Christianity Books

Trade ReviewFehribach's study appeals at a number of levels.Journal of Biblical Literature

Read more less

Book SynopsisFaith in Action in the Letter of JamesTrade ReviewHartin is the leading authority on the Epistle of James, and it is important that he gives us in this new work insight into his understanding of this often neglected New Testament text.James M. Robinson, Director, Institute for Antiquity and Christianity, Claremont Graduate UniversityHartin's insightful study enables us to recognize the plurality of our Christian tradition, which resonates the postmodern consciousness struggling with diversity and multiculturalism. This book is a good place to begin to understand the distinctive message of James' letter and a significant contribution to the ongoing scholarly discussion about the diversity and emergence of early Christianity.Risto Uro, University of HelsinkiThis is an exemplary work, lucidly argued and attentive both to ancient sources and to modern exegetical opinion.John S. Kloppenborg Verbin, Faculty of Theology, University of St. Michael's CollegeHartin presents James as an exciting witness to the beauty and diversity of early Christianity, and introduces readers to a James they never knew before.Leonard Doohan, Dean Graduate School, Gonzaga University

Read more less

Trade Review. . . a fine resource for serious biblical study - while also helpful to liturgists, homilists, lectors.CruxJerome Walsh combines a remarkably keen eye for structural dynamics with an uncanny ability to render into clear English distinctive features of Hebrew language and syntax. . . . Readers of this book will never read the Hebrew Scriptures in the same way again.Robert L. Cohn, Philip and Muriel Berman Professor of Jewish Studies, Lafayette CollegeThrough careful examination of innumerable texts Walsh offers a comprehensive grammar of the style and structure of Hebrew narrative. His valuable insight, made available to those who read the Bible in translation, enhance an expanding bibliography in literary studies. Serious students of the subject cannot afford to neglect this contribution.Phyllis Trible, Emerita, Union Theological SeminaryThis accessible book . . . provides a welcome and important resource and will benefit both students and seasoned interpreters alike.Ashland Theological Journal

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe greatest challenge to ecumenical dialogue has come from discussions related to the Virgin Mary. This assertion is the raison d'etre behind this historical and ecumenical investigation of the image of Mary.Trade ReviewThis book would be useful to teachers and administrators in Catholic schools, to participants in R.C.I.A. programs and, in general, to anyone seeking to learn how Catholics make sense of life today.Studies in Religion. . . invaluable as a learning resource for candidates enrolled in our certificate program for Catholic leadership in health, education, and social services. . . . Thomas Rausch's accessible text, enhanced in its second edition by Catherine Clifford's comprehensive questions and glossary, should be required reading for all Catholics over the age of 50 and strongly recommended for everyone else.M.J. Marrocco, Director of Continuing Education, University of St. Michael's College, Toronto, OntarioThis second edition of Rausch's extremely serviceable survey of Roman Catholic faith, ethics, and practice has been augmented with updated bibliographies, focus questions, and glossary to make the work even more user-friendly for those who desire an overview of the Roman Catholic Church. A useful appendix includes a three-page list of places where topics in the present text correlate with material found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. . . . Rausch writes with clarity, which should make this work a fine first introduction to Catholicism for either classroom or adult education.Theology TodayAn expanded and updated version of Thomas Rausch's well-received, Catholicism at the Dawn of the Third Millennium (1996), this volume is a welcome source for undergraduate classes and adult study groups. . . after receiving the review copy of Catholicism in the Third Millennium, I decided to adopt it as the basic text for my undergraduate course on Roman Catholicism. It will be interesting to see if my students react to it as positively as I did.Catholic Studies Book ReviewTable of ContentsScripture; tradition; the Reformation; the modern age; world religions.

Read more less

Book SynopsisMatthew wrote his Gospel from his perspective as a Jew. It is with sensitivity to this perspective that Father Harrington undertakes this commentary on the Gospel of Matthew.Trade ReviewThis is a balanced, well-informed, centrist commentary, with which the reviewer usually agrees and which he can heartily recommend.Revue BibliqueThis resource is very valuable in reading and understanding the Gospel of Matthew.Saint Mary's PressThis is a balanced, well-informed, centrist commentary, with which the reviewer usually agrees and which he can heartily recommend.Revue Biblique

Read more less

Book Synopsis"Second Corinthians" is often regarded as the most personal of Paul's letters. In this letter, Paul more than once fiercely counters the attacks of his opponents. He extensively describes both the quality and circumstances of his apostolic existence: the sufferings he endures, the opposition he encounters, and his continual care for the churches.Trade ReviewThe series . . . is valuable as a corrective to previous modern commentaries that focused exclusively on historical-critical issues.Catholic Books ReviewLambrecht offers a literal translation of the epistle which seeks to preserve the Pauline reasoning and flow of thought.The Expository Times An excellent commentary.Vidyajyoti JournalThe series is excellent for those readers who do want to study seriously the text and at the same time be introduced to the theological and pastoral riches of the Word. Vidyajyoti Journal. . . this commentary is a good basic introduction to 2 Corinthians with a bibliography that is international in its scope.Society for Old Testament StudyTable of ContentsCONTENTS Editor’s Preface vii Author’s Preface ix Abbreviations xi Introduction 1. Corinth and Paul’s Visits 2 2. Paul’s Corinthian Correspondence 3 3. Christianity in Corinth 4 4. The Events Between 1 and 2 Corinthians 5 5. Paul’s Opponents 6 6. One Integral Letter? 7 7. A Structured Survey of the Letter 9 8. The Theological Significance of the Letter 11 9. General Bibliography 13 Translation, Interpretation, Notes 1. Greeting the Saints and Blessing God (1:1-2 and 1:3-11) 17 I. Paul’s Reliability (1:12–2:13) 2. Paul’s Reliability (1:12–2:13) 25 II. Paul’s Apostleship (2:14–7:4) 3. Paul’s Ministry (2:14–3:6) 37 4. The New Covenant (3:7-18) 49 5. The Minister and His Gospel (4:1-6) 64 6. The Treasure in Clay Jars (4:7-15) 71 7. The Future Destiny (4:16–5:10) 80 8. The Ministry of Reconciliation (5:11-21) 90 9. As Ministers of God (6:1-10) 107 10. Apostolic Appeal and Exhortation (6:11–7:4) 116 III. Titus’s Return (7:5-16) 11. Titus’s Return (7:5-16) 128 IV. The Collection (8:1–9:15) 12. The Collection for Jerusalem (8:1-24) 135 13. The Collection (Continuation) (9:1-15) 144 V. Paul’s Self-Defense (10:1–13:10) 14. Paul’s Defense of His Authority (10:1-11) 152 15. Wrong and Right Commendation (10:12-18) 163 16. Paul, the Corinthians, and the Super-Apostles (11:1-15) 171 17. Paul’s Foolish Boasting (11:16-33) 187 18. More Boasting: Strength in Weakness (12:1-10) 199 19. Self-Defense and Apostolic Concern (12:11-21) 210 20. Stern Announcement and Injunction (13:1-10) 220 21. Final Exhortation, Greetings, and Blessing (13:11-13) 227 Indexes Scripture Index 231 Index of Authors 240 Index of Names, Subjects, and Terms 244

Read more less

Book SynopsisIlluminating the historical situation that led Paul to write his Letter to the Galatians, this commentary pays careful attention to the rhetorical structure of this letter and its theological message. It also provides a fresh translation of Galatians, notes on each verse of the text, and a commentary of the letter.Trade ReviewIt would make a worthy addition to anyone’s personal library.The Australian Biblical ReviewMatera’s commentary on Galatians was the first to appear in the Sacra Pagina series. His introduction addresses the classical background issues that relate to Galatians, foremost being the identity of those against whom Paul writes. . . . The commentary sections are balanced and offer careful exegesis from a historio-critical perspective.The Expository TimesMatera has written a clear, straightforward, and convincing commentary.Internationale Zeitschriftenschau . . .Uniquely explained and scholarly presented, this presentation of the meaning of the Letter to Galatians, as one of the most influential of the New Testament, should be powerfully relevant to contemporary peoples.EmmanuelTable of ContentsCONTENTS Editor's Preface ix Preface xi Abbreviations xiiiIntroduction I. The Crisis at Galatia 1 II. Paul's Response to the Crisis at Galatia 11 III. The Identity of the Galatians 19 IV. Galatians Today 26 V. Bibliography 33Translation, Notes, Interpretation INTRODUCTION: GREETING AND STATEMENT OF ASTONISHMENT (1:1-10) The Greeting (1:1-5) 37 A Statement of Astonishment (1:6-10) 44I. THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL (1:11-2:21) Paul's Gospel Not of Human Origin (1:11-12) 52 Paul Received His Gospel through a Revelation (1:13-17) 57 The Jerusalem Church Did Not Commission Paul (1:18-20) 65 Those in Judea Glorified God because of Paul (1:21-24) 65 Paul Defended the Truth of the Gospel at Jerusalem (2:1-10) 71 Peter Betrayed the Truth of the Gospel at Antioch (2:11-14) 84 We Are Justified by the Faith of Jesus Christ (2:15-21) 92 Excursus: Galatians and the Acts of the Apostles 105II. THE CHILDREN OF THE PROMISE (3:1-5:12) The Spirit Did Not Come through Legal Works (3:1-6) 111 The People of Faith Are Abraham's Descendants (3:7-14) 117 The Law Does Not Annul the Promise (3:15-20) 125 The Law Is Not Opposed to the Promise (3:21-25) 134 Those in Christ Are Abraham's Descendants (3:26-29) 141 Do Not Return to the Period of Your Minority (4:1-11) 148 Become As I Am (4:12-20) 158 Expel the Children of the Slave Woman! (4:21-31) 167 Avoid Circumcision! (5:1-12) 179III. LIVING BY THE SPIRIT (5:13-6:10) Love Fulfills the Law (5:13-15) 192 Walk by the Spirit (5:16-26) 198 Fulfill the Law of Christ (6:1-10) 212THE CONCLUSION (6:11-18) The Conclusion (6:11-18) 224Indexes Selected Scriptural Quotations 234 Other Literature 243 Index of Authors 245 Index of Subjects 248 Supplemental Bibliography 251

