The Biblical Foundations Of Christian Worship

This volume brings together an ecumenical team of scholars to present key theological concepts related to worship to help readers articulate their own theology of worship. Contributors explore the history of theology's impact on worship practices across the Christian tradition, highlighting themes such as creation, pneumatology, sanctification, and mission. The book includes introductions by N. T. Wright and Nicholas Wolterstorff. A forthcoming volume will address the historical foundations of worship.

IS HOW WE WORSHIP TRULY BIBLICAL? There’s only one way to find out: see what the Bible has to say. And that’s exactly what Called to Worship is all about. From Genesis to Revelation, every book in the Scriptures gives instruction and insight into God’s plan for worship. With this book, you’ll learn from Biblical heroes and ordinary people. Compare Old and New Testament practices. Glean insight from Biblical poetry and the Books of Wisdom. And most important, you’ll see how the life of Christ serves as a living guide to worship. "A must read book for every student of worship, Vernon M. Whaley has completed a monumental task gathering the principles, processes and practices of worship drawn from scriptural narratives spanning the entire Bible." —Charles E. Fromm, Ph.D., Publisher of Worship Leader Magazine "Called To Worship is the most comprehensive book on Worship I've ever read. The depth of scriptures on Worship is incredible." —Dr. Ricky Skaggs, Bluegrass Musician and Worshiper of Jesus Christ

This work addresses worship themes developed in both the Old and New Testaments in four separate parts: an introduction to worship in the Bible, focusing on both the Hebrew tradition and the primitive Christian Church; a survey of the history and institutions of Biblical Worship, specifically the Tabernacle, the Synagogue, and the New Testament Church; the Biblical role of festivals in worship; music and the arts in worship.

Providing structure for thinking seriously about worship as a part of Christian faith and experience, Foundations of Christian Worship addresses the question, what is Christian worship and why do Christians worship as they do? Beginning with an overview of the theological, biblical, historical, and anthropological foundations of Christian worship, Susan J. White then turns to discussing its components--prayer, creeds, music, time, ritual, and art. Later, she delves into the nourishment of the Christian life and the major worship events throughout the human life cycle. Finally, she discusses contemporary challenges to Christian worship and concludes with case studies for further exploration. With helpful appendixes and a glossary of liturgical terms, Susan White's Foundations of Christian Worship is an excellent primer for seminary students and ministers early in their careers.

In an extraordinary way, The Biblical Foundations of Christian Worship is a massive and comprehensive undertaking designed to provide the biblical context out of which worship is celebrated and enacted. It establishes the working definition for worship through the specific vocabularies of the Old and New Testaments and highlights the use of symbolism, sacrifice, a sense of the numinous, and the myriad of responses to salvation history. It culminates with the history of Israelite/Jewish and New Testament worship, the biblical institutions of worship and those who lead in its celebration, and then reaches its zenith with the depiction of the use of music and art in its varied forms and other sacred acts which are integral parts of the worship tradition. Richard A. Rollins, Liaison Officer, National Baptist Convention of America, Inc.

Ever since Cain and Abel, God's people have been asking, "What is the proper way to worship God?" In five compelling chapters, Scott Aniol explains that corporate worship theology and practice must be founded in the Word of God. There we discover that corporate worship's goal is communion with God through regular, weekly covenant renewal, wherein the entire congregation engages in dialogue with God in a meeting structured around the gospel, toward the goal of spiritual fellowship with God through Christ by the Spirit.

Christian Worship deals with the importance of the Word and sacrament in a time when congregations are questioning the form and relevance of worship. Does it matter what happens in worship? What is the motivation for worship? Can more than one generation worship together? Commissioned by the Office of Theology and Worship of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this volume suggests that the answers to these and other questions have always been available in the rich treasury of the Church's theology. That treasury need only be reexamined in light of contemporary faith to provide renewal and a sense of vitality to worship.