In this comprehensive volume, an ecumenical group of evangelical scholars, denominational leaders, and ministers provide insight into the traditions and practices of the sacred actions of worship in the ancient, Medieval, Eastern Orthodox, Reformation, and modern churches. Other sections highlight the historical origins and development of ritual in worship. Numerous historical and contemporary liturgical and special worship services are provided throughout the volume.The combination of historical and theological surveys with sample outlines for liturgies and worship services is unique, as is the range of coverage: from baptism and the Lord's Supper to child dedication, foot washing, and renewal of baptismal pledges as practiced by a wide variety of Christian groups. The Sacred Actions of Christian Worship is a rich storehouse of information and guidance for those who plan and participate in Christian worship.
Dennis D. Martin, Assistant Professor of Theology, Loyola University
Robert E. Webber (1933 - 2007)
was an American theologian known for his work on worship and the early church. He played a key role in the Convergence Movement, a move among evangelical and charismatic churches in the United States to blend charismatic worship with liturgies from the Book of Common Prayer and other liturgical sources. Webber began teaching theology at Wheaton College in 1968. Existentialism was the primary focus of Webber's research and lectures during his first years at Wheaton. However, he soon shifted his focus to the early church. In 1978 he wrote Common Roots, a book that examined the impact of 2nd-century Christianity on the modern church.In 1985 Webber wrote Evangelicals on the Canterbury Trail: Why Evangelicals Are Attracted to the Liturgical Church, in which he described the reasons behind his own gradual shift away from his fundamentalist/evangelical background toward the Anglican tradition. Webber faced an enormous amount of criticism from evangelicals in response to this book. Nevertheless, his work was highly influential, and his ideas grew in popularity in evangelical circles. During the latter half of his life, Webber took a special interest in Christian worship practices. He wrote more than 40 books on the topic of worship, focusing on how the worship practices of the ancient church have value for the church in the 21st century postmodern era. Among his books are Ancient-Future Worship, Ancient-Future Faith, Ancient-Future Time, Ancient-Future Evangelism, The Younger Evangelicals, and The Divine Embrace.
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