that seems to be creeping into some Church of England Services.
I bet it's American in origin - which is I suppose a touch ironic. I attended a service on the Isle of Wight and they all began giving each other the peace. I could feel that the look of horror that must have been on my face as they attempted ritually to shake my hand was a good deterrent to all but the most determined of the peace givers.
2006-09-14 08:35:46 · 4 answers · asked by Douglas M 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Passing of the Peace goes back to the earliest worship in the Christian church. Again and again Paul says to his churches, "Greet one another with a holy kiss," (in Romans), "Beloved, pray for us. Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss." (I Thessalonians), and Peter writes, "Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ."
Early Christians did greet each other with a kiss, as some cultures still do. In modern culture, the equivalent is a handshake.
There are quite a few variations on how this is done, depending on the congregation and denomination. In some settings, it is nothing more than a discreet handshake between the people sitting next to one another. In other settings, it becomes a lengthier period in which people get up and circulate, greeting and even hugging as many as possible.
It's a part of the service that I love and to me seems important and meaningful, but I know for others it can feel invasive. Huggers should try to be sensitive to those who don't feel comfortable with the peace being passed in this manner!
2006-09-14 10:13:20 · answer #1 · answered by Ponderingwisdom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
offering someone the sign of peace is done prior to Communion. it's to be a time of forgiveness, offering peace. it's especially powerful if you'd quarreled with the person standing next to you or if you offer peace to someone you don't know who might be grappling with something in their lives. some people take it to the extreme but....
2006-09-14 09:39:18 · answer #2 · answered by Marysia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's of Catholic origin, actually. It's supposed to be a testament of goodwill or something along those lines.
2006-09-14 08:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you taking the peace by any chance?
2006-09-14 08:52:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