Read more less

Book SynopsisLiving CommunionTrade ReviewChurch is a learned, stimulating, and forward-looking book that will engage both scholarly and general audiences.America. . . this is not your average cookie-cutter intro text, but rather a knowledgeable, philosophically interesting, and at points original account of the Catholic Church written in difficult times.American Catholic StudiesLakeland has written a comprehensive, constructive, and compelling work of ecclesiology.AmericaChurch is an engaging and enlightening read that should not be missed for would-be Church leaders.Midwest Book ReviewChurch is a learned, stimulating, and forward-looking book that will engage both scholarly and general audiences. The author calls for those engaged in parish ministry, and especially church leaders, to re-vision the concept of ‘church,’ practice discernment, and be open to change.Catholic Book ClubAmerica MagazinePaul Lakeland’s brilliant account of ecclesiology may well come to be recognized as the first truly twenty-first-century analysis of the Church. His study addresses the events and insights of the last decade and then transposes into a new key historical-critical readings of the New Testament, themes from Vatican II, ecumenical consensus statements, Lonergan’s methodology, and postmodern concerns. In an engaging, refreshing style, he also faces up to the Church’s failings in hard-hitting language, marked by stark realism. Finally, he gently poses ten challenges to the Church, which he deems eternal.Michael A. Fahey, SJ, Professor, Boston CollegeThis is a teaching moment in the Church and this is a teachable book on the Church. In this eminently readable book, Paul Lakeland offers his readers only what they need to know to think and talk intelligently about the identity and mission of the Church. With honesty, he describes the challenges facing the Church that perplex and polarize in a way suitable for debate in the classroom and in reading groups. He invites his readers to develop an inductive approach to ecclesiology, and in the process he promotes the cultivation of practical wisdom that can help communities respond to these challenges with genuine hope.Bradford Hinze, Professor of Theology, Fordham UniversityPaul Lakeland’s Church: Living Communion seizes the moment of a church on the brink of change and points the direction forward. He defines the church realistically through its marks, and leads us through the serious internal and external challenges to its authentic witness. Attentive to the laity, he then builds a practical strategy for moving beyond survival to revival. All this in limpid accessible prose: brilliance in simplicity. This authoritative book will appeal to everyone who has a stake in the Catholic Church in North America today. Roger Haight, SJ, Scholar in Residence, Union Theological Seminary

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis classic work, previously edited by Ronald Jasper and Geoffrey Cuming, has been a staple source in teaching liturgy to generations of students in colleges, seminaries, and universities. It has now been comprehensively revised for future generations of liturgical scholars.Trade Review"For decades, Jasper and Cuming's Prayers of the Eucharist has given a wide audience access to the treasures of liturgical tradition. By integrating recently discovered texts, rearranging the material, and thoroughly updating introductions and commentary, Paul Bradshaw and Maxwell Johnson ensure that this standard work remains a reliable guide not only to the sources, but also to current scholarship."Harald Buchinger, University of Regensburg, Germany"Bradshaw and Johnson have produced an edition of the classic Prayers of the Eucharist: Early and Reformed that every contemporary textual scholar must have. Coming nearly thirty years after the last edition, this new revision reflects the substantial amount of critical work that has been completed since then. The restructuring of the work—placing the prayers in textual `families'—allows the scholar to see more clearly the relationships between and within various eucharistic prayer traditions. In updating this text, Bradshaw and Johnson have drawn not only on their own extensive research in this area but have also mined the depth of other recent scholarship to demonstrate the complexity of current debates (including the work of McGowan, Rouwhorst, Stewart-Sykes, Gelston, Spinks, and Winkler, to name just a few). The revisions in both commentary and text reflect the multiplicity of forms in eucharistic praying in the early church and invite the student of liturgy to enter more deeply into the texts themselves."Rev. R. Gabriel Pivarnik, OP, Department of Theology, Providence College"Having a handy collection of texts is a boon, especially when that collection is more or less up to date with the status of scholarship. Let us hope that from now on `Jasper and Cuming' will really mean only one thing: `Jasper, Cumming, Bradshaw and Johnson.'"Anaphora"Students now have in their hands a reliable guide in English to the present state of research on the early and reformed texts of the Eucharist."Episcopal and Anglican HistoryTable of ContentsCONTENTS Preface ix A Glossary of Some Common Technical Terms xi Abbreviations xiii Acknowledgments xv Part OneEARLY PRAYERS OF THE EUCHARIST Introduction: The Study of Early Liturgies 3 1. Jewish Sources 7 2. The New Testament 15 3. Principal Ante-Nicene Sources 21 A. Ignatius of Antioch 21 B. Justin Martyr 23 C. Irenaeus 27 D. Tertullian 29 E. Cyprian 31 F. Apocryphal Acts of Apostles 34 4. Ancient Church Orders 39 A. Didache 39 B. Didascalia Apostolorum 43 C. The So-Called Apostolic Tradition of Hippolytus 44 D. Apostolic Constitutions 49 5. East Syrian Prayers 63 A. The Liturgy of the Apostles Addai and Mari 64 B. The Third Anaphora of St. Peter (Sharar) 69 C. The Anaphora of Mar Theodore the Interpreter 76 6. Egyptian Prayers 85 A. The Strasbourg Papyrus 88 B. The Prayers of Sarapion of Thmuis 90 C. The Barcelona Papyrus 96 D. The Deir Balyzeh Papyrus and the British Museum Tablet 100 E. The Liturgy of St. Mark 104 F. The Egyptian Anaphora of St. Basil 115 G. The Ethiopian Anaphora of the Apostles 123 7. Prayers from Jerusalem 133 A. The Mystagogical Catecheses 133 B. The Liturgy of St. James 139 8. West Syrian Prayers 154 A. Theodore of Mopsuestia: Catecheses 155 B. The Anaphora of the Twelve Apostles 158 C. The Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom 164 D. The Byzantine Liturgy of St. Basil 171 E. The Armenian Anaphora of St. Athanasius 181 9. The Roman Rite 192 A. Ambrose of Milan: On the Sacraments 193 B. Non-Roman Versions of the Canon 197 C. The Mass of the Roman Rite 200 D. Ordo Romanus Primus 210 10. Other Western Rites 216 A. The Gallican Rite 217 B. The Mozarabic Rite 221 Part TwoREFORMED PRAYERS OF THE EUCHARIST Introduction: The Study of Reformation Liturgies 227 11. Lutheran 231 A. Martin Luther: Formula Missae 1523 and Deutsche Messe 1526 231 B. Olavus Petri: The Swedish Mass 1531 242 C. King John III: The Swedish Mass—The Red Book 1576 246 D. Hermann von Wied: A Simple and Religious Consultation 1545 251 E. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg: The Church Agenda 1748 259 12. Reformed 264 A. Ulrich Zwingli: De Canone Missae Epicheiresis 1523 and Action oder Brauch des Nachtmahls 1525 264 B. Martin Bucer: The Psalter, with Complete Church Practice, 1539 272 C. John Calvin: The Form of Church Prayers 1542 281 D. John Knox: The Form of Prayers and Administration of the Sacraments 1556 288 E. A Directory for the Public Worship of God throughout the Three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland 1645 295 F. J. F. Osterwald: The Liturgy of Neuchâtel and Vallangin 1713 300 13. Anglican 306 A. The Order of the Communion 1548 306 B. The Book of Common Prayer 1549 312 C. The Book of Common Prayer 1552 321 D. The Scottish Book of Common Prayer 1637 327 E. Richard Baxter: The Reformation of the Liturgy 1661 334 F. The Book of Common Prayer 1662 341 G. The Nonjurors’ Liturgy 1718 347 H. The Scottish Communion Office 1764 355 I. The Book of Common Prayer of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States of America 1790 361

Read more less

Book SynopsisReadings on the Liturgical YearTrade ReviewThe present collection of essays on liturgical time represents the best writings of current liturgiologists on the topic. . . . [A] must as a companion to Thomas Talley's The Origins of the Liturgical Year or Adolf Adam's The Liturgical Year.Michael S. Driscoll, University of Notre Dame. . . a helpful, challenging, and worthwhile book. There is something for just about everyone . . .Liturgy Network

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Word of God at the Mercy of the BodyTrade ReviewLouise-Marie Chauvet has followed his major work, Symbol and Sacrament, with this penetrating study that continues to elaborate his stimulating combination of sacramental theology, theories of ritual and symbol, and liturgical texts. Chauvet proposes that sacramentality is essential to Christian identity and shows how language and gesture in Christian rites are the place where scripture, sacrament and ethics are realized as experiences of the presence of the risen Lord whose grace transforms his people. It will be suited for a wide readership, not only of professional theologians but also of many who are concerned to relate the divine and the human in everyday life.Gregory Woolfenden, OxfordChauvet has wonderfully succeeded in making his work on symbolic mediation classroom-accessible, clear, and pastorally sensitive. He offers a viable alternative to overly objectivist and subjectivist approaches to sacramental theology. This book, rich with examples, connects sacramental theology with contemporary culture.Susan K. Wood, S.C.L., Associate Professor of Theology, St. John's University, Collegeville, MinnesotaThe Sacraments, with its attention to presence and absence, achieves what might be called a sacramental iconoclasm, which possesses broad ecumenical appeal and resonates with contemporary philosophy and concern for praxis.AmericaIt will challenge you to think about the sacraments in the broader scope of human and divine communication, and to appreciate them for their mystical core.Liturgy Network

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn Women's Ways of Worship Teresa Berger reconstructs liturgical history from the perspectives of women.Trade Review. . . an important contribution towards the recognition of women's liturgical studies as a distinct discipline.Yearbook of the European Society of Women in Theological Research. . . splendid, careful, theologically and historically insightful writing. . .New Theology ReviewThis work constitutes an important contribution to the landscape of historiographical research concerning the relationship of women to Christian worship and their experience of liturgy.Antiphon

Read more less

Book SynopsisPolitical and Liturgical Theology in DialogueTrade Review. . . the results of [Morrill's] work should be widely read, being of great ecumenical importance and showing forth the practical importance and cross-disciplinary character of responsible theology in these late-modern times.Gordon Lathrop, Schieren Professor of Liturgy, Lutheran Theological Seminary, PhiladelphiaIn a bold, creative move, Bruce Morrill brings political theology and Orthodoxy into a challenging and constructive engagement. He has persuasively argued that the Church's eucharistic liturgy, where the remembrance of the one victim is shown to be the prayerful remembrance of all victims, is a sacramental expression of Christian solidarity and the graced impulse to Christian praxis. The book represents a remarkable contribution both to liturgical theology and to fundamental theology.William Reiser, S.J., Holy Cross CollegeMorrill has a provocative way with words, and a parish liturgy director or social justice committee member would find that the book opens new horizons, and provides new vocabulary, for their mutual dialogue. It is a mark of good writing to keep a book of such scholarship accessible to a wider audience.Theology TodayMorrill's probing summary and analysis makes this a stimulating work. Liturgical theologians will find themselves appropriately stretched by Metz's challenges and reminded of Schmemann's (often trenchant) critiques; systematic theologians will find this a congenial way to enter into the craft of probing the church's lex orandi as a prime theological source . . . fascinating, challenging and stimulating.Worship

Read more less

Trade ReviewSatterlee convincingly demonstrates that Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, was both a great thinker and a sensitive pastor. The mystagogical preaching as 'sustained reflection on the rites of initiation' that Ambrose employed in the fourth century is still applicable for the present age. In the final analysis, Satterlee becomes like the one he studied - a highly skilled mystagogical preacher. In a time when good preaching is desperately needed, this book is most opportune.Michael S. Driscoll, University of Notre DameMore than an excellent historical study, Satterlee's work makes Ambrose a contemporary teacher in the development of a model for mystagogy today. Indeed, Ambrose comes to life in these pages as bishop, theologian, liturgist, and, above all, as preacher and proclaimer of the Mysteries. Liturgists, catechists, and especially preachers will find this work stimulating, challenging, and highly useful in their work.Maxwell E. Johnson, University of Notre DameThis is a solid and useful study that serves more than academic interests.Theological StudiesAmbrose of Milan's Method of Mystagogical Preaching should appeal to all who are interested in the early church, especially the Latin-Western church, to preachers, ministers, seminary students, and those involved in all aspects of Christian formation. It is an especially good resource for those working in RCIA, since it provides many in-depth insights into the sacramental and historic background of the sacrament of initiation.Pro Ecclesia. . . demonstrates, with clear and engaging style, how cardinal this mystagogical period was . . .WorshipSatterlee's work is an excellent addition to historical studies on the practice of corporate discipleship and the preaching method in the early church. Satterlee's work is noteworthy for its unique contribution to patristics and homiletics. It should also stimulate significant discussion over the process of spiritual pedagogy as the church seeks to develop more effective ministries for the twenty-first century.Bibliotheca Sacra

