The Serious Business of Worship

"‘What a joy to see the study of liturgy and with it the church's life of worship, taken with such seriousness. The breadth of the essays gathered in this Festschrift, and the scholarly commitments displayed here, witness to the vibrancy of this field of inquiry.  Here is liturgical studies at its best - deeply engaged with historical questions, theological convictions, and contemporary practices.' - Teresa Berger, Yale Institute of Sacred Music and Yale Divinity School, New Haven, CT, USA -- Teresa Berger ‘This splendid collection of essays honors Yale University's Professor Bryan D. Spinks, whose scholarly contributions have ranged across a broad spectrum in the field of liturgical studies, from early Christian Eucharistic practice (the place of the ""Sanctus"" in Eucharistic prayers) to studies of Reformation and post-Reformation worship (baptismal doctrine and liturgical reform in the Church of Scotland).  Skilfully edited by Melanie C. Ross and Simon Jones, The Serious Business of Worship offers essays by some of the world's leading liturgical scholars, including Father Robert Taft, S.J. (on John Chrysostom's preaching), Bishop Kenneth Stevenson (on a transfiguration sermon of Peter the Venerable), Canon Paul Bradshaw (on varieties of early Christian baptismal anointing), and The Reverend Maxwell Johnson (on the issue of normativity in contemporary Lutheran liturgical practice).  No college or