LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

PROTESTANT REFORMATION: A PROLOGUE TO CHRISTIAN CIVILIZATION

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO

THE FACULTY OF THE DIVISION OF RELIGIOUS STUDIES

IN CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF

MASTER OF DIVINITY IN CHAPLAINCY

BY
SULEIMAN ABBA

LYNCHBURG, VIRGINIA
MARCH 2013
Abstract

The Early Church was a minority religious movement which faced significant threats of persecution in their daily practice of faith. As a result there was no detailed structure of worship as seen in the present day Christian worship. However, worship in those days paved way for the current settings of various churches which have greatly evolved over time. Worship was characterized by several aspects such as baptism, organizing prayer meetings and gatherings, rejoicing through songs, listening to the scriptures, collection of charity and using their spiritual gifts among others. Additionally, during those early days of Christianity, Christians often met in church assemblies for the ceremonial get together meal (Lord’s Supper) or for thanksgiving and singing gatherings. This paper critically analyzes the various practices of early church such as the singing of psalms and hymns, gathering in church assemblies, vocal thanksgiving, the Lord’s Supper as well as the practice of baptism.

Table of Contents

Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………i

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………………………….ii

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................1

1.1 What is Worship?...........................................................................................................1

1.2 Early Christian Worship………………………………………………………………2

2. Baptism…………………………………………………………………………………………3

3.