Read more less

Trade ReviewThis remains an important work. Any liturgical bookshelf that is bare of the first edition should exhort its owner to secure a copy of the second. The book deserves consideration by church leaders engaged in the current liturgy debates, liturgical teachers and historians who are more often than not focused on the medieval period, and readers in general seeking insight into our immediate history and current mindset. Pacifica

Read more less

Book SynopsisLiturgy and Ecclesiology in Sacrosanctum ConciliumTrade ReviewAn articulate, clear response to those who seek to reject the liturgical renewal of the Council as inauthentic, antiquarian, and modernist…. A must-read for all those seeking a deeper understanding of the Second Vatican Council and the liturgical renewal of the Church.Timothy O’Malley, Church LifeMassimo Faggioli has emerged as one of the most insightful and energetic young scholars in Catholic theology today. In this bold new book, Faggioli makes a compelling argument that the significance of Vatican II's Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy was not limited to liturgical reform; the document established a compelling ecclesiological vision that set the agenda for later conciliar documents and the post-conciliar church. Faggioli lays out for us what is really at stake in the many recent assaults on the council's liturgical reform—nothing less than an assault on the entire ecclesiology of the Council. This book belongs on the short list of those truly indispensable studies of the Second Vatican Council.Richard R. Gaillardetz, McCarthy Professor of Systematic Theology, Boston CollegeTrue Reform is a thoroughly documented analysis of Sacrosanctum Concilium and its reception by the Second Vatican Council itself. The document’s connection with the ecclesiology of the Council emerges fully. In this way, the book provides a deep understanding of the Council in its liturgical dimension and its unavoidable call to reform the Church in order to be more faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.Fr. Enzo Bianchi, Founder and prior of the ecumenical monastic Community of BoseThis is a valuable, even groundbreaking, study for the interpretation of Vatican II. Faggioli succeeds in showing how the liturgy constitution and the subsequent liturgical reform are essential for the understanding and implementation of the Council. It should be required reading for ecclesiologists and historians of the contemporary Church as well as for students of the liturgy—perhaps even for members of the Roman Curia.John F. Baldovin, SJ, Professor of Historical and Liturgical Theology, Boston CollegeI was particularly struck by the richness and multifaceted dynamism of the liturgical reform that Faggioli describes. . . . This work is both thought-provoking and timely. Rita Ferrone, CommonwealFaggioli argues masterfully for the ecclesiological dynamic of Sacrosanctum Concilium. Hilmar Pabel, The TabletThis masterful work is a must read for any who seriously wish to move beyond the battle for the meaning of the Second Vatican Council and enter into respectful dialogue, as also for any who wish to gain a fresh understanding of the Constitution's deeper meaning for the future renewal of the church. Gilbert Ostdiek, OFM, Professor of Liturgy, Catholic Theological UnionThis is an important and valuable book because Faggioli clarifies and supports with data what many have already known (and perhaps feared) about the critical link between liturgy and ecclesiology and the seminal importance of SC for the theology of Vatican II. This book should be read not only by liturgists, but also by ecclesiologists and all those interested in the legacy of Vatican II. It is an important resource for students of Vatican II, seminarians, and undergraduates and graduates of theology. The connections made are vital; the concerns raised are important, and the insights shared provide a fresh understanding of the legacy of Vatican II. Judith M. Kubicki, Fordham University, American Catholic Studies

Read more less

Book SynopsisMusings and MemoirTrade ReviewWhat, Then, is Liturgy? Musings and Memoir has left me with a greater understanding and appreciation of the way we as Catholics celebrate our faith. It is also a timely work which should be read by all concerned with and involved in the current liturgical changes.Suzanne Sykes, M.A., Seat of WisdomThis is not your usual historical book on liturgy. It is, however, a chance for the reader to sit at the foot of a master teacher and liturgist, one who has taught well, lived the spirit of the gospel, and has dedicated his life to ensuring that history and pastoral practice enliven the faith and give us a glimpse of the heavenly liturgy.EmmanuelAnyone in a responsible ministerial role in the coming year would benefit greatly by studying these pages carefully.Pastoral MusicAnscar Chupungco’s latest book offers a needed perspective in the midst of the present debates on the future of church life and liturgical reform. With the skills of a master teacher he reminds us of the central theological concerns underlying the last half-century of liturgical changes, offers thoughtful and balanced criticism of possible gaps and misdirections in implementing these changes, but most importantly provides a confident sense of hope for the future. Like Bernard Botte’s From Silence to Participation, Fr. Anscar’s ‘musings and memoir’ give us a vivid account of the thinking of those who shaped the post-Vatican II liturgical renewal in the light of its reception in varied cultures in the years since. Highly recommended for those who are seeking a scholarly yet accessible, principled yet irenic account of post-Vatican II Roman Rite liturgical reform in an era of liturgical polemics.Fr. Jan Michael Joncas Associate Professor of CatholicThe genuine voice of Anscar Chupungco sounds in these pages—with the characteristic notes of deep fidelity to Catholic tradition, utter clarity, gracious wisdom, Benedictine humility, and gentle hints of humor. That voice is a treasure. Chupungco articulates a vital memory of the very heart of the liturgical movement and many of its formative leaders, and one slowly comes to see that he himself has been one such leader. He speaks a clear and authoritative criticism of the recently too frequent cases of liturgical reaction on the part of some Roman Catholic leaders, yet he loses neither hope nor dignity in the process. Reading this book, you will discover again the basic principles of Catholic liturgical reform and its ecumenical resonances. You will also be encouraged to sentire esse ecclesiam, to recover the empowered sense of being the church: yourself with others as you gather around the presence of Christ now in word and sacrament.Gordon W. Lathro

Read more less

Book SynopsisTheir Evolution and InterpretationTrade ReviewThe Eucharistic Liturgies is an invaluable sourcebook for liturgical studies and is fully able to serve as a standard text in the field.Anne M. Carpenter, Marquette UniversityIn this long-awaited companion to The Rites of Christian Initiation (2007), Bradshaw and Johnson draw upon their own extensive research, as well as up-to-date scholarship in several academic fields, in order to unravel and analyze the development of the Eucharist from the early church�s meals and emerging rites through to (selected) rites in the twentieth century. Rites, practices, and theologies from the West and East are carefully examined from within their respective social, cultural, and religious contexts. Along with the extensive commentary, the use of liturgical texts, comparative charts, and summaries within each chapter makes this volume an especially valuable resource for student and specialist alike.Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, Professor of Worship, Boston UniversityCan one book give a complete overview of the history and theology of the eucharistic prayer from its origins to its recent manifestations, from East to West, from Catholic to Protestant, Anglican to Orthodox, with generous quotations and insightful analogy, charts and footnotes, and an ability to make you feel at the end that you have really understood more about how Christians offer their most important prayer? Well, yes. It's this one.Paul Turner Author of Glory in the Cross: Holy Week in the Third Edition of The Roman MissalAnyone who wants a comprehensive and up-to-date history of the Eucharistic liturgy and Eucharistic theology in one volume will find it brilliantly provided in this book. An Anglican and a Lutheran teaching at a Catholic university have combined their considerable learning and skills to give us a text that will remain a standard for scholar and student alike for years to come.John F. Baldovin, SJ, Professor of Historical and Liturgical Theology, Boston College"If pastoral musicians have the money and time to read only one book on the Eucharist in their continuing education this year, this should be the book."Pastoral Music

Read more less

Trade Review"With both theoretical reflections and examples of new approaches, this volume is a key addition to considering the range of methodologies needed for the writing of liturgical history."Lester Ruth, Duke Divinity School"People throughout the ages have re-created the past in their worship and rituals. This rich and beautifully organized collection by major scholars in the field demonstrates how and why this is so in a multiplicity of ways, across times and cultures, and often with interdisciplinary evidence that points to new methods of working. It will be a classic in the field of liturgical studies and will be gratefully received by scholars in a wide range of disciplines."Margot E. Fassler, Keough-Hesburgh Professor of Music History and Liturgy, University of Notre Dame"These papers make the point that there is not simply the past but rather the possibility of many pasts and that these have implications for contemporary worship. Few people are likely to find these essays of equal interest, but the quality of their scholarship is excellent."James Dallen, Catholic Books Review"This book occupies an essential place in the field of liturgical theology by revising and updating the historical liturgical methodologies. One of the indispensable readings for scholars and researchers in the field of history and liturgy today."Studies in Liturgy"This splendid volume ought to be required reading for any serious student of liturgical history. Its authors open new and challenging doors of inquiry that allow us to contemplate the rich diversity of our liturgical past. In so doing they also help us gain valuable perspectives for contemporary liturgical practice."Worship"The editors have allowed idiosyncrasies between the contributions to exist as they are. They do not force a unified agenda; rather, their volume fosters reflection and conversation precisely because multiple perspectives are given their due space. Only through such dialogue can one obtain a more accurate reading of currents within the field."Ecclesia Orans

