By Daniel R. Vess
As the preacher steps to the pulpit the congregation applauds. A teenager is baptized and receives a stand oblation. A stirring song is sung which moves the congregation to such joy that they respond by clapping their hands. To some this is merely a joyful way of expressing our delight in our religious devotion. To others this applauding is like something you would see at a basketball game or at theatrical performances. At a Florida College Chorus performance a few years ago the audience was asked beforehand not to applaud after religious songs.
Although applause is not dealt with in the New Testament, please note that the clapping of hands in worship and during times of devotion have been known to be a problem since the early days of the church. According Schaff's HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH:
"The emperor (Constantine) diligently attended divine worship...And he even himself composed and delivered discourses to his court. ...General invitations were issued, and the citizens flocked in great crowds to the palace to hear the imperial preacher, who would in vain try to prevent their loud applause by pointing to heaven as the source of his wisdom." (VOL. 3, P. 34). "Chrysostom mourns over the theatrical customs, such as loud clapping in applause, which the Christians at Antioch and Constantinople brought with them into the church" (p. 377). Even the apostate Julian complained "The spectators at his sacrifices came not for devotion, but from curiosity, and grieved the devout emperor by their rounds of applause, as if he were simply a theatrical actor of religion" (p. 377). "Pulpit eloquence...reached a high point in the Greek church...But it also often degenerated there into artificial rhetoric, declamatory bombast, and theatrical acting. Hence the abuse of frequent clapping and acclamations of applause among the people. As at this day, so in that, many went to church not to worship God, but to hear a celebrated speaker, and left as soon as the sermon was done. The sermon, they said, we can hear only in the church, but we can pray as well at home. Chrysostom often raised his voice against this in Antioch and in Constantinople." (p. 473).
This demonstrates that the most enlightened and spiritually-minded men of the third through sixth centuries rejected it unanimously. Since these men are not religious authorities the answer to our inquiring must lie elsewhere.
Changes are sometimes refreshing. We've all benefitted from some changes in the order of worship. Are some making much to do about nothing? What does God want?
ARGUMENTS FOR APPLAUSE IN WORSHIP
First, let us look as some of the arguments for applause in worship. Some argue that the aversion some have to hand clapping is nothing more than old "Church of Christ" ritualism and tradition. Proponents go so far as to argue that hand clapping is an expedient. The general charge is that our worship is without feeling. Thus, various emotional stimuli should be added to aid us in expressing these emotions. This idea of applause being an expedient for worship will be dealt with later in our study.
Still others will argue: "If we can applaud a well delivered political speech, clap our hands in approval for a talented athlete at a ball game, and give a standing oblation for a singer's performance how much more does Jesus Christ deserve our applause"? However, this argument proves too much. After all, we eat hot dogs to celebrate a ball game. If we can eat black-eyes peas and hog jowl to celebrate New Year's Day, why not the Lord's Supper. If we would pull pranks to celebrate April Fool's Day, how much more should we pull pranks in worship unto God? If we shoot fireworks to celebrate Independence Day, how much more should we shoot fireworks to celebrate our independence from sin. The illustrations can be multiplied ad infinitum.
The point is put forth that clapping your hands is just another way of saying "Amen". Yet, consider the adulteress upon whom the priest uttered a curse. By the Law of Moses she was required to say, "Amen, Amen" (Num. 5:11-31). Could you imagine her applauding instead? The fact is, applause does not mean the same thing as "Amen" ("so be it"). If they are parallel in meaning then clapping our hands after prayer would be just the same as if we said "Amen". While working with a couple of brethren in Korea a few years ago, I found that it was their custom to say "Amen" at the end of each scripture reading. Would clapping be parallel? Many epistles end with "Amen". How do you communicate hand clapping in writing?
Additionally some have claimed that "if we can change the holy kiss to a handshake (Rom. 16:16), then we can change 'amen' to applause." To kiss as a form of greet is a custom not a command. The Bible does speak out in a way to regulate certain customs. Christians in certain parts of the world still use the kiss as a form of greeting so long as it is a holy kiss, that is, not the hypocritical kiss, like that of Judas (Mk. 14:44) or of Joab (2 Sam. 20:9) then it meets God's approval. "Amen" is not a greeting nor is the kiss a form of worship.
Since, the Bible is silent on applause in worship, we must respect the thunderous silence of the Scriptures (1 Pet. 4:11) and not to go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6). Beware of the sin of Jereboam. "the sin of Jeroboam with which he caused Israel to sin" (I Kgs 12:33: 13:34; 15:30,34). The sin of worshiping God Jeroboam's way or to apply it to our situation today, it is the sin of worshiping God our way.
