Disclaimer: I am only pondering things, please do not think I am leaning this way. Just was read some interesting facts on the Patristic Era in some worship books..
So, Why do we have seating (Pews), and Pulpits? We know that a Table is required for the Supper and a Font would be required for Baptism But why do we thing that seatings and pulpits are things indifferent?
Are we so sure?
What is interesting is that the scriptures puts a high reverence on the word of God and that everyone stood while reading of the word or singing of the word (Psalms). Kneeling, standing, and bowing were positions of prayer during corporate worship. They stood during the reading and singing of God's Word as a symbol and sign of reverence.
Another interesting factoid is that sitting and seating did not begin in the churches until the fourteenth Century. This is pretty late in the game.
"We should also note that standing throughout worship (which was 3 hours long in the early church) was the traditional practice in the early church period and for centuries afterward. The Western church introduced pews only in the fourteenth century - quite a late development. The Eastern church never introduced pews into Eastern church buildings. People who were tired during early church worship could sit around the edges of the building ("the weak go to the walls")" Worship through the Ages by Nick Needham
Sermons were preached without a pulpit for centuries and people stood during the worship service.
So besides the Lord's Table for the Eucharist and the Font for Baptism are we sure that other church furniture are "Things Indifferent". In the Old Testament people stood for the Reading of the Law and for instruction by the Prophets.
These are all interesting facts
The only Pragmatic reasoning I can think of is "Where do we place the Psalters for the people" without Pews..
What are your thoughts?