Applause in the ChurchIn response to your article" Applause in the Church", I don't feel the applause is bad manners. Worship is a time for praising God and what better way than through applause? To me it is the hands way of saying "AMEN." Times have changed and so have many churches. I will admit that at first I had mixed feelings about the applause. This was based on my upbringing in a very small, traditional, ritual oriented Protestant church. You might say that's all I knew. Upon reaching adulthood, I got a 'taste" of the uplifting atmosphere in a contemporary worship service. My feelings changed to one of praise and glory to God. Clapping your hands became one great way of showing adoration for the Lord. Also, I can't imagine our God not wanting us to show appreciation to those persons who spend hours of their time providing the elements of the religious service as our vehicle to demonstrate our faith. Who is to say it is impolite or bad manners? "Different Strokes for Different Folks." I love my Lord and I love Anona United Methodist Church and we applaud everything. If that doesn't suit your needs, choose a church that doesn't applaud but don't condemn those who are "Fed by the Spirit" through active praise. Thank you for hearing another side of the story. - Bonnie Parr
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