Happy-clappy

Happy-clappy, or happy clappers, is a term referring to a style of contemporary worship music particularly evident in Evangelical churches.

The style of worship involves joyful congregational worship songs, often accompanied by acoustic guitars and drums in which the congregation clap along to the rhythm of the song, or raise one or both hands in the air, and occasionally dance.

Christian critics of this style of worship, such as the former Archbishop of Canterbury Robert Runcie,[1] object to what they perceive as simply the rousing of emotion rather than properly focusing on God.

Supporters counter that this style is more relevant and therefore accessible to an ordinary worship congregation. They pray to the same God and are joyful of the existence of Jesus in their lives. The style is growing in popularity and in a Christian church revival to some extent especially amongst the younger worshippers.

The term has not yet been adopted by groups that practice it, who prefer to call it "charismatic" or "spirit-led" worship.

See also

References

  1. Andrew Brown (10 February 1997). "Runcie and the long melancholy roar". The Independent. Independent Digital News and Media Limited. Retrieved 3 December 2012.


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