Comparing the Worship Theology of Francis Schaeffer, John Piper, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Thomas Aquinas

What do a Swiss theologian from the mid-20th century, a German theologian from the early 20th century, an Italian theologian from the 13th century, and an American theologian living today have in common? They’ve all written extensively on worship theology and share opinions on it’s importance as a response of the “whole human person to the God of the Bible.” They remind us that our faith is not 30 minutes old.

Francis Schaeffer (1912-1984, Switzerland), John Piper (born 1946, United States), Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945, Germany), and Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274, Italy) were all influential Christian theologians. While they lived in different times and places, their insights on the Christian life still resonate with us today.

Schaeffer, Piper, and Bonhoeffer were all deeply concerned with the relationship between faith and culture. They believed that Christians should be engaged in the world around them and that their faith should inform their understanding of all aspects of life.

Schaeffer was particularly interested in the intersection of faith and philosophy. He wrote extensively on the importance of truth and reason, and he argued that Christianity is the most rational worldview.

Piper is known for his emphasis on the sovereignty of God and the importance of preaching the Bible. He has written extensively on topics such as evangelism, worship, and the Christian life.

Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and theologian who was executed by the Nazis for his involvement in a plot to assassinate Hitler. He is known for his writings on the importance of discipleship and the need for the church to be involved in the struggle for justice and peace.

Thomas Aquinas was a 13th-century Dominican theologian who is considered one of the most important thinkers in the Catholic tradition. He wrote extensively on a wide range of topics, including theology, philosophy, and ethics.

Worship Theology

All four theologians agreed that worship is essential for the Christian life. They also saw worship as a way for us to encounter God, to be transformed by his grace, and to be equipped to live a life of discipleship. In addition, they all emphasized the importance of corporate worship, where Christians can come together to praise God and to support one another in their faith.

Here are some quotes from each theologian that illustrate these similarities:

• Schaeffer: “Worship is the response of the whole human person to the God of the Bible.” (True Spirituality)
• Piper: “Worship is the highest priority. It is the reason we exist. It is what we are made for.” (Desiring God)
• Bonhoeffer: “Worship is the response of the heart to the worth of God.” (Life Together)
• Aquinas: “Worship is the highest act of human reason.” (Summa Theologica)

Differences

While Schaeffer, Piper, Bonhoeffer, and Aquinas agreed on many things about worship, there were also some differences in their emphases. For example, Schaeffer placed a strong emphasis on the importance of worldview in worship. He argued that we cannot truly worship God unless we have a correct understanding of the world around us.

Piper, on the other hand, has been particularly critical of worship that is focused on entertainment or personal experience. He argues that worship should be focused on God and his glory.

• Schaeffer: “Worship is the response of the whole human person to the God of the Bible, and that means it includes our minds as well as our hearts.” (The God Who Is There)
• Piper: “Worship is not about us; it is about God. It is not about our feelings or our preferences; it is about his will and his glory.” (Desiring God)
• Bonhoeffer: “Worship is not a matter of emotion. It is a matter of the will.” (Life Together)
• Aquinas: “Worship is the act by which we acknowledge God as our supreme good and our last end.” (Summa Theologica)

Best Dietrich Bonhoeffer Quotes on Worship

“Worship is the response of man to the self-disclosure of God.” (Life Together)
“Worship is not something we do for God; it is something God does for us.” (Life Together)
“Worship is not a performance; it is a participation in the life of God.” (Life Together)
“Worship is not a matter of personal taste; it is a matter of obedience to God.” (Life Together)
“Worship is not a private matter; it is a communal act.” (Life Together)

Bonhoeffer believed that worship is essential for the Christian life. He saw it as a way for us to encounter God, to be transformed by his grace, and to be equipped to live a life of discipleship. He also emphasized the importance of corporate worship, where Christians can come together to praise God and to support one another in their faith.

Here is another quote from Bonhoeffer that I find particularly insightful:

“Worship is not a matter of feeling good, but of doing good. It is not a matter of emotional experience, but of obedience to God. It is not a matter of personal satisfaction, but of the glory of God.” (Life Together)

This quote reminds us that worship is not about us, but about God. It is not about our feelings or our preferences, but about his will and his glory. When we worship God, we are not simply trying to make ourselves feel good; we are trying to please him and to bring him honor.

Best Francis Schaeffer Quote on Worship

Schaeffer also wrote and spoke extensively on the topic of worship. Here are a few of his quotes on this subject:

“Worship is not a matter of emotion. It is a matter of the will.” (How Should We Then Live?)

Schaeffer believed that worship is essential for the Christian life. He saw it as a way for us to encounter God, to be transformed by his grace, and to be equipped to live a life of discipleship. He also emphasized the importance of corporate worship, where Christians can come together to praise God and to support one another in their faith.

John Piper On Worship

“Worship is the response of the heart to the worth of God.” (Desiring God)
“Worship is the most joyful thing in the universe.” (Desiring God)
“Worship is the most important thing in the world.” (Desiring God)

Piper believes that worship is essential for the Christian life. He sees it as the ultimate goal of all that we do. Worship is not just something that we do on Sundays; it is a way of life. It is about living in response to the worth of God.

Best Thomas Aquinas Quotes on Worship

Thomas Aquinas is considered one of the most important and influential theologians in the history of Christianity. Aquinas wrote extensively on a variety of topics, including worship.

“Worship is the act by which we pay our homage to God.” (Summa Theologica)
“Worship is the act by which we glorify God.” (Summa Theologica)
“Worship is the act by which we unite ourselves to God.” (Summa Theologica)
“Worship is not a matter of external ceremony, but of internal devotion.” (Summa Theologica)

This last quote reminds us that worship is not about the things we do on the outside, but about the attitude of our hearts. It is not about going through the motions, but about sincerely offering our love and adoration to God. When we worship God, we should do so with a heart that is full of faith, hope, and love.

Aquinas believed that worship is essential for the Christian life. He saw it as a way for us to encounter God, to be transformed by his grace, and to be equipped to live a life of holiness. He also emphasized the importance of corporate worship, where Christians can come together to praise God and to support one another in their faith.

While there are some differences in their emphases, Schaeffer, Piper, Bonhoeffer, and Aquinas all provide valuable insights into the nature and importance of worship. Their quotes can help us to better understand what it means to worship God in spirit and in truth.

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Worship Team Devotional