Read more less

Trade Review"A crucially important introduction to liturgical studies from two experts in the field. Their collaborative effort succeeds at being both vastly informative and surprisingly succinct; it is rooted in a deep knowledge of historical developments but also in an attentiveness to new ways of inquiring into liturgy. The book is bound to become a foundational text."Teresa Berger, Professor of Liturgical Studies and Thomas E. Golden Jr. Professor of Catholic Theology, Yale Divinity School "This text will serve as an important reference in liturgical science for years to come. Professors Gerhards and Kranemann are to be commended for offering us this foundational work, and for reminding us therein that by its very nature, liturgy is never lived in a vacuum but is always in dialogue with and shaped by contemporary culture and society, as the Church continues to grow locally and globally, faithfully in her service to the Gospel of Christ.Ecclesia Orans "Not exactly a text book for beginners, it is nevertheless as inviting and absorbing as it is challenging."Anaphora"Here two renowned scholars, Albert Gerhards and Benedikt Kranemann, attempt to bring together the essential elements for an introduction to liturgical studies. They do so with brilliance. This book should now be considered a work of reference. It is sensitive to contexts and history, written in an interdisciplinary way—in short, essential to its field."Gilles Routhier, Professor and Dean of Theology and Religious Sciences, Université Laval Québec, Canada "Gerhards and Kranemann not only offer a basis for gathering knowledge about liturgy, but also a sound approach to study it. A valuable and timely contribution to the ongoing efforts to promote the importance of the liturgy at different levels, including theology, the mission of the Church, and people's lives."Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses "Richly rewarding for any reader who seeks an ever-deeper appreciation and grounding in the liturgy of our faith tradition."Grace & Truth"This comprehensive volume, written in a very accessible style by two of Germany's foremost liturgical scholars, breaks new ground in the field of liturgical studies and will serve as an indispensable resource for years to come. The authors raise important theological and methodological questions about worship's function within ecclesial life and in the wider context of the ever-changing social and multicultural landscape of the twenty-first century."Keith F. Pecklers, SJ, Pontifical Gregorian University and Pontifical Liturgical Institute"For the first time, this important work by prominent German liturgists Albert Gerhards and Benedikt Kranemann has been made readily available to English-speaking readers. True to the tradition of Liturgical Press, which has brought significant liturgical works from European scholars to wider audiences since its founding, Linda M. Maloney offers her translation of an informative and comprehensive volume attending to the history, theology, and pastoral practice of the liturgy. Gerhards and Kranemann's Introduction to the Study of Liturgy provides an excellent foundational resource for those interested in liturgical studies while exposing readers to the best in contemporary German scholarship."Katharine E. Harmon, Assistant Professor of Theology, Marian University"Absolutely essential for anyone studying the basics of worship in the Roman Catholic tradition. This valuable survey of the cultural and theological foundation of divine worship gives a contemporary and refreshing perspective to the most sublime work of the Church."Catholic Library World"There is much to praise about this book."Worship"This is a comprehensive presentation of the scholarly study of Catholic liturgy. It is a suitable textbook for graduate students. It will continue to be useful as a reference book."Catholic Press Association award, third place"The modest title of this book may mislead the reader. `Introduction' is an understatement; a better description would be a `foundational text' for the field of liturgical studies."Homiletics"A foundational text in many liturgy classes at the graduate level."Religious Studies ReviewTable of ContentsContentsIntroduction xiii1. Liturgy in Its Social Context 1 1.1 Christian Liturgy and the Multiplicity of Liturgical Celebrations 1 1.2 “Liturgy”—History of an Idea 6 1.3 The Rediscovery of the Ritual Dimension of Liturgy 11 1.4 The Complex Field of Liturgy as the Subject of Liturgics 172. History, Outline, and Methods of Liturgics 19 2.1 Liturgics from Within 19 2.2 Historical Development of the Study of Liturgics 20 2.2.1 Explanations of Liturgy in the Ancient Church and in the Middle Ages 23 2.2.1.1 Early Christian Examples of Reflection on Christian Worship 23 2.2.1.2 Medieval Explanations of Liturgy 27 2.2.2 Humanist Collections of Liturgical Resources and Commentaries 30 2.2.3 Rubricism in the Early Modern Era 31 2.2.4 Shift to an Independent Discipline of “Liturgics” 33 2.2.4.1 Liturgics since the Eighteenth Century 33 2.2.4.2 The Beginning of Handbooks in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries 37 2.2.5 Objectives of the Study of Liturgics in the Early Twentieth Century 38 2.2.5.1 Multiple Methods in Liturgical Study 39 2.2.5.2 Liturgics as a Theological Discipline 46 2.2.5.3 Pastoral Liturgy’s Promotion of Liturgical Life 49 2.2.6 Evaluation of the Discipline of Liturgics by the Second Vatican Council and in the Postconciliar Period 51 2.2.7 Liturgics Today 52 2.2.7.1 Liturgy in a Changed Ecclesial and Social Context 52 2.2.7.2 Consequences for Method 58 2.3 How Should We Interpret Liturgy? 723. Historical Sketch of the Roman Liturgy 80 3.1 Study of the History of Liturgy as a Central Task of Liturgics 80 3.2 Jewish Liturgy and Earliest Christian Worship 86 3.2.1 Jewish Worship in Jesus’ World 86 3.2.2 The Beginnings of Christian Worship 90 3.2.3 Jewish and Christian Worship 92 3.2.4 Early Christian Liturgy as Attested by Selected Sources 95 3.3 Origins of the Roman Rite 100 3.3.1 Liturgical Language from Greek to Latin 100 3.3.2 Sources of Early Roman Liturgy 101 3.3.3 The Roman Bishop’s Mass around 700 105 3.3.4 Essential Features of the Roman Liturgy 108 3.4 Liturgical Centers in Late Antiquity 109 3.4.1 The Jerusalem Liturgy 109 3.4.2 The Liturgies of the Eastern Patriarchates 111 3.4.3 Non-Roman Western Liturgies 112 3.5 Adaptation of Roman Liturgy North of the Alps 114 3.5.1 Backgrounds in the History of Dogma: Defense against Arianism 114 3.5.2 Changing Images of Christ and Consequences for Devotion in Relation to Liturgical Prayer and Festal Cycles 115 3.5.3 Endurance of the Roman Liturgy 118 3.5.4 Continuity and Change in the “Roman” Liturgy 121 3.6 Basic Features of the Liturgy in the High and Late Middle Ages; the Liturgy of the City of Cologne as an Example 123 3.7 Liturgy in the Period of the Reformation and the Catholic Reform 128 3.7.1 The Medieval Heritage 128 3.7.2 The Century before the Reformation 130 3.7.3 A Reforming Project on the Eve of the Reformation: The Libellus ad Leonem X (1513) 131 3.7.4 The Reformers’ Liturgical Reforms, with the Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper as an Example 133 3.7.5 The Catholic Reform’s Understanding of the Liturgy 137 3.8 Initiatives toward Liturgical Reform during the Enlightenment 139 3.8.1 Goals and Content of Liturgical Reform in the Enlightenment Era 140 3.8.2 Intellectual and Spiritual Background and Reforming Program: The Synod of Pistoia as an Example 143 3.9 Liturgical Currents in the Age of the Restoration 146 3.9.1 Church Music as “Sacred Art” 147 3.9.2 Development of Church Music in the Nineteenth Century 149 3.9.3 The Cecilia Movement and Increased Centralization 151 3.9.4 From Restoration to Liturgical Movement 152 3.10 The Liturgical Movement and Renewal 153 3.10.1 Personalities and Centers of the Liturgical Movement 153 3.10.2 Principles and Results of the Liturgical Reform at Vatican II 158 3.10.3 Limits of Reform and Future Prospects 1644. Theology of the Liturgy 169 4.1 Liturgy as Assembly in the Presence of God 169 4.1.1 Assembly as an Anthropological Phenomenon 169 4.1.2 Liturgy as an Assembly Summoned by God 171 4.1.3 Celebration of Liturgy in a Structured Assembly 174 4.1.4 Listening and Responding as Fundamental Human Actions in the Liturgical Assembly 175 4.1.5 Gathering of the Community—Gathering of the Church 177 4.1.6 The Making-Present of Salvation History in the Symbolic Actions of Liturgy 179 4.2 Theo-logy 181 4.2.1 Encounter with the Personal God 181 4.2.2 Doxological Address to God 182 4.2.3 The God of History 184 4.2.4 God Images in Liturgy 185 4.3 Christology 189 4.3.1 Liturgical Prayer “to Christ” (ad Christum)—“through Christ” (per Christum) 191 4.3.2. Liturgy as Celebration of the Paschal Mystery 194 4.3.3 Presence of Christ in the Liturgy 199 4.4 Pneumatology 204 4.4.1 Liturgy as an Event Effected by the Spirit 204 4.4.2 Doxology, Epiclesis, Invocation 206 4.4.3 Laying-on of Hands and Anointing as Demonstrative Actions 210 4.4.4 The Holy Spirit in the Liturgy’s Poetic Texts 212 4.5 Liturgy and the Economy of Salvation 218 4.5.1 Temporal Modes of Liturgy and Participation in the Divine Economy of Salvation 218 4.5.2 The Dimension of Memory in the Liturgy 222 4.5.3 The Dimension of Expectation in the Liturgy 225 4.6 Community Liturgy and Heavenly Liturgy 226 4.6.1 Heavenly Liturgy as Glorifying God 226 4.6.2 The Earthly Liturgy’s Participation in the Eschatological Heavenly Liturgy 227 4.6.3 Earthly Liturgy in Eschatological Tension 230 4.7 The Person in the Liturgy 231 4.7.1 Sanctification of the Human Person in the Liturgy 231 4.7.2 Alteration of Human Reality 234 4.7.3 “One” in Christ: The Inclusive Image of Humanity 237 4.7.4 Human Physicality and the Liturgy 238 4.8 Liturgy and the Christian Life 240 4.8.1 Remembered Salvation History and Diaconal Action 240 4.8.2 Liturgical Anticipation of Salvation and Christian Options for Action 243 4.8.3 The Mutual Relationship of Liturgy and Diakonia 2435. Forms and Methods of Expression in Worship 247 5.1 Sacred Scripture in the Liturgy 247 5.1.1 The Significance of Biblical Texts in Liturgy 247 5.1.2 Biblical Books as Sacred Scripture 250 5.1.3 The Use of Biblical Texts in Liturgy 252 5.1.4 The Reception of Biblical Texts in Worship 257 5.1.5 Intertextuality of Biblical Texts in the Liturgy 262 5.2 Prayer in the Liturgy 266 5.2.1 Prayer in the Tension between Life Experience and Faith Tradition 266 5.2.2 Origins of Liturgical Prayer 269 5.2.3 God’s “Today” in the Synthesis of Time: Collapsing of Past and Future in the Now 270 5.2.4 Fundamental Theological Structures of Jewish-Christian Methods of Prayer 272 5.2.5 Forms and Formulae of Liturgical Prayer 275 5.2.5.1 Oration (Collect) 276 5.2.5.2 Structure of the Eucharistic Canon 277 5.2.5.3 Doxologies 280 5.2.5.4 Acclamations 282 5.2.5.5 Litanies 283 5.2.6 Prayer in Action: Postures and Gestures 284 5.3 The Language of Liturgy 287 5.3.1 Language as Means of Liturgical Expression 287 5.3.2 History of Language in the Worship of the Catholic Church 293 5.3.3 Liturgical Language at Vatican II and in the Postconciliar Liturgical Reform 299 5.4 Music and Hymnody in the Liturgy 307 5.4.1 Singing as an Integral Part of Liturgy 307 5.4.2 Liturgical-Theological Context of the Question 309 5.4.3 Music as Art of Time and Space 310 5.4.4 Determining the Use of Music in Worship 311 5.4.5 The “Repertoire” of Liturgical Song and Church Music 313 5.4.6 “Pop Music” and Liturgy 316 5.4.7 Theological Basis for Singing in Worship 317 5.5 Sign and Sign-Character of the Liturgy 320 5.5.1 Sign-Character of Worship 320 5.5.2 The Liturgical Space 324 5.5.3 Liturgical Places 328 5.5.3.1 The Altar 328 5.5.3.2 The Ambo 331 5.5.3.3 The Font 333 5.5.4 Vessels and Utensils 335 5.5.5 Vestments and Textiles 338

