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Church Life: AD 150  /  Early Christian Worship  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
The lesson mentions standing (not kneeling) on Sunday as a resurrection symbol, praying toward the East as watchfulness for Christ’s return, and even segregated seating with deacons enforcing attentiveness (“no one whispers or falls asleep or laughs”); which of these customs feels most alien or uncomfortable today, and what might that discomfort reveal about our view of God’s holiness, our bodily posture in worship, and our expectations for reverence?
Another way to ask: Which early church custom (standing on Sunday, praying toward the East, strict seating and quiet) feels strangest to you, and what might your discomfort show about God’s holiness, body posture in worship, and reverence?

Direct Answer The transcript doesn’t tell us which custom should feel most uncomfortable today, but it suggests these practices were meant to shape the body and the congregation toward joy, watchfulness, and reverent order—so our discomfort may reveal how “casual” we expect worship to be.

Support from Transcript:

  • Eusebius/Irenaeus: not kneeling on Sunday symbolized “the resurrection,” and Bercot explains Sunday is for “rejoicing and celebrating,” not a “penitential frame of mind.”
  • Tertullian notes Christians were “known to turn to the East in prayer,” and Bercot ties it to Matthew 24:27, watchful expectation of Christ’s return.
  • The Didascalia commands prayer “toward the East” and arranges seating so the congregation faces that direction.
  • It also describes strict order: segregated seating by leaders/men/women/ages, with deacons correcting those “sitting out of his place.”
  • Deacons were to ensure attentiveness: “no one whispers or falls asleep or laughs,” but listens “with ears attentive to the word of the Lord.”
Discussion Follow-ups Do we mainly associate reverence with inward feelings rather than outward posture and order? If early Christians used bodily practices to teach theology (resurrection joy, watchfulness), what practices today are shaping us—intentionally or unintentionally?

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