Worship in Exile as an ‘Essential Service’

This is an article about 'Lament.' Ever notice how much of our corporate worship is about happiness and exaltation? There is an underlying assumption that to follow Jesus will make for a happy, healthy and hopefully wealthy life on earth. But what if it doesn't? What if life derails us or takes us down an unexpected and difficult path? How do we respond? How do we relate to God when dreams are dashed and feelings are negative? The Hebrews understood this. They were well acquainted with 'lament'. 

This is a thoughtful article by Rachelle Gilmour, Bromby Senior Lecturer in Old Testament at Trinity College, University of Divinity and Mark Brett, Professor of Hebrew Bible at Whitley College, University of Divinity. Posted on Mon 30 March 2020, by ABC Religion and Ethics:

Worship in Exile as an ‘Essential Service’

"The Italian philosopher Georgio Agamben provoked widespread controversy following his recent comments on the coronavirus epidemic. He suggested that the paralysis of his country shows that people no longer believe in anything but bare life. In Australia, it would seem that our most fundamental beliefs are focused on public health and the economy. A challenge that Agamben puts to us is his stark claim: “Bare life — and the danger of losing it — is not something that unites people, but blinds and separates them.” ... 

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