About that joyful noise ...

Before Christmas, we told you about the Rev. Roland Perdue giving the faithful at First Presbyterian the go-ahead to applaud during the service.

Then we posed a question: Is that OK with you? Here's a sampling of the replies. (And please hold any applause until the end.)

The House of the Lord has been called many things ... Never have I read in God's word that it is called House of Entertainment.

This morning, without having heard a word about your column from anyone at church, following a joyous singing of the Anthem, the entire congregation burst into vigorous applause. People do still read the newspaper. Ken Boucher, Second Presbyterian, Kannapolis

This young (Brazilian) man joins our service. He stands, stomps his feet, cries and shouts Hallelujah.

Some do not like it, but, as our pastor says, there are many forms of worship and this is his. I like that our church accepts those who are different. It wasn't always that way. Jackie Simpson, East Baptist

We church musicians are NOT performers, we are worship leaders. Please pass my comments along to Rev. Perdue. ... I know several members of his own choir who will also feel very uncomfortable with applause. Randy Broome, Providence United Methodist

What is next? Spiking the Bible to the floor after the pastor gives an especially rousing sermon?

Robert Yost, Westminster Presbyterian

The real question here is not so much whether to applaud or not, but whether the true focus of worship stays where it belongs.

I attend (a church) where the singing and hand clapping flows freely. While I must often brace myself for the loudness of it all, I share unity in Christ with all of those clappers and refrainers.

Linda McDermitt, Church of Charlotte

I recently joined the choir and am a recipient of those claps at times. I turn my eyes to thank God for the voice He gave me, the courage to stand in front of a congregation and sing words honoring and worshiping Him, and asking that someone who needs Him, hears and is changed by what we do.

Lynn B. Pope

Some sanctuaries have been gradually transforming from the house of God to the Ed Sullivan Theatre. John S. Sullivan, Providence United Methodist

We don't clap. We all shake our programs, which provides a collective gentle thunder of approval.

Scott Ellis, Franklyn Presbyterian

I dislike the feel-good frenzy of many of the popular worship styles. However, I respect their right to worship however best meets their needs. Just don't trash the way I prefer to worship. Mary Troutman, First Baptist of Mount Gilead

In most of our African-American churches please feel free to do as the Spirit guides - some sit quietly, others stand, shout, cry, and/or run!!! We believe that Jesus prefers outward praise by believers over lukewarm attitudes and behaviors.

G.M. Johnson, Faith Memorial Baptist