Read more less

Trade ReviewThis study of the ancient catechumenate in the first edition was already helpful to many people who were working for the initiation of new Christians because it provided a way to see the practical pastoral reality of their work from the point of view of another culture in another time. This revision has benefitted not only from many reviewers' comments about that first edition but also from more than twenty years of Bill's teaching, preaching, discussing, and celebrating the sacraments of initiation. -From the foreword by Allan Fitzgerald, OSA"Harmless has once more produced a very readable descriptive history with broad appeal that is of value to experts but deliberately written in a style that is accessible to nonspecialists."Paul R. Kolbet, Catholic Historical Review"This landmark book is a mini-course in why catechumenate remains so promising for the Church's future. It should be in the hands of all responsible for shaping initiation ministry."Michael Cameron, associate professor at the University of Portland, Pastoral Liturgy"Harmless has scourged the corpus of Augustine to find every scrap of evidence useful for understanding his catechumenate; these sources are summarized in a series of helpful charts, enabling the interested reader to delve easily into the original texts themselves. Bill was a master teacher; that skill is evident in this book not least of all in the clarity of his exposition and in the pedagogical care with which the material is presented."Mark DelCogliano, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota, American Benedictine Review

Read more less

Trade Review"With world-class liturgical scholars offering creative, tradition-steeped essays on the ecological imaginaries made and possible in practices of worship, this is a milestone volume."Willis Jenkins, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Virginia"Once again, the Institute of Sacred Music at Yale and Liturgical Press have provided us with a rich ecumenical collection of essays drawn from an important colloquium, this one about the manifold ways Christian liturgy locates us on our wounded planet and shapes our understanding of the cosmos. Many of the essays here will become classics, worthy of repeated reference—those on Daniel 3, on bread, on Laudato Sií, on environmental care in Eastern Orthodoxy, and on `dust wisdom,� among many other examples. But the magisterial introduction by Teresa Berger, outlining the roots and the sweep of this urgent topic, is itself an important reason to read the book."Gordon W. Lathrop, Author of Holy Ground: A Liturgical Cosmology, Past-President, Societas Liturgica"Berger’s introduction is masterful in situating the conference theme within the growing interdisciplinary ecclesial concern for the environment. Her editing is rigorous, with each essay well footnoted, and the book concludes with a subject index that includes biblical references. Recommended to seminary libraries.”Catholic Library World"The essays comprising this book provide rich fare for all who see environmental degradation as an issue for faith, theology, and worship.”Worship"Teresa Berger�s editorial achievement in so skillfully arranging the collection is a work of creation in its own right. Especially in the context of covid-19, when touch, contact, materiality, relationships with our environment and worship itself have been radically disrupted, these timely essays provide rich subject matter for new and important conversations."Modern Believing"This coherent collection will be of interest to liturgical historians, clergy, theologians and musicians seeking historical, theological, and practical resources to develop liturgies that help Christians become aware of the theological grounding for their role in relating to and caring for the natural world."Religious Studies ReviewTable of ContentsContents Foreword: Martin D. JeanIntroduction: Teresa BergerChapter 1 Naming the World: Liturgy and the Transformation of Time and Matter with Some Highlights from the Question and Answer Session =that Followed Rowan Williams’s Keynote Address: Rowan Williams �Part One: BIBLICAL AND HISTORICAL ASPECTSChapter 2 “Bless the Lord, Fire and Heat”: Reclaiming Daniel’s Cosmic Liturgy for Contemporary Eco-Justice: Anathea Portier-YoungChapter 3 “The Firstfruits of God’s Creatures”: Bread, Eucharist, and the Ancient Economy: Andrew McGowanChapter 4Salvator Mundi: Visualizing Divine Authority: Felicity Harley-McGowanChapter 5 Night or Dawn? Easter Night in Light of Cosmos and Creation: Duco VollebregtChapter 6 The Six Evenings of Creation in the Hymns of the Roman Breviary: Peter JefferyChapter 7 Rogationtide and the Secular Imaginary: Nathan J. RistucciaChapter 8 The Cosmos and the Altar in Hildegard’s Scivias and Select Sequence Texts: Margot E. FasslerChapter 9 Cum angelis et archangelis: Singing a Sacramental Cosmology in the Medieval Christian West: M. Jennifer Bloxam �Part Two: THEOLOGICAL-LITURGICAL PERSPECTIVESChapter 10 The World as Christ’s Body: Problems and Possibilities: David GrumettChapter 11 Fruit of the Earth, Work of Human Hands, Bread of Life: The Ordo Missae on Creation and the World: Joris GeldhofChapter 12 Sacramental Theology after Laudato Si’: Kevin W. IrwinChapter 13 A Spring of Blessing: Creation and Sanctification in Byzantine Liturgy and Piety: Nicholas Denysenko �Part Three: REFLECTIONS ON CONTEMPORARY PRACTICESChapter 14 The First of September: Environmental Care and Creation Day: Bert GroenChapter 15 Troubled Waters, Troubling Initiation Rites: Mary E. McGannChapter 16 Wisdom’s Buried Treasure: Ecological Cosmology in Funeral Rites: Benjamin M. StewartChapter 17 Liturgical Free Association with Symbiopsychotaxiplasm:Take One: Gerald C. Liu List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Trade Review"Patrick Henry, who has lived and worked among Benedictine men and women for many years, is offering us a refreshing and realistic look at the way that ancient Benedictine values are lived in the world today. At a time when so many societies are damaged by divisive ideology, naked greed, and lust for power, this book helps us to see there is another way. In these pages we find monastics--ordinary people living an extraordinary life of prayer and community--who make us realize that grounding oneself in love and hospitality is not ancient, but always new, and more relevant than ever."Kathleen Norris, author of The Cloister Walk and Acedia & Me: A Marriage, Monks, and a Writer's Life"From a person deeply engaged in Benedictine communities comes this learned reflection on the charism of this Christian tradition. Patrick Henry has aptly described the 'rootedness and far-ranging adventure' of the Benedictines. Rather than withdrawing from the world, these vowed Christians engage it with humor, stability, interfaith curiosity, and their life of prayer, a pathway of generative living. Readers will be drawn to this vision of expressed faith, especially since the wisdom of the Benedictines is not relegated solely to cloistered life. It is for the world, truly."Molly T. Marshall, PhD, President, United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities"Here is a vigorous, optimistic exposition of the contemporary Benedictine charism. This is a book for which we should all be grateful. It makes for energizing and encouraging reading. Written equally for monastic and non-monastic, we are given a survey which shows the development and expansion of Benedictine options in today's world."Esther de Waal, author of The Way of Simplicity"Patrick Henry's new book expands the growing literature on living the Rule of St. Benedict for ordinary people. He points out many options in the Rule that could apply to anyone: listening, hospitality, discipline, persistence, and reminds us that for Benedict the monastery was a lay community. Laypeople wanting to deepen their faith and Christian living will find much valuable guidance in this well-written book."William O. Paulsell, author of Longing for God: An Introduction to Christian Mysticism"Patrick Henry breaks open the essence of Benedictinism to the modern world. He provides the elements of a world imbedded in the basics of life when the rest of the world tilts toward its extremes. He gives us vectors to steer by—community, tradition, hospitality, productivity, and stewardship, as well as an immersion in the spiritual heart of life. He presents Benedictinism as a mirror to the world around it as it defines and redefines itself from age to age."Joan Chittister, OSB“Benedictinism is of the substance of every now. It takes life as it is and gives it goals to achieve from one culture to the next. And it is exactly there that Henry breaks open the essence of Benedictinism to the modern world. He shows us the elements of a spiritual tradition that is imbedded in the basics of life when the rest of the world tilts toward its extremes. He gives us Benedictine vectors to steer by—community, tradition, hospitality, productivity and stewardship—as well as an immersion in the spiritual heart of life. He presents Benedictinism as a mirror to the world around it as it defines and redefines itself from age to age.”Joan Chittister, National Catholic Reporter "I am so grateful to Patrick Henry for writing this book as a reflection on and response to Rod Dreher’s The Benedict Option. Henry reads Dreher’s work with a deserved critical eye and ear, helping the reader to take the questions that concern Dreher seriously. However, he simultaneously challenges the monochromatic view of the 'Benedict option' that Dreher insists on and shares his experiences of the many different ways to live a faithful Christian life following the Rule of Benedict. Henry’s is a generous, capacious view of human faithfulness to the Gospel in the midst of the real and actual world we find ourselves in."Abbot John Klassen, OSB "I loved this book. I expected to find Benedictine gems in it. I wasn't disappointed. Highly recommended!"Tui Motu Magazine"The most intriguing chapter is the concluding where Henry animates what he has been building up to: that 'Benedictine options depend on evidence of the actual lives of real Benedictines.' Here he focuses briefly on the lives of Sister Jeremy Hall, OSB, and Father Godfrey Diekmann, OSB, and in a review of lessons of this son and daughter of Saint Benedict, Henry leaves the reader with the sure knowledge that the school of experience is the best teacher."Catholic Books Review"Henry, intimately familiar with the Rule and Benedictine life, draws deeply in his research. His lively book is warmly recommended for all libraries collecting in religious life and spirituality."Catholic Library World"This is a profound and thought provoking book. Every monastic and oblate would benefit from spending time and thought with this book."The American Monastic Newsletter"Those seeking a rootedness in their faith and practice, integrated with a flexibility to deal with the unpredictability of daily life, will find in these pages a solid, broad-based assessment of Benedictine monasticism and its continuing value in the twenty-first century."Today's American Catholic"Benedictine Options is Patrick Henry's appreciative and vigorous defense of the many Benedictines he has known. It is from observation of their lives that one gains insight into the spiritual life that is not taught but caught. One gets it through contagion."Dana Greene, National Catholic Reporter"Henry draws together insights from theology, ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, and history. He combines these with his long involvement with Benedictines to present a broad, positive vision of the Benedictine charism. His work, grounded in solid scholarship and broad experience, offers a wealth of practical insight to all who are part of the Benedictine family."Benedictines Magazine"This is the type of book that can profitably be opened randomly to nearly any page."Journal of Social Encounters“Brilliant. A clear and forceful counter to Rod Dreher’s severely flawed and utterly simplistic book The Benedict Option.”Kevin W. Irwin, WorshipTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgments ixPart One: Option or Options 1 Chapter One: Where the Benedictine Charism Isn’t 7 Chapter Two: How the Benedictine Charism Is 23Part Two: Tradition and Traditions 39 Chapter Three: Long Ago 43 Chapter Four: A Wagonload of Trouble 61Part Three: Bungee Cord Theology 75 Chapter Five: Other Christians 80 Chapter Six: Other Religions 94Part Four: The World of Many Colors 107 Chapter Seven: Sea Ebbs, Bell Clangs 115 Chapter Eight: Learning from Father Godfrey and Sister Jeremy 131 Notes 146 Note on the Cover 160

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less

Book SynopsisExtraterrestrials and Christian RevelationTrade ReviewThomas O’Meara is a Catholic theologian of international reputation and exceptional breadth of vision. In Vast Universe, he has produced a study of singular significance on what could at any time emerge as possibly the most important issue that the Catholic Church has ever faced. His volume provides readers with faithful analyses of the views of prominent thinkers from many cultures and many centuries.Michael J. Crowe, Cavanaugh Professor Emeritus at the University of Notre Dame and author of The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, Antiquity to 1915: A Source BookVast Universe is written in the clear, concise, and accessible style that characterizes all of O'Meara's work. Here it is suitable for upper-division undergraduates. Susie Paulik Babka, University of San Diego, Horizons

