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Evangelicals Turn Back to Ritual

Some adopt previously shunned confession, communion, Lent

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 8, 2008 12:51 PM CST
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(Newser) – Evangelical Christians are increasingly turning to long-shunned traditions as a means of practicing their faith, reports the Washington Post. In a trend some call “worship renewal,” some are reviving Catholic customs such as fasting for Lent, going to confession, and weekly communion. “Evangelicalism is coming to point where the early church has become the newest staple of its diet,” says a theology professor.

Many rituals have been modernized: some in the movement confess their sins via web postings; some take communion with bread from local grocery stores. Others have even become modern monks, living communally and contemplatively but working in the outside world. Some evangelicals, however, dislike the trend. “This isn't Christianity—not according to what the Bible says,” says one opponent.

The shift in some Evangelicals toward ancient church rituals represents a major sea change in evangelical life, says a theology professor.
The shift in some Evangelicals toward ancient church rituals represents a "major sea change in evangelical life," says a theology professor.   (Shutterstock.com)
Evangelical Christians are increasingly practicing ancient rituals like taking communion.
Evangelical Christians are increasingly practicing ancient rituals like taking communion.   (Shutterstock.com)
Evangelicals are turning to rituals long associated with Catholics to practice their faith.
Evangelicals are turning to rituals long associated with Catholics to practice their faith.   (Shutterstock.com)
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Christianity • Catholicism • Christians • monasteries • evangelicals • communion • Catholics • Lent • ancient customs • rituals • traditions • confession

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