WHY IS APPLAUSE IN WORSHIP UNSCRIPTURAL?
The next step in our investigation is to discover the reasons why hand clapping or applause is unscriptural in worship or occasions of religions devotion.
Applause Violates the Silence of the Scriptures
The New Testament is completely silent on the subject of hand-clapping and applause. When God is silent we are to respect the thunderous silence of God. The story of Aaron's two sons, Nadab and Abihu, serve well as examples. These men were priests of God who served in the Tabernacle as God had instructed. One day, for some reason unknown to us, they decided to use strange or profane fire to burn incense in worship to God instead of obtain fire from the altar as God has instructed. "Then Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it, put incense on it, and offered profane fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. And Moses said to Aaron, "This is what the LORD spoke, saying: `By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.' "So Aaron held his peace." (Lev. 10:1-3).
The Hebrew writer used the argument that when God's Law says nothing it authorizes nothing. "For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood." (Heb. 7:14). The tribe of Judah was excluded from the priesthood. Not because God had said, "Thou shalt not have a priest from the tribe of Judah", but because He specified priest of the tribe of Levi, thus automatically excluding priests from Judah.
Silence does not give consent. When the Bible says nothing there is a red light not a green light. If the silence of the New Testament authorizes applause then it also authorizes boos, hisses, jeers, stomping, etc.
Still some will argue, "Show me in the Bible where it says: ‘Thou shalt not clap or applaud in worship'". However, the burden of proof is clearly on the one who advocates applause in worship.
Applause Opens up New Testament Worship to Old Testament Practices
It is true that clapping was authorized in the Old Testament era. In 2 Kings 11:12 there was a clap of the hands at the anointing of a king. This however was not an act of worship. Yet, in Psalm 47:1-5 the Jews were clapping, shouting, and blowing the trumpet in praise to God who demonstrated that "He is a great King over all the earth" by defeating the enemies of Israel. In addition to these are metaphorical references to clapping connected to worship unto God. Rivers clap, men sing & play the harp (Ps. 98:8). Trees clap, mountains and hills sing (Is. 55:12).
The minute we start using the Old Testament to authorize our worship during New Testament times the floodgates are open wide to all that the Old Testament teaches with regard to worship. Could the same thinking that would allow applause also allow the instrument to be used with singing? David danced when the ark was moved to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6:14). Who would justify a dance around the Lord's Table? Whatever condemns the instrument or dance for us today, condemns applause. Why not open those gates a little wider and allow animal sacrifices, polygamy and a separate priesthood? When the Jews who were converted to Christianity tried to bind circumcision upon the Gentile converts as well as other parts of the Law, Paul warned them saying they had "fallen from grace" (Gal. 5:3). When Jesus died the Old Testament was nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14).
Applause is an Inexpedient Means of Expressing Joy
As mentioned in the previous article applause in worship has been defended as an expedient way of expressing joy, that is, clapping is a aid in carrying out the command to be joyful. Applause is to joy like a song book is to singing. Others say, clapping is like tapping the toe. Singing implies rhythm. In order for something to be expedient is must not violate the Biblical rules of expediency. 1) It first must be lawful (1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23). 2) Expedients must be an aid to a general command not an addition to God's Word (Rev. 22:18,19). 3) There is no room for an expedient when God has specified what He wants. If He commands us to "Sing", than another type of music not specified is unlawful (Js. 5:13). Clapping is another form of music other than singing. Clapping is a form of percussion music. 4) Expedients must edify (1 Cor. 10:23-33). 5) Expedients must not offend the conscience of a brother (1 Cor. 10:32; Rom. 14:12-23). Applause does not meet these rules of expedience, but violates them.
To use clapping as an expedient opens the floodgates. In the Blakey-Highers Debate, Given O. Blakey argued: "worship is a right thing to do and there is no wrong way to do it". So, why not use Dr. Pepper to aid us in partaking the Lord Supper? Or as Tibetan monks do use a prayer wheel to aid in praying. Should someone who wants to praise God with applause or whistling or shouting after he partakes of the bread, and again after he partakes of the fruit of the vine? Could one "hiss" or "boo" if an impenitent brother is withdrawn from? Why would anyone want to establish an example in the minds of our youth or others that could and would lead them down some wrong road in the future?
