So glad I found this section

Lilly Owl

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I read through the statement of beliefs and so far it looks to be what I've been looking for in my search for congregationalism and creed. :clap:

I was wondering about this part that I copied from that section of beliefs list however.
Beauty through simplicity. Most Restoration Movement churches are rather austere, rejecting such things as candles, artwork, or stained glass windows, and are decorated quite simply.
I make candles for Christians and for prayer work. Are candles generally not something the RM member includes in their personal practice? Or is that something strictly related to the beauty through simplicity with regard to ritual temple or church?

I do love stained glass as well. The craft work is extraordinary. Story through glass. :)

I'd love to learn more.What version of the Bible does the RM prefer?
I'm on my way to other links in the section but thought I'd just throw this in for now.
 

EdwinWillers

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I read through the statement of beliefs and so far it looks to be what I've been looking for in my search for congregationalism and creed. :clap:
Great! Welcome to CF and to this sub-forum as well. :thumbsup:

I was wondering about this part that I copied from that section of beliefs list however.
I make candles for Christians and for prayer work. Are candles generally not something the RM member includes in their personal practice? Or is that something strictly related to the beauty through simplicity with regard to ritual temple or church?

I do love stained glass as well. The craft work is extraordinary. Story through glass. :)

I'd love to learn more.What version of the Bible does the RM prefer?
I'm on my way to other links in the section but thought I'd just throw this in for now.
Generally speaking (and I'm speaking as someone who attends a church of Christ), our buildings are pretty basic. It's not a "rule" nor is it a "law" but rather than focus on externals we tend to prefer to focus on the Word and on corporate worship, fellowship, etc.. I suspect some of the austere "decor" seen in some of our buildings may be a response in the opposite direction by the particular congregation to some groups who like their buildings ornate and "busy" with pomp and decoration; and I suspect some may treat their austerity dogmatically, but most churches I've attended do it because they've other things on which to focus spiritually and prefer not to be sidetracked by externals - if that makes sense.

Nothing wrong with candles or stained glass, certainly. And we *do* decorate our buildings on special occasions.

Another aspect probably has to do with the cost of building an ornate building in which to worship versus a basic structure - I think choosing the latter is a sign of good stewardship of donated monies.

...just some thoughts. :)
 
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greatdivide46

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I agree pretty much with what EdwinWillers said in post #2. I've been in RM churches that have stained glass windows but they are pretty basic. Again, nothing against candles as such and I'm sure some RM people use them in the private devotions. I've been known to a time or two. :)

As far as version of the Bible goes -- every RM church is different. The last one I attended used the English Standard Version. When I went to a RM college they tended to use the King James Version, but not dogmatically. I usually like to use whatever Bible the preacher uses in his sermons. When I was preaching I used the NIV and got no objections from the congregation.
 
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EdwinWillers

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I appreciate your thoughts. :) Thank you.

Meant to ask, what version of the Bible do you prefer?
Thanks. :)
Oops, sorry. I've always preferred the NASB for its accuracy in translation, though I'm getting into the ESV a little more these days.

There's no such thing as a standard RM version though. As GreatDivide said, some use NIV - which my wife also likes; some use KJV, and some others.

Personally, I'm not a fan of paraphrase bibles. Nor do I like "study" bibles which have someone's commentary embedded in it. I prefer to just see the Word and the Word only when I open my bible - though I do like embedded cross references and translator's notes, finding them neutral but quite helpful.

:thumbsup:
 
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greatdivide46

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I've seen stained glass in Churches of Christ and Christian Churches but its usually just a design rather than an actual picture of something. However, I have seen a Christian Church that bought and denominational church building a retained the stained glass windows with pictures, too.
 
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Epecho

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I agree with EdwinWillers in all that he has said in this thread. Lilly Owl, I appreciate your inquisitiveness and pray that you will continue with an attitude of humility.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, ...." - Matthew 6:33
I prefer to use the NASB due to it being such a literal translation from the original Koine Greek. I also like the New King James and have been using the English Standard Version more as well.

If you would like more information on the church of Christ I urge you to visit this link:
www.whyaretheresomanychurches.com

The link is also found in my signature.
 
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