Can Faith and Feelings Work Together?
Dr. Roger Barrier
Preach It, Teach It
2021
9 Mar
Dear Roger,
I grew up in a church that emphasized emotional expression in worship. If I didn’t have an ecstatic, exciting experience in a service, I felt like I had disappointed God. I now go to a church that emphasizes Bible teaching but does not encourage any emotional expression of my faith. How should my faith and my emotions affect my Christian walk?
Sincerely,
Dear Curious,
What a great question! I really struggled with that issue growing up in a mainline denomination. I heard a lot of “fire and brimstone” preaching, but I wasn’t sure how to respond. Was I just supposed to pray to receive Christ (which I did)? Was I supposed to be reserved in worship services and just stick to singing hymnal lyrics to express my faith? The only emotion I felt was terror when my Mom caught me talking during the sermon!