Browsing Tag

Bema

blog

VIDEO: I'm on a Bema!

Okay, so I’ve explained the usage regarding a “bema” and how it has been used through the centuries.  Jews use the term “bema” regularly in their worship, but this snappy boytshik knows how to inform people about being ON A BEMA! Oy!

 

If you didn’t know, this is a parody of “I’m on a Boat”.  If you don’t know what that is, well… a joke isn’t funny when you have to explain it.

On the Bema

blog

What the heck is a 'bema' anyway?

This blog has existed for over two years and often people ask, “What’s a bema?”

In worship, I often use the word “bema” to describe the elevated area of the sanctuary were the Word is read, preaching occurs, the choir sings, and other religious function occur. “Bema” is a foreign term to most low church goers and Baptists, but the concept is older than Christianity.

Baptists usually refer someone “preaching on the pulpit”. This terminology is incorrect.  The pulpit is a piece of furniture where one holds notes, sermon text, Bible, etc… You preach from a pulpit. Therefore, you cannot “stand” on the pulpit.  There is more to the space around the place where the Word is shared. The “bema” helps us understand that there is more room than just the place where a preacher preaches.

For thousands of years the “bema” or raised part of a church or synagogue, has been the place where religious ideas were shared. Throughout Christianity, the bema area was /is used as the place where the word and sacrament come together.

In the same light, On The Bema makes room and is the intersection for the sharing of ideas, trends, and culture that flow through Christianity.

On the Bema is refocusing into shorter ideas, stories, and trends that involve faith and culture. Yes, I’ll keep blogging, but you’ll also see polls, statistics, trends, pictures, and video.

Be on the look out for new post and don’t forget to subscribe via e-mail to keep up with all the latest posts – look to the right panel to subscribe.