed from both lectern and pulpit, employed in worship?  What does this mean practically to worshipers who gather in the presence of this arrangement?

One of the worst of arguments falls under the heading of "Decoration."  Proponents would say, "Well, it just looks nice.  It's pretty.  It shows a respect for the Bible."  First, we DO NOT decorate our worship space.  Those things that appear throughout the room are appointments.  We "appoint" our sanctuaries.  That is not to say that these appointments might not also be attractive.  But they are not there because of their aesthetic value.  They serve -- individually and collectively -- to point the worshiper to God.  How does an open Bible propped up on a space that should be reserved for the Body and Blood of Christ fulfill that function?

And, I circle back to, "Where does this come from in the first place?"  I am afraid that in some churches it was a matter of someone desiring to place a memorial -- a memorial of their choosing -- in the sanctuary.  An open Bible out where everyone can see is a weekly reminder of the honoree and the giver.  Because the donor is influential or wealthy a Board of Trustees or pastor or worship committee or altar guild gives in to this travesty in the name of not making waves.  I'm sorry, but I see the spinelessness or ignorance of clergy as being a major factor.  (I have a separate rant reserved for that topic -- watch this space.)

In terms of the visual, the particular Bible can sit front-and-center and be a distraction.  But, what better optic than to have that same Bible on the lectern or pulpit and have the preacher/liturgist/lay reader physically open the book, turn to the desired place, and begin to read, concluding with, "This is the Word of the Lord!" ?

That's powerful.  That takes that copy of scripture out of the realm of the static and places it dynamically in the center of the worship assembly.

We have no way of establishing uniformity in the worship of The United Methodist Church.  There is no governing document or standard set of "best practices."  And even when our Book of Worship (or Book of Discipline!) makes a suggestion, churches and clergy feel free to ignore what they don't like, or don't understand, or what they think might ruffle some feathers.  The sign outside our buildings says "United Methodist Church," implying that our historical connection means something.  And it does somewhat when we are looking to find a new preacher or grudgingly pay our Connectional Giving.  But we have become stunningly congregational, with churches and clergy saying -- overtly or by implication -- "I'll do what I want to.  No one is going to tell me what to do."

And we end up with pictures like this.

The peace of the Lord be with you.