Applause Fails to Distinguish Between that which is Holy and that which is Common
God is holy, that is, separate from sin or separate from everyday or common use. Worship of God is in a class by itself. Only in the Lord's Supper do we eat a meal that is not designed to satisfy physical hunger. The Corinthians profaned this holy supper by making it into a common meal. We pray to God, not to Elvis. In giving, we are to do so cheerfully, not grudgingly. The I.R.S. does not require this attitude when we pay our taxes. In singing to God we are to "make melody in the heart" (Col. 3:16). This is not required in secular singing. Anyone wishing to honor the Holy God in worship must do so without debasing Him with common everyday honor such as we do when we honor a man with applauding.
God has always required a distinction between the holy and the unholy, the sacred and the secular (the common) "And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean" (Ezek. 44:23). If I were to use the good china bowl to feed the dog, build a sand castle, drain the oil from the car, etc. my wife would have a fit and rightly so. The good china bowl is special and is honored by being placed in the dining room buffet and used only at the dinner table for special occasions. There are other cheap bowls or common containers that can be used for feeding the dog, draining the oil, etc.
Furthermore, if you really want to honor God in worship, than worship Him with service well-pleasing to God with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28-29). Worship Him in "spirit and in truth" (Jn. 4:23,24).
Applause Presumptuously Assumes that God Likes what Man Likes
We cannot presume God likes what we like or what please us will please God. True worshipers please God and a true worship is one who worships in spirit and truth. "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:23,24).
Once we use what pleases mere men as the standard for worshiping God we open the floodgates to every possible personal preference. Several years ago a church in Richardson, Texas had a stripper come and perform her act during worship. The 200 plus member composed of men, women and children along with their preacher were pleased with it. The stripper said that she wanted to do an entire service to praise God in exotic dance. Those who promote the use of applause would cry out that this is going too far and that they would never do something like this. However, one cannot pull the lever opening the floodgates with one hand and try to stop the flow with the other.
Applause Focuses on the Wrong Object of Worship
About 260 A.D. there was an elder of the church at Antioch names Paul of Samosata. He loved "exorbitant praise and applause" for what he did both within and without the assembly. (CREDIBILITY OF GOSPEL HISTORY, VOL. 2, P. 666F). Applause must have a object. Do you regularly stop what you are doing and just clap your hands together for an extended period of time just to praise God or to express your joy about something without a human object? When it comes to modern day applause in worship the object is not praising God, but praising men. Approval for someone's performance by clapping their hands for an extended period of time. The louder and the longer the applause the more approval one shows.
The proper view of New Testament worship has God as the audience and those who assemble for worship on the stage. God is the only proper object of worship. Christ said, "For it is written, `You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.'" (Matt. 4:10).
Applause Supplants the Traditions of the Apostles with the Traditions of Men
A church bulletin in Toledo proclaimed that their innovative forms of worship were "breaking tradition" because "Church shouldn't be boring." Many of those who advocate applause in worship condemn their opponents for wanting merely to follow the traditions of the church. Consider for a moment that some traditions are good. "Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle." These are "traditions" taught and commanded by the inspired apostles and prophets of God. In contrast, some traditions are condemned. In Matthew 15:7-9 Jesus condemns the Pharisees for using the traditions of the elders in demanding that His disciples should not eat with unwashed hands. "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: `These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " They are condemned because are traditions of mere men and as a result they make for vain or empty worship.
Now, into which type of traditions does applause in worship fall into: the traditions of the apostles or the traditions of men?
Promotes Emotionalism and Egotism
It is a dangerous thing to presume that others have lost their spirituality because they continue to say many of the same words in their public prayers or because they always have two songs, a prayer and another song before the sermon. When one begins to think that his worship is better than that of others because his worship different in some physical way, his own is defiled because of his egotistical attitude attitude.
Likewise, emotionalism does not determine one's level of spirituality. In the Warlick-Stark Debate, Stark thought of worship as the emotion of the soul and that it might "produce singing, shouting, praising, leaping, dancing, hand clapping, or thanksgiving and such should not be suppressed by man made rules." Mere human emotions should not be used as the test of worship which is pleasing and acceptable to God. Anyone who argues: "My worship is acceptable to God. I feel good afterwards because I know I have done rightly" is putting the cart before the horse. Feelings can often be deceptive. They may tell us what is in our hearts, but they cannot show us what is in the heart or mind of God. To know what is in the mind of God we have to study God's revelation, the Bible. The Bible reveals nothing about clapping as a pleasing mode of Worship.
Our opposition to applause in worship does not exclude feeling. By all means praise God with the emotion of praise and joy in your heart, but not with the unscriptural clapping of hands. "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this...but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Lk. 10:20).