Read more less

Trade Review"Carter's thoughtful and nuanced interpretation of the Gospel of Mark is a welcome addition to the distinctive Wisdom Commentary series. Reading the Gospel alongside recent insights from both masculinity studies and feminist scholarship, Carter ensures a fresh consideration at this ancient text. The reader will profit from the author's deep expertise on life under Roman imperial rule combined with his sensitive intersectional analysis of the Gospel."Colleen M. Conway, Professor of Religious Studies, Seton Hall University"Warren Carter's Wisdom commentary on Mark is a worthy complement to other important interpretations. It is deep, technical, and yet not inaccessible for the non–specialist. It opens our eyes to questions that are often left unexamined. It is also a reminder that white men (including me) can be allies to women scholars, but we can even be feminist in our perspectives when it comes to Scripture."Ponderings on a Faith Journey"Carter focuses especially on what he terms `hegemonic masculinity,' which involves a systematic assertion of masculine domination. True to his stated purpose, Carter works his way through the entire gospel, demonstrating how attention to the biblical text's assumptions about gender and power relations can reveal latent meaning within the text and its significance for our circumstances. This commentary, therefore, is at heart the demonstration of an important and emerging method."The Bible Today“Not intended simply as a ‘reading book, it is for the serious student of Scripture. As a reference it must surely stand among the classics of biblical scholarship. Everyone approaches the biblical text with personal history, opinions, and prejudices, and every reader will have quibbles with aspects of this interpretation. But there are valuable and much-needed riches to be found in these pages and in the abundant references therein.”Catholic Library World"This Mark commentary fits well in the purpose of the series. It shows the author's familiarity with feminist biblical scholarship, offers a good balance between surveying previous scholarship and trying to contribute to the discussion, and tries to find a middle way in sorting out the various options there are for interpreting a particular passage."Louvain Studies"For those especially interested in postcolonial studies, this re-reading of Mark will prove to be a valuable resource."Journal for the Study of the New Testament"An insightful commentary that will contribute to Markan studies."Interpretation"Those interested in a detailed feminist interpretation of the whole of Mark's Gospel that attends to the text in both its original setting and its possible application today will find Carter's commentary a welcome addition to their libraries."Review of Biblical LiteratureTable of ContentsContents List of Abbreviations ix List of Contributors xv Foreword: “Come Eat of My Bread . . . and Walk in the Ways of Wisdom” xvii Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza Editor’s Introduction to Wisdom Commentary: “She Is a Breath of the Power of God” (Wis 7:25) xxi Barbara E. Reid, OP Author’s Introduction: A Feminist/Gender Reading of Mark’s Gospel xli Mark 1:1-45 Introducing the Most Powerful Man 1 Mark 2:1-28 Men Competing with Men 39 Mark 3:1-35 Hegemonic Masculinity Displayed and Contested 61 Mark 4:1-41 Telling Stories: Asserting Hegemonic Masculinity 83 Mark 5:1-43 Patriarchal Dividends: An Exorcised Man and a Healed Woman and Daughter 109 Mark 6:1-56 Manly Power Asserted and Resisted 143 Mark 7:1-37 Winners and Losers 177 Mark 8:1–9:1 Declining Hegemonic Masculinity? 207 Mark 9:2-50 Mixed Reception 237 Mark 10:1-52 Redeploying Power at Home 263 Mark 11:1-33 Increasing Clashes among Powerful Men 301 Mark 12:1-44 More Confrontations among Powerful Men 325 Mark 13:1-37 The End of Their World and Birthing Another 353 Mark 14:1-72 Ambivalent Masculinity 375 Mark 15:1-47 Hegemonic Masculinity: Is Jesus’ Death a Defeat? 411 Mark 16:1-8 God Outpowers the Ruling Powers: Hegemonic Masculinity Restored 441 Afterword 455 Works Cited 457 Index of Scripture References and Other Ancient Writings 481 Index of Subjects 497

Read more less

Book SynopsisA Revised Critical EditionTrade Review"The translation is stylish and accurate without being slavish. Text and translation are laid out on facing pages, with a critical apparatus and sometimes commentary beneath the Latin text, and notes beneath the English translation."Dr. Dennis Minns, OP, Tjurunga

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the BeginningTrade ReviewIn many programs of Bible study for adults, the tendency to want to reduce the biblical text to a simple and familiar message looms large. In her book Genesis: In The Beginning, Dianne Bergant does what she does so well: she keeps before the reader the many and varied elements that must be employed when approaching the Bible for understanding. Although not intended as a book for adult Bible study, the point is made that if one wishes to advance beyond a simple reading, the serious learner must come to realize the text cannot be separated from the world that produced it. The reader must take into account how that 'world behind the text' and the 'world of the text' provide the necessary context for being able to discover meaning in this living word of God that has relevance for us today.Barbara Shanahan, Director of the Catholic Biblical School, Buffalo, New YorkAt last, a Genesis commentary written by a woman! Dianne Bergant fills in gaps in Genesis interpretation by attending to the many women in this biblical book. She also draws from her work as a theologian of creation to highlight the integrity of all life in the divinely created cosmos. Her writing is beautiful and clear, and she uses scholarship without drowning us in it. Genesis: In the Beginning will be terrific for use in classrooms, study groups, and by any serious readers of Genesis. Bergant's book is a cause for celebration.Kathleen M. O'Connor, William Marcellus McPheeters Professor of Old Testament, Emerita, Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GeorgiaCombining as it does current scholarly insights with theological sensitivity and pastoral wisdom, Genesis: In the Beginning is a commentary that all serious readers of the book of Genesis will want to have on their shelves. Amanda W. Benckhuysen, Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology

Read more less

Book SynopsisWho was Jesus? A prophet? There have been many of those. A miracle-worker? A radical revolutionary? A wise teacher? There have been many of these, too. In his latest book, renowned Scripture scholar Gerhard Lohfink asks, What is unique about Jesus of Nazareth, and what did he really want?Trade ReviewThis reviewer has read many books on the historical Jesus, but this one is the best. Why? Lohfink states, "The Jesus tradition is grounded in the interpretive community that is "church."Father Mark G. Boyer, The Priest"Crisp and very readable prose. . . .Lohfink has fresh things to say about Jesus' teaching through parables, about his sayings about judgment and, especially, about understanding Jesus' miracles. . . . Having read and studied, Jesus of Nazareth (and squirreled it away as a rich resource for future preaching and having been truly moved spiritually by it), I can agree with Daniel Harrington, S.J. [author of Jesus: A Historical Portrait]: "Lohfink's Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know."John A. Coleman, America: The National Catholic ReviewThe reader closes this book struck by the Spirit in whom this Jesus keeps working on the -- some would say -- now shrinking, endangered community he left behind. . . .There still may be hope.Raymond A Schroth, SJ, National Catholic ReporterSome have said that this book will become a classic. Indeed, it should be so considered. But much will depend on whether or not scholars will dismiss it as lacking uniqueness and innovation, and whether or not non-professionals will invest the energy in reading a scholarly treatment of Jesus. May both groups stretch themselves and give it the attention it so richly deserves!Michael J. Bowling, The Englewood Review of BooksGrounded in the most careful study of the historical Jesus and enlivened by a deep faith in the Risen Christ, this book will be of inestimable use to everyone from scholars to seekers and will most likely become a classic. It is that rarest of books on Jesus in which the author combines solid exegetical work with a profound sense of the spiritual. On top of that, it's beautifully written (and here, translated). Lohfink's book is in every way a joy.James Martin, SJ, Author of The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) EverythingLohfink’s Jesus of Nazareth is the best Jesus book I know. It is solidly based on sound biblical scholarship, full of fresh theological insights, respectful of the Gospels and their portraits of Jesus, and beautifully expressed. It is especially effective in highlighting the centrality of God’s reign and Israel as God’s people in Jesus’ life and work.Daniel J. Harrington, SJ, Professor of New Testament, Boston College School of Theology and MinistryThe thread connecting what Jesus wanted, who he was, is the reign of God. Lohfink is concerned with this new thing that came into the world with [Jesus]. The consistency between this reign of God and the revelation of who Jesus is, is the chief message and controlling method of this book. The importance of another book on Christ and on Jesus in the New Testament in particular cannot be ignored or underestimated. . . . Lohfink gives the lie to any separation of what Jesus wanted from who he was. Ultimately, Christology consists in clarifying his relationship to God and humanity.Kevin O'Gorman, The FurrowLohfink's portrait of Jesus is very much worth reading. Because he looks to the Gospels with a sympathetic yet critical eye, he gives a faithful interpretation of Jesus. And because he is faithful, Lohfink offers a portrait that is challenging-especially for the church today.Thomas D. Stegman, SJ, America MagazineTable of ContentsContentsPreface xiAcknowledgments xiiiList of Abbreviations xv Chapter 1 The So-Called Historical Jesus 1 Chapter 2 The Proclamation of the Reign of God 24 Chapter 3 The Reign of God and the People of God 39 Chapter 4 The Gathering of Israel 59 Chapter 5 The Call to Discipleship 72 Chapter 6 The Many Faces of Being Called 86 Chapter 7 Jesus’ Parables 100 Chapter 8 Jesus and the World of Signs 121 Chapter 9 Jesus’ Miracles 128 Chapter 10 Warning about Judgment 153 Chapter 11 Jesus and the Old Testament 166 Chapter 12 Jesus and the Torah 190 Chapter 13 The Life of Jesus: Living Unconditionally 216 Chapter 14 The Fascination of the Reign of God 230 Chapter 15 Decision in Jerusalem 245 Chapter 16 Dying for Israel 257 Chapter 17 His Last Day 269 Chapter 18 The Easter Events 288 Chapter 19 Jesus’ Sovereign Claim 308 Chapter 20 The Church’s Response 329 Chapter 21 The Reign of God: Utopia? 348Notes 358Index of Biblical Citations 382

