Why do born-agains hold their arms up in the air when they pretend to worship?

Question

seriously, I want to know why? I'm not trying to be mean.

Answer 1

Maybe it's like an antennae. Or a lightening rod to God.

All I know is that it was rather scary when I saw it. I don't mean to sound mean, but it just wasn't for me. I have no doubt that most people there were seriously worshipping God. But, I got a close up look at the pastor and saw EVIL in his eyes. And it seemed like I was more in a drug den than a church. And the people were there to get high. I just don't see God wanting people to get high on Him.

Answer 2

Same basic principle as why people sort of head bang or jump up and down at a rock concert. It just works. Also I think there is a verse in the Bible about raising your hands in worship to God ... it's like how people in other cultures bow out of respect? Just an outward display of worship or respect. For me personally, I am a dancer. I used to teach dance, I can't help but move whenever I hear a good beat (of any kind!) so when I raise my arms in the air in worship, I am either doing some sort of "raise the roof" type motion that sort of is more dance like ... or ... I am feeling very much like I want to convey to God with my body ... affection or submission, excitement. These are all things that are conveyed when (in other cultures) the arms are thrown up in the air. That posture in other cultures (greek, hebrew, italian, etc.) says everything from anger to excitement to adoration to wailing grief stricken sadness to stop stop I can't take anymore I'm overwhelmed with emotion to I love you, here I am, come and take me! It only looks weird because it's become a "habit" or a Christian "tic" that people do without really feeling or knowing what's behind it. Thus: It ends up looking really stupid and fake sometimes. ha. Good question.

Answer 3

Because they are not pretending. They really are worshiping. You could never understand until you are filled with the Holy Spirit.

Answer 4

It's just their way of expressing their faith. I've been to a lot of different churches and it seems that it's mostly conservative Protestants that worship in that manner (some Baptists, non-denominational churches, Pentecostals maybe, etc). I'm Catholic and I'm far more comfortable with the Catholic/Episcopal/Methodist style churches. Just do whatever works for you!

Answer 5

"when they pretend to worship"
What do you mean that you are not trying to be mean?
Apologizing immediately after being ugly is not a courageous approach to debate or sharing honestly.

1 Timothy 2:8 - I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.

Answer 6

Read the book of Psalms... about 146 to 150.

To lift one's hands is to signify total surrender to God in worship.

Answer 7

I held my hands up yesterday on Easter Sunday during church service definitely not out of pretense, but to glorify my RISEN Lord!! I thank God that He's given me all the reason on earth and in Heaven to praise Him for! Jesus is Risen, Halleluia!

Answer 8

Lift up Holy Hands without Doubting

Answer 9

The Bible commands those who worship God to lift up their hands. It is an act of Holiness.
I Cr 13;8a, Love never fails!!!!!

Answer 10

Some see it as a way of being free during their worship, inviting the spirit of their God to come join them and fill their spirits with joy and devotion.

But then again, I am not christian.