The Study Of Liturgy

The Study Of Liturgy

Completely revised to incorporate new scholarship and many important developments in liturgical renewal, this standard text remains an essential tool for students of theology and liturgy. It treats the development of the liturgy historically, beginning with Jewish antecedents, then covering the New Testament, Patristic, Medieval, and Reformation periods, and concluding with the increasing interest in liturgy in all churches today. The text deals definitively with the five central rites of Christian worship: Initiation, the Eucharist, Ordination, the Daily Office, and the Calendar. A special section on liturgical settings examines in detail the historical importance of music and singing in the liturgy and the role of hymnody in Christian worship. Reflecting the continuing trend towards ecumenism, the editors represent the Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Protestant traditions, while the Orthodox tradition is represented by the team of contributors, which includes many of the best-known liturgical scholars.Review"Very usable for a course in Liturgy. It is one of the most comprehensive texts that has come across my desk. In a multi-cultural, multi-national campus, the ecumenical inclusion is most helpful."--Sister Nivard Stabile, St. John's University"An excellent overview for those beginning graduate studies in theology."--Herbert Ryan, Loyola Marymount University"Addresses most fully precisely those topics treated most lightly in Lutheran Worship: History and Practice... The reason to buy this book is the 500-page discussion in the middle, accurately and sensitively presented..."--Issues in Christian Education"An excellent resource for theological seminary classes. Students especially appreciate the listing of resources (bibliography) at the beginning of chapters. Challenging, thorough, but easy reading. Clear and concise."--Melva Wilson, Interdenominational Theological Center"A superb resource for students of the history and current issues of liturgy."--Michael Warren, St. John's University"Best text I have seen available for a college course on the liturgy."--Robert B. Fisher, Xavier University of Louisiana"Lives up to the high standards of the series!"--Richard Kieckhefer, Northwestern University"Provides excellent historical and theological material. I will find it particularly useful in giving a comparative ecumenical background."--M. McGlone, Avila College"One of the finest one-volume works on the liturgy available today. The high standard of all the contributions, and the ecumenicity of outlook serve a beginner in the field well."--Mark R. Francis, Catholic Theological Union"Ecumenical overview of development of liturgy over the centuries--points student to the primary texts and provides current bibliographies....Would have a wide appeal."--Sr. Madeleine Grace, University of St. ThomasFrom the Back CoverThis thoroughly revised and updated edition of 'The Study of Liturgy' takes full account of recent changes in the Christian Churches.About the AuthorGeoffrey Wainwright, Robert E. Cushman Professor of Christian Theology, Duke University.