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Future of EcumenismTrade ReviewSince Margaret O'Gara had the unique opportunity of participating, over a period of decades, in several official international and national dialogues, an experience relatively few others have had, her interpretations of some of the achievements of these dialogues, as well as the further insights to ecumenical progress she garners when comparing several dialogues, constitute a most valuable aspect of this book. O'Gara, with a profound commitment to Christian unity, recognizes that renewal within the divided churches is a key to ecumenical progress and, with deep Catholic convictions, does not hesitate to give her views concerning areas in which renewal must be explored in the Catholic Church. These essays comprise an important collection for showing those devoted to the future of ecumenism some significant steps toward Christian unity already taken and the dedication that is necessary as the movement continues. John A. Radano, Seton Hall UniversityReflected in this collection of articles and addresses by Margaret O'Gara is an exciting vision of God's calling to the visible unity of the church in our world today. No Turning Back challenges all churches to take seriously Jesus' prayer "that they may all be one" (John 17:21): not as a burden, but as a gift to be received and shared and celebrated. This book will serve to keep alive Margaret's deep commitments to an ecumenism that is grounded in theological integrity, honest dialogue, abiding prayer, and (most significantly) personal friendships. Robert K. Welsh, President, Council on Christian Unity and Ecumenical Officer, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and CanadaWith personal gentleness and profound conviction, Margaret demonstrated ecumenical imagination in searching for new insights on lingering issues of division. She was persistent in the quest for ways to reflect more deeply the unity that we have been granted in Christ through baptism. She recognized that the unity of the church is not ours to create. It is a gift. Rev. Lowell G. Almen Secretary, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 1987-2007 U.S. Lutheran-Roman Catholic Dialogue, 1998-presentDuring the eight years I was privileged to be Margaret O'Gara's colleague in Canada, I experienced her deep passion for Christian unity and her relentless pursuit of it through theological research, ecumenical dialogue, and (not least) humble prayer. I am convinced that readers of No Turning Back will experience something of what I did. Prof. Pablo Argarate Institute for Ecumenical Theology, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Patristics University of Graz, AustriaWe are in the presence of an ecumenical theologian par excellence, a veteran dialogue partner, and a brilliant educator: insistently hermeneutical, yet keeping the whole in view, finding the secret Scripture in ancient formula, dissenting voice, and dangerous memory. Prof. Geraldine Smyth, OP Irish School of Ecumenics Trinity College, DublinA passionately committed ecumenist, the theologian and teacher Margaret O’Gara was taken from us prematurely by cancer in 2012. O’Gara was an active participant in official dialogues among the Roman Catholic Church and Anglicans, Evangelicals, Lutherans, Mennonites, and others, both in North America and abroad, over several decades, and her ecumenical credentials run long and deep. Her husband, Michael Vertin, collects here a number of her essays as a sequel to her 1998 book, The Ecumenical Gift Exchange. O’Gara herself chose the title, No Turning Back, to express the irreversible commitment to church unity of those who follow Jesus today. Susan Wood, Commonweal MagazineNo Turning Back introduces readers to the spirit of ecumenism-Margaret O'Gara's spirit-which shines through even the more technical essays here. It is a spirit of warm friendship across lines of historical suspicion, creative persistence in search of fresh understandings, and even (dare I say it?) fun! Prof. Gerald W. Schlabach University of Saint Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota Co-Founder, BridgefolkTaken collectively, the essays offer astute theological insights into ecumenical perspectives, especially perspectives on authority, in addition to practical suggestions for the ecumenical endeavor, notably the essentially collaborative nature of theological study and dialogue. . . . No Turning Back is beneficial for all theology students, Christian readers, and ecumenical specialists. It provides all readers with a clear and thorough sense of the ecumenical work that has been done, and it encourages its movement forward by offering a glimpse of a life dedicated to such work. Ella Johnson, Catholic Books Review

Read more less

Trade Review"Living Mission Interculturally is a must-read for anyone who wants to live more fully and deeply our call as church and global citizens. Anthony Gittins's book comes out of years of engaging theologically and living practically the invitation, challenges, and possibilities of intercultural community living. Gittins explains with great examples the dimensions required to move us toward living mission interculturally, whether as religious congregations or as parish communities. He both gives us an understanding of what we mean by intercultural community and shows us how to open ourselves to growth in very pragmatic ways. In the midst of all this, he reminds us that thinking and acting differently require a radical conversion, which God longs to live in us. This book is for everyone who wants to participate in building the reign of God here and now!" Maria Cimperman, RSCJ, PhD, Director, Center for the Study of Consecrated Life, Associate Professor of Theological Ethics, Catholic Theological Union"Living Mission Interculturally: Faith, Culture, and the Renewal of Praxis is a treasure and seminal work on intercultural living as an expression of mission, an actual participation in God's mission. This book is essential reading for international congregations committed to intercultural living and willing to "do the work" necessary to make this a lived reality. The inclusion of questions for personal and communal reflection after each chapter and the appendices challenge the reader to move beyond the text and enter into a process that can lead to transformation. The freedom and openness to engage in a critique of culture is essential for the creation of a community of "radical welcome." The actual formation of intercultural community is crucial for the unfolding of religious life in a global context. Gittin's experience, wisdom, and profound insights are both gift and blessing for religious life and the Church. This is not reading for the fainthearted." Joan Marie Steadman, CSC, Executive Director, Leadership Conference of Women Religious"In Living Mission Interculturally, Fr. Gittins provides the most comprehensive resource to date integrating the gifts from sociology, cultural anthropology (intercultural studies), and theology as they apply to religious communities. In his multidimensional approach to the topic, he guides his readers on a multifaceted journey with clarity of definitions, on the one hand, and landmarks for personal and community commitment and transformation, on the other. If the complexity of intercultural living is like a sphere, then each chapter of this book is like a slice of the sphere offering opportunities for deeper understanding and exploration of what it means and what it takes to be a faithful missional intercultural community." Eric H. F. Law, Executive Director of the Kaleidoscope Institute, Author of The Wolf Shall Dwell with the Lamb"Religious life has always had a prophetic role. In this book Gittins points out how it can maintain its prophetic edge by modeling how we can live fully and interculturally in an age of unprecedented migration. In almost every country we are in the birth pangs of a new way of being human. But migration and intercultural living are full of pain and possibilities. Living happily and productively in the future will involve learning not only how to respect cultural difference but the ability to enjoy living with difference. Gittins outlines the missionary and prophetic role religion can play and gives practical insights into culture, marginalization, and mission and the skills and attitudes required to live in such communities." Noel Connolly, SSC, Columban Mission Institute"Many of us in religious communities, dioceses, and parishes are looking for advice and resources to address the growing challenges and opportunities of intercultural living today. Living Mission Interculturally is an excellent resource for practitioners. Drawing on his social-science background and in-depth knowledge of the actual situations of mission/ministry, Anthony Gittins provides a very fine tool with relevant information and practical exercises that can be used by groups and individuals. And he does this with an insightful, concise, and clear writing style that we know well and appreciate from his other writing. In his own words, Gittins "attempts to offer ways of approaching the 'otherness' of other people and to stimulate readers into remembering their own 'otherness' in relation to those among whom they live and work" (xv). He has achieved this goal and left us with an excellent resource to respond to real-life situations." Roger Schroeder, SVD, Louis J. Luzbetak, SVD, Professor of Mission and Culture, Professor of Intercultural Studies and Ministry, Catholic Theological Union at Chicago"Gittins's mission-driven exploration of intercultural living is immensely practical, challenging, and solidly based on scholarship, lived commitment, wide dialogue, and prayerful reflection. Gittins has given us a great gift and incentive to live our unity in diversity from a stance of radical faith and heightened cultural awareness. I am eager to share this gift with my whole international community and all of our partners in mission." Mary Ann Buckley, SHCJ, American Providence Leader, Society of the Holy Child Jesus"Intercultural living represents a challenge wherever pursued, demanding self-awareness, patience, openness to new experiences, and willingness to endure discomfort. For those willing to embrace in faith the process of first adjusting to disturbingly different assumptions about time, leadership, communication, or myriad other taken-for-granted aspects of culture, and then incorporating them in more complete ways to live the Christian faith with missional integrity, Living Mission Interculturally represents a sterling resource."Paul Kollman, Mission Studies"If you wish to know why and how intercultural living is an act of faith, this is the bookyou should start with. A gracious invitation to grapple with the fundamental theological significance of culture and intercultural living. I heartily recommend it to students, pastors, and scholars alike."Abraham M. Antony, SDB, Mission Today"The Church’s evangelizing mission does not occur in a vacuum but in the midst of historical and sociocultural realities that change constantly. Living Mission Interculturally is an invitation to the ecclesial community to consider the complexity of the world in which we live as an opportunity to encounter God in the midst of diversity and to cultivate intercultural competencies to be effective missionary disciples. More than a mere guide with practical recommendations, Anthony J. Gittins shares a vision into which we are called to participate." Hosffman Ospino, PhD, Associate Professor of Theology and Religious Education, Boston College, School of Theology and Ministry"Living Mission Interculturally is arguably Anthony Gittins' most impressive and impactful work taken from among his several publications that have been well received in the academy and among pastoral agents in a constantly globalizing world. Gittins shows how the questions raised by the challenges faced by today's ministers require complex knowledge from several disciplines and answers that integrate the truths of faith with social science, especially cultural anthropology. Scholars of interculturality as well as teachers and pastoral ministers will find substantial food for thought and for action in Gittins' luminous volume in a readable and engaging style now available in both English and Spanish."Allan Figueroa Deck, SJ, Distinguished Scholar of Pastoral Theology and Latino Studies, Loyola Marymount University

Read more less

Trade Review"This engaging book draws the reader in to the world of psalm interpretation that reflects the experience of Christians in Late Antiquity, when the reception of Scripture, and especially of the Psalms, was conditioned by oral tradition, liturgical performance, and prayer. The commentator comes alive in Olsen�s account, which folds the salient details of translation, symbolism, historical context, and transmission into a seamless narrative. His analysis of Cassiodorus�s contributions is enriching for specialists and informative for less expert readers."Susan Leslie Boynton, Professor of Music, Historic Musicology, Columbia University"Derek Olsen�s conversational approach belies a serious scholarly study of one of the great figures of Western monasticism. He introduces us to Cassiodorus�s seminal commentary on the Psalter by narrating the earlier influences on his thinking, his strategies for interpreting the psalms, and his legacy in art, music, and glossed psalters. By presenting history as story, Olsen enables his readers, whether familiar with Cassiodorus or not, to encounter this great scholar in fresh and memorable ways."Sue Gillingham, Professor of the Hebrew Bible, University of Oxford"This authoritative study of Cassiodorus�s Explanation of the Psalms is an engaging and scholarly guide to one of the most influential works in the medieval church. As well as being a thorough and very readable exploration of Cassiodorus�s important book, The Honey of Souls takes the reader on a captivating journey through the intellectual world of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, tracing the transmission of knowledge and learning and demonstrating with great skill the centrality of the Psalms to the life and worship of the early medieval church. In this book, Derek Olsen provides a fascinating insight into a rich, profound, and now largely unfamiliar way of reading the Psalms, one that reveals the unexpected layers of meaning upon meaning to be found within these well-loved texts."Eleanor Parker, Brasenose College, University of Oxford"Olsen has produced an important study, one that belongs in every academic library. Highly recommended."Catholic Library World"Olsen examines how the Psalter functioned not only as liturgical prayer, but as a pedagogical resource, a rhetorical model, and a part of the material culture in religious communities. Though Olsen�s work may be read out of pure intellectual interest, his examination of time and culture that is in many ways very different from ours, gives an occasion for a deeper reflection on the forces and habits that form - and that we hope will form - the life of Christian communities today."The Living Church"Writing in an engaging conversational style, Olsen brings his readers on a fascinating journey through the years when late antiquity was beginning to merge into the early medieval period. Olsen�s learned yet accessible presentation of a work that influenced people�s understanding of the psalms for at least five centuries is an immensely valuable resource.Anaphora"This work deserves to be perused and pondered over time, read and re-read."WorshipTable of ContentsContents List of Abbreviations� �vii Introduction� �ix Chapter One: The Psalter, a Bible in Miniature� �1 Chapter Two: Technological Challenges� �27 Chapter Three: Cassiodorus and His Work� �61 Chapter Four: An Initial Glance at the Explanation of the Psalms� �91 Chapter Five: Cassiodorus and the Interpretive Framework� �114 Chapter Six: The Preface to the Commentary� �147� Chapter Seven: Editing Augustine and Reading the Scriptures� �181 Chapter Eight: A Thorough Reading of Psalm 87� �220 Chapter Nine: Five Psalms—Short Takes� �232 Chapter Ten: The Legacy of Cassiodorus� �274 Bibliography� �305 Index� �309

