Pragmatism, a philosophy that evaluates actions based on their practical outcomes rather than intrinsic values or principles, poses significant dangers when applied to Christian worship. This approach can lead to a departure from biblical mandates and a focus on human-centered results rather than God-centered obedience.

Biblical Foundation for Worship

Scripture provides clear guidelines for worship, emphasizing that it must be conducted in spirit and truth (John 4:24: "God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth"). Worship is not merely about achieving desired outcomes, such as increased attendance or emotional experiences, but about honoring God according to His revealed will.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament offers several examples where pragmatic approaches to worship led to dire consequences. In Leviticus 10:1-2, Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded. The result was immediate judgment: "So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:2). Their pragmatic decision to alter God's prescribed method of worship resulted in their destruction.

Similarly, King Saul's pragmatic decision to offer a burnt offering in Samuel's absence, rather than waiting for the prophet as instructed, led to his rejection as king (1 Samuel 13:8-14). Saul's focus on the immediate need for divine favor in battle overshadowed his obedience to God's command.

New Testament Warnings

The New Testament continues to warn against pragmatic approaches that compromise the integrity of worship. In Matthew 15:8-9, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their lip service, quoting Isaiah: "These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. They worship Me in vain; they teach as doctrine the precepts of men" . Here, the danger lies in substituting human traditions and practical outcomes for genuine, heartfelt worship.

The Apostle Paul also cautions against conforming to worldly patterns, which can include pragmatic approaches that prioritize success over faithfulness. Romans 12:2 exhorts believers: "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God."

Contemporary Implications

In contemporary worship settings, the danger of pragmatism manifests in various forms, such as altering worship styles to attract larger crowds or prioritizing entertainment over edification. While growth and engagement are not inherently wrong, they become problematic when they overshadow the primary purpose of worship: glorifying God and edifying the saints.

Churches may be tempted to adopt secular marketing strategies or dilute doctrinal teachings to appeal to broader audiences. However, such practices risk compromising the gospel's integrity and the church's witness. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, "For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God" (2 Corinthians 2:17).

Conclusion

The danger of pragmatism in worship lies in its potential to shift the focus from God's glory to human achievement. By adhering to biblical principles and prioritizing obedience over outcomes, believers can ensure that their worship remains pleasing to God and true to His Word.