The Sacred Actions of Christian Worship (Library of Christian Worship: vol. 6)
Overview
In the past two decades the Christian community has experienced a dynamic rebirth as churches around the world have turned their hearts and minds toward a deeper understanding of what it means to worship the Living God. The Complete Library of Christian Worship brings the theory and reality of worship together in an educational, applicational, and inspirational package.
Top Highlights
“It is generally recognized that a symbol both points beyond itself and participates in that which it symbolizes” (Page 73)
“Instead, the theology of the eucharistic action was employed to argue for the goodness of physical creation; the role of that creation in redemption through Christ’s incarnation, death, and resurrection; and the possibility for Christians to participate in the new life initiated by God in the covenant sacrifice of Christ.” (Page 208)
“Christian Eucharist developed from the Jewish prayer of blessing (berakah).” (Pages 206–207)
“Chief among the considerations at the time was a desire to explain the eucharistic action simply as the means of participation in the new life initiated by God in the covenant sacrifice of Christ.” (Page 210)
“First, it will be necessary to recognize that earthly worship is modeled after a heavenly pattern.” (Page 75)
Reviews
3 ratings
Steven R Campbell
12/28/2018
Ralph A. Abernethy III
9/7/2017
Glenn Crouch
3/24/2016
As noted with previous volumes, this series takes an encyclopaedic approach, and with various authors handling the various entries, there is inevitably some differences in style and quality of the articles. I have, though, found this to be a good approach for this series. Also given that the aim of each volume is in no way independent to the other volumes, there is quite noticeable overlap when reading the full set as I am endeavouring to do. However such overlap is good, and ensures that the set works as a valuable reference for worship. This volume looks more closely at the sacraments / ordinances (including covering the different approaches that are involved with these two terms) of the Church. Each "sacred action" is covered quite thoroughly with examination of the early Church, Medieval Period, Reformation, Eastern Orthodox and Modern Approaches, and including denominational differences where applicable. For the actions various liturgies, activities, service orders are included - and are often followed by commentaries explaining what is going on. Actions covered include the "big two": Baptism and Communion; as well as Child Dedication, Marriage, Funeral Service, Ordination, Reconciliation, Anointing the Sick, Foot Washing and the Solemn Assembly. In fact I knew nothing of this last action :) This is a good book if you want to not only learn why your Church does Baptism, Communion, etc the way it does; but also a fine ecumenical resource to help understand why some of your Christian brothers and sisters do things differently.