Read more less

Trade Review"How does one release a logjam? We ask because there does seem to be a deadlock in certain conversations over liturgy these days. Geldhof proposes that we must look for that bottom log that is jamming things up, and for him that is not the impasse between left and right, it is rather a more radical issue: the relationship of sacred liturgy to the secular world. Utilizing an array of philosophers and interpreters of culture, he challenges the definition of secularism with which we work; utilizing an array of historians and liturgists, he challenges our epistemological approach to liturgy in favor of a soteriological one. The result is not a modernized liturgy, but a liturgy that functions in our modern lives."David W. Fagerberg, University of Notre Dame"Pulling together a decade of scholarly research and essays into a single book, Joris Geldhof brings to a wider audience a much-needed application of social-philosophical theory to move analysis of the weakening force of liturgy in late-modernity beyond the tired polemics of so-called traditionalist versus reformist church politics to a deeper understanding of the fundamental challenges yet unique potential for liturgical practice today."Bruce T. Morrill, SJ, Vanderbilt University"Setting liturgical experience in critical dialogue with the current cultural moment—using the deepest insights of the liturgical movement to elucidate the former while using philosophy, anthropology, and the history of ideas to make clear the latter—Joris Geldhof has borne witness to a liturgical theology that joins together matters that are frequently divorced: church and world, cult and culture, heaven and earth, religion and politics, God's future and the present age. This learned, wise, and clearly-written book invites us again to a dense celebration of the liturgy as a complex of symbols that can save us all from the loneliness and isolation belonging to ideological secularism, while refusing to reject secularity itself. Both progressive and conservative, this lovely book affirms the world while welcoming God's urgently needed salvation."Gordon W. Lathrop, Professor of Liturgy Emeritus, United Lutheran Seminary of Pennsylvania Past-President, Societas Liturgica and Past-President, North American Academy of Liturgy"Gelfhof's thesis, which is the result of in-depth theological research, cannot be summarized. There is only one option: read the book. Anyone interested in fundamental questions related to the liturgy, the world, God, and being human, will gain much from reading this book."Tijdschrift voor Theologie"Geldhof works to heal what most identify as a glaring chasm between liturgy and culture. Bringing together more than a decade's worth of research on the topic, Geldhof contends that the choice between participation in worship and participation in the ways of the world is really an artificial ideological construct that demands to be nuanced."Catholic Books Review"Geldof provides a very helpful path through the history of ideas for the church to formulate a liturgy for these days, a liturgy that witnesses to rather than conforms to or criticizes secularism."DoxologyTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgments Provenance of the Chapters Introduction xPART IPOSITIONING THE LITURGY IN THE WORLD Chapter 1: Liturgy, Modernity and Secularization Chapter 2: Liturgy, Ideology and Politics Chapter 3: Liturgy Beyond Sacred and Profane PART IIPOSITIONING THE WORLD IN THE LITURGY Chapter 4: Liturgy, Desacralization and Sanctification Chapter 5: Retrieving the Liturgical Movement Chapter 6: The Liturgy’s Critical Potential Concluding Observations Index

Read more less

Trade Review"I have read many interpretations of Genesis 22—the story of Abraham's near-sacrifice of his son, Isaac. I probably suspected all that could be said had been. Then Kasmir comes at it from a fresh angle, like Emily Dickinson's `tell all the truth, but tell it slant. 'I will not tell you how you should or could or ought or must respond hineni to the one before you. Rather, I offer a mirror for your own approach,' she says. Reading Kasmir may be for you, as it is for me, not just looking in the mirror, but going through the looking glass to a new adventure."Patrick Henry, former executive director, Collegeville Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Research"In Genesis 22, the fascinating and shocking story of Isaac's sacrifice, Abraham says hineni three times, `here I am': the first time to God, the second time to his son, and the third time again to God. Alisa Kasmir names the willingness that these words express as the fundamental attitude of spiritual directors. By being open-minded and vulnerable, space is created for directors to perceive God's word in the narratives of their directees. Kasmir does not keep a monologue. Six seasoned spiritual directors affirm her argument with their own real-life experiences. Kasmir is expressive and succinct at the same time; she never loses sight of the common thread, hineni. Her story is inspiring and enchanting, pleasant for colleagues and for many others."Charles Caspers, Titus Brandsma Institute, Nijmegen"Reading Alisa Kasmir's book felt like having a long and contemplative conversation with a close spiritual friend, while taking a long and restful walk alongside the seashore. It reads as a dialogue, seeking words for what it is, exactly: living a spiritual life and sharing this with others. Dogs pass by cheerfully, shaking off the salty water, awake in the moment."Kasmir crosses boundaries of Jewish and Christian traditions, and her account also resonates with traditions unmentioned, like the Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic."I highly recommend this pleasant, musical, and personal read to those working in spiritual direction, as well as for spiritual practitioners looking to share and mirror their own experiences."Dr. Annewieke Vroom, expert in comparative philosophy and religious diversity, lecturer at Utrecht University, the Netherlands"This profound book shows what is at stake in the intimate relationship and interaction of spiritual directors with those who yearn for human flourishing in uncertain and difficult times, and who seek to discern the ultimate orientation of their spiritual journey. The book calls for the spiritual director to seek simply to be there and to be available (hineni) for the other one in a perceptive, covenantal relationship . . . it depicts this availability to the other as a challenge and even a risk, because it requires complete connection, unconditional commitment to and vulnerability before the other, sometimes at the cost of one's own needs and knowledge—or even at being confronted with one's own helplessness and incapacity for spiritual direction."Pieter G.R. de Villiers, Professor of New Testament Studies, University of the Free State, South Africa"Hineni is a way of seeing, of being, and of relating to the world. `It means to say (in Hebrew) "Here I am for you, with you.''' Taking as point of departure the often puzzling, not to say shocking, midrash of Genesis 22 (Abraham's sacrifice of his son Isaac), and drawing on her rich religious background (Jewish, Christian, Carmelite, Benedictine), Kasmir weaves an inviting lectio divina to elucidate the art of spiritual direction. One will not read Genesis 22 in the same old way again. And one will view spiritual direction with a new sense of presence—to God, and to the companion on the way. The inclusion of eight personal interviews from an interreligious perspective shows how hineni can be lived across interdenominational and interfaith lines."Helen Rolfson, OSF, Professor Emerita of Theology, Saint John's University School of Theology/Seminary, Collegeville, MN"This beautifully written and evocative book is a thoughtful consideration of spiritual direction, a meditation on presence and openness, and an acknowledgment of the gifts and transforming challenges for anyone who ministers through listening, anyone who desires to be in relationship to God."The Catholic Library World"It has been a long time since I have read a book that taps and enhances the best of my own monastic and biblical history and lived experience beyond traditional definitions and borders. I recommend Hineni, together with inquiry into the invitation offered to the reader."Pegge Erkeneff in Presence"This short book unpacks the significance of the story of Abraham and Isaac for the process of spiritual direction. Those who serve as spiritual directors will find the book leading them to experience their ministry in a new and significant way."The Bible Today"Anyone interested in spirituality will benefit from this short, easily accessible book."Spirit & LifeTable of ContentsContents Dear Reader Acknowledgments x Introduction x III Genesis 22—A Midrash III Hineni: Making the Name and the Practice of Spiritual Direction III Collected Wisdom from the Field IV Conclusion Notes Bibliography

Read more less

Trade Review“Athens meets Jerusalem in this splendid text that introduces students to contemporary virtue ethics. Alberto de Mingo Kaminouchi covers a great deal of ground: a survey of the history of moral theology, the Christian moral life as configuration to Christ, Aristotelian virtue ethics, and the ethics of the Beatitudes. The book is written in a lucid, engaging style that invites a response to the life of happiness it describes.”Nickolas Becker, OSB, Assistant Professor of Theology, Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary"The author wisely and helpfully sets the stage for his presentation by concisely narrating the five centuries of Catholic moral theology and its renewal in the decades around the Second Vatican Council. In so doing, de Mingo Kaminouchi introduces readers to a wide range of voices in Catholic moral theology, some more familiar (Curran, Ratzinger, Fuchs, Hauerwas, Rubio, and Häring) and others less familiar, especially voices from Spain that rarely get a hearing among North American readers. The structure of the book is masterful, giving teachers and students solid foundations for an ongoing consequential discussion of Christian ethics in a world that continues to struggle to find its own grounding for conversations about value, character, and ethics. This introduction is a solid grammar of Christian ethics, and it deserves to find a home in the classrooms of North American colleges and seminaries."Christopher McMahon, PhD, Professor of Theology, Saint Vincent College“Special thanks to Liturgical Press for bringing such an eloquent translation of the signature work of Alberto de Mingo Kaminouchi into the English-speaking world. De Mingo is that rare Catholic bridge builder who spans biblical theology with theological ethics and introduces us to the grammar of virtue as we learn from revelation to be configured by Christ. Rightly he unfolds for us the beatitudes at the heart of this remarkable lesson and then concludes with an introduction to the three forms of love. I cannot recall ever such a compelling and ultimately satisfying introduction to Christian ethics. Bravo!”James F. Keenan, SJ, Canisius Professor, Boston College“Thoroughly rooted in Scripture and history, comprehensive but never tedious, accessible without sacrificing depth—a lucid and engaging introduction to the beauty of the Christian story and life lived in response to it.”Kate Ward, PhD, Assistant Professor of Theology, Marquette University“Alberto de Mingo Kaminouchi develops in his�An Introduction of Christian Ethics: A New Testament Perspective�a Christocentric vision of the moral life whereby Christian ethics helps ‘transform [Christians] into the image of Christ.’ Moving beyond an emphasis on avoiding sin, he focuses on Christians moral growth, conversion, and transformation into a more Christlike people. Sustaining the change into the image of Christ requires practice, specifically the practice of virtues. Beginning with Aristotelian virtue theory as a framework for Christian ethics, he looks at the theological virtues before turning to the Beatitudes. de Mingo Kaminouchi gently moves the reader beyond seeing the Beatitudes as corporal and spiritual works of mercy to be performed for the sake of others. Instead he challenges us to see the Beatitudes as pertinent virtues for the moral life. Virtues that if cultivated help us respond to God’s call and change us over time in the image of Christ. In so doing he connects the moral life and the life of discipleship.”Kathryn Lilla Cox, Visiting Research Associate, University of San Diego"This is a book of spiritual reading located in authentic scholarship, for those who are seeking to live a deeper, more generous life."Catholic Books Review" A wide variety of readers, teachers and students will find this book useful not only at first reading but as a book to which they will return.”Catholic Media Association"A clear, persuasive, and succinct account of Christian ethics grounded in the New Testament."Horizons"Winner of a Catholic Media Association first-place award, this book deserves every accolade it has received. Kaminouchi�s book is an excellent point of entry into the study of Christian ethics, especially as he charts the course that the discipline has taken in recent years."Wisconsin Lutheran Quarterly �

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

Read more less