Worship: A Primer in Christian Ritual - Softcover

Valuable to anyone interested in the history and possible future of ongoing liturgical reform.The Jurist This text is a 'must have' resource and Peckler is to be commended for his contribution to the field.Catholic Books Review This is a good book. Pecklers . . . remains a steady and knowledgeable guide.Review for Religions Those whose task is to promote a deeper understanding of the church's liturgy at the basic level are very much in Peckler's debt.Theological Studies Fr. Pecklers is known for several excellent works on the history of liturgical development in the twentieth century and the nature of liturgical translation, and he here brings together a great deal of scholarly research in readily digestible form.The Tablet Keith Pecklers is to be congratulated in particular for his resolute focus on the forest, even as he surveys its many trees. His ecumenical perspective and commitment is evident throughout - in the historical section, in the delineation of issues and in the breadth of scholarship on which he draws. . . . Read it all!America Keith Pecklers writes with a rare combination of energy, learning (which he wears lightly) and an awareness of the complex questions that face Christians all over the world today. He communicates a strong sense of the dynamic of tradition, pushing us on into the future - provided, that is, that we are prepared to sacrifice some of the things that we hold dear, which at times are more a hindrance than a help. We can only believe and do certain things not because they are Anglican, or Roman Catholic or Lutheran or anything else, but because they are true.Kenneth Stevenson, Bishop of Portsmouth Being a trained liturgist, I have been strongly connected to the Liturgical Press and its publications for over 30 years. As a matter of fact, I have every copy of Worship dating back to 1970! It is a treasure to be able to go back and look at the growth of the liturgical movement through this absolutely wonderful publication. . . . I have purchased many publications of the Liturgical Press over the years and will continue to do so. The quality of the scholarship in all your publications is superb.Jeanne Trinque

What is worship? Keith Pecklers, S.J., answers this important theological question by focusing on the basics of Christian worship. Beginning with the definitions of such terms as "ritual" and "liturgy" he writes in a very readable style about the historical/theological foundations of worship, tracing the evolution of Christian liturgy from the earliest centuries of the Christian era up to the reforms of Vatican II. Pecklers focuses on such liturgical issues of importance in our post-Vatican II Church as: inculturation, popular religion, and the social responsibility that authentic worship requires. He also considers some key social issues of the 21st century and their impact on our worship: the break-up of the stable parish community and decline in church attendance; the clergy shortage and priestless parishes; ecumenical liturgical cooperation and interreligious dialogue; the credibility of preaching; and how worship welcomes or excludes the marginated.