On Denominational Differences

The setting: a Methodist church, waiting for the conductor to start Haydn's Creation oratorio. The conversation-starter: a Methodist hymnbook. The question posed to me by my friend: What difference have you noticed between the Episcopal hymnbook and the one we use at [a Southern-Baptist-background church]?

I have noticed a difference in attitude towards the second person of the Trinity, best described as the difference between the names "Jesus" and "Christ." Jesus is the Person who walked in Galilee, Who could be touched and hugged, and Who could heal and befriend. Christ is the Lord, God's Anointed, Who is coming in glory to judge the living and the dead.

It has been distinctly odd to come from a Baptist/Bible-church background into the Episcopal Church. Almost every Sunday I am singing songs I have never heard before. Some of them do have weird theology, but then what sort of theology is expressed by the hymn "In the Garden"? The overall impression is that Episcopal hymnody emphasizes much more the Christ, whereas Baptist hymnody emphasizes the Jesus. The one depicts a sovereign and lofty Lord; the other, a perfect and saving Friend.

My experience of the differing architectures and clothing styles has been the same, though admittedly my architectural experience is extremely limited. Episcopal churches (here I am not talking about churches that rent facilities) have a specific place for each function--Scripture readings, the sermon, Eucharist. There is a specific place that is holy. Worshipers bow towards it. Baptists do follow structural patterns, but their biggest issue (from Protestant roots) is that the pulpit be front and center. The only specially sacred places are the reserved pews that are never labeled but always respected. The atmosphere is much more casual. Instead of special vestments that distinguish the clergy and lay leaders, Baptist pastors wear suits (in formal churches) or good clothes (in informal churches). Admittedly, both denominations have their choirs wear robes--but that is more along the line of school uniforms.

These elements describe two different ways to understand our Savior: focusing more on His deity, or more on His humanity. I told my friend that I have been especially blessed to come into the Episcopal Church from a generally Baptist background. I have both the personal Jesus and the sovereign Christ. That is supposed to be the pattern no matter what church one attends, but as humans we have limited capacity for focus. There is a reason that Paul and other New Testament writers constantly refer to "our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."