This study delves into the liturgical practice of not wearing shoes in the church, specifically within the context of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim. The research aims to explore the historical origins of this practice, understand its theological and symbolic significance, investigate its practical implications and challenges, examine the perceptions and attitudes of church members towards this practice, and compare and contrast this practice with other liturgical practices within the same religious tradition or in other religious traditions. The historical origins of not wearing shoes in the church are traced back to ancient times, with references found in various religious texts. This practice is believed to symbolize humility, reverence, and the recognition of the sacredness of the worship space. The study delves into the theological underpinnings of this practice, exploring its symbolic significance in the context of the Christian faith. The practical implications and challenges of this liturgical practice are also examined. The study investigates how this practice affects the worship experience, the physical comfort of the worshippers, and the maintenance of the church premises. It also explores the potential health and safety issues related to this practice. The perceptions and attitudes of church members towards this practice are analyzed through surveys and interviews. Finally, the study compares and contrasts the practice of not wearing shoes in the church with other liturgical practices within the same religious tradition and in other religious traditions. It finds that while the practice of not wearing shoes is not unique to The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, it is not a universal practice in Christianity or in other religions. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive exploration of the liturgical practice of not wearing shoes in the church, offering valuable insights for both practitioners and scholars of liturgy.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

The practice of not wearing shoes in the church, particularly in the case of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, is a fascinating topic. This liturgical practice is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural traditions of many societies. The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, a Christian denomination founded in Nigeria in 1925, is one such group that observes this practice (Peel, 2000).

The tradition of not wearing shoes in sacred spaces is not unique to this denomination. It can be traced back to the biblical account of Moses at the burning bush, where God commanded him to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This practice is seen as a sign of respect and reverence for the sacredness of the church environment (Exell, 1909).

The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, like many African Initiated Churches (AICs), incorporates elements of African traditional religion into its Christian worship. The removal of shoes is one such practice, which is also common in African traditional religions as a sign of respect when entering sacred spaces (Omenyo, 2016).

The practice also has practical implications. In many African societies, removing shoes before entering a house or a sacred place is a way of maintaining cleanliness and purity. This is particularly important in the church setting, where the focus is on spiritual purity and cleanliness (Mbiti, 1991).

However, this practice has been a subject of controversy and misunderstanding, especially among those unfamiliar with the cultural and religious significance of the act. Some view it as a form of syncretism, or the blending of Christian and traditional African religious practices. Others see it as a unique expression of African Christianity, a way of contextualizing the Christian faith within the African cultural context (Adogame, 2013).

The liturgy of not wearing shoes in the church, as practiced by The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, is a complex practice with deep historical, cultural, and religious significance. It serves as a reminder of the sacredness of the church environment, a symbol of respect and reverence, and a practical means of maintaining cleanliness and purity.

1.2. Statement of Problems

The liturgical practice of not wearing shoes in the church, specifically within The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim, presents several unique challenges and issues. The first problem is the potential for misunderstanding and misinterpretation of this practice by those outside the faith community. This practice, deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:5), may be seen as peculiar or even disrespectful by those unfamiliar with its origins and significance (Olowe, 2007).

Secondly, the practice raises questions about hygiene and cleanliness. In many cultures, removing shoes is seen as a way to maintain cleanliness, but in a public space like a church, this can lead to concerns about the spread of diseases or infections (Adebayo & Adesina, 2012). This is particularly relevant in the context of global pandemics, where public health measures are of utmost importance.

Thirdly, there is the issue of comfort and convenience. For some, especially the elderly or those with certain health conditions, removing shoes can be uncomfortable or even painful. This can potentially discourage participation in church services and activities (Olowe, 2007).

Fourthly, the practice may also lead to issues of social differentiation. In societies where footwear is a status symbol, the act of removing shoes can inadvertently create a sense of inequality or discomfort among the congregation (Adebayo & Adesina, 2012).

Fifthly, there is the problem of cultural adaptation. As The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim expands beyond its Nigerian roots into different cultural contexts, the practice of not wearing shoes may clash with local customs and norms, potentially hindering the church’s growth and acceptance (Olowe, 2007).

Lastly, there is a lack of comprehensive scholarly research on this specific liturgical practice. This makes it difficult to fully understand its implications and to address the problems associated with it. More research is needed to explore the origins, meanings, and impacts of this practice within The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim (Adebayo & Adesina, 2012).

1.3. Aims and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to examine the Liturgy of not wearing shoes in the church. The specific objectives of the study are:

To explore the historical origins of the liturgical practice of not wearing shoes in the church.
To understand the theological and symbolic significance of not wearing shoes in the church.
To investigate the practical implications and challenges of this liturgical practice.
To examine the perceptions and attitudes of church members towards this practice.
To compare and contrast this practice with other liturgical practices within the same religious tradition or in other religious traditions.

1.4. Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

What are the historical origins of the liturgical practice of not wearing shoes in the church?
What is the theological and symbolic significance of not wearing shoes in the church?

What are the practical implications and challenges of the liturgical practice of not wearing shoes in the church?
How do church members perceive and feel about the practice of not wearing shoes in the church?
How does the practice of not wearing shoes in the church compare and contrast with other liturgical practices within the same religious tradition or in other religious traditions?

1.5. Significant of the Study

The significance of the study on the liturgy of not wearing shoes in the church is multifaceted and deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and historical contexts. This practice, observed in various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, is not merely a ritual but a symbol of respect, humility, and purity. The study of this liturgy can provide a deeper understanding of the theological and sociocultural implications of this practice, and how it shapes the religious identity and spiritual experiences of the believers.

Firstly, the act of removing shoes before entering a sacred space is a symbolic gesture of leaving the material world behind and stepping into a divine realm. This is often seen as a sign of respect towards the sanctity of the place. In Christianity, this practice can be traced back to the biblical account of Moses at the burning bush, where God commanded him to remove his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Studying this liturgy can help us understand the theological significance of this act and its role in fostering a sense of reverence and awe towards the divine.

Secondly, the practice of not wearing shoes in the church can also be seen as an act of humility. It serves as a reminder of our human frailty and the need for divine grace. By physically lowering ourselves and making direct contact with the ground, we symbolically acknowledge our lowliness and dependence on God. This study can shed light on how such physical acts can shape our spiritual attitudes and perceptions.

Thirdly, the act of removing shoes can also symbolize the purification of the self. It is a way of shedding off the dirt and impurities of the world before entering a sacred space. This can be seen as a form of ritual purification, a common element in many religious traditions. Studying this liturgy can provide insights into the role of ritual purity in religious practices and how it contributes to the overall spiritual experience.

Moreover, the practice of not wearing shoes in the church also has sociocultural implications. It can serve as a marker of religious identity, distinguishing those who adhere to this practice from those who do not. It can also foster a sense of community among the believers, as they collectively participate in this ritual. This study can help us understand the social dynamics of religious practices and their role in shaping communal identities.

Lastly, the study of this liturgy can also contribute to the broader field of religious studies. It can provide valuable insights into the symbolic and ritualistic aspects of religion, the interplay between the physical and the spiritual, and the role of religious practices in shaping individual and communal identities. It can also stimulate further research on similar practices in other religious traditions, thereby enriching our understanding of the diversity and complexity of religious phenomena.

In conclusion, the significance of studying the liturgy of not wearing shoes in the church is immense. It can provide a deeper understanding of the theological, sociocultural, and experiential dimensions of this practice, and contribute to the broader field of religious studies. It can also stimulate further research and dialogue on the role of religious practices in shaping our spiritual lives and communal identities.

1.6. Research Methodology

The study is on The Liturgy Of Not Wearing Shoes In The Church. A case study of The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim. Embarking on this research work, the researcher adopted the following methods:

Qualitative method of research: The research employed more of library and less of field work. The Library of’ Theological Seminary and documents from archives of online resources were also consulted for materials. The study on the Liturgy of not wearing shoes in the Church was more of empirical that involves other authors view and Biblical perspectives.

1.7. Definition of Terms

The Liturgy: The Liturgy refers to a formal religious service or ritual, often associated with Christian traditions. It typically includes prayers, readings from religious texts, and the performance of sacraments.

Not Wearing Shoes: Not Wearing Shoes refers to the practice of being barefoot or not wearing any footwear. This can have cultural, religious, or personal significance in different contexts.

Church: Church generally refers to a building or place of worship for a religious community. It is often used to describe a Christian place of worship, but the term can also be used more broadly to refer to any religious gathering place.

The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim: The Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim is a religious organization that originated in Nigeria. It is a Christian denomination that combines elements of traditional African religions with Christianity. The order places a strong emphasis on spiritual healing, worship, and the use of music and dance in religious ceremonies.

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ABSTRACT

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the Study

1.2. Statement of Problems

1.3. Aims and Objectives of Study

1.4. Research Questions

1.5. Significant of the Study

1.6. Research Methodology

1.7. Definition of Terms

Full Project – THE LITURGY OF NOT WEARING SHOES IN THE CHURCH. A CASE STUDY OF THE ETERNAL SACRED ORDER OF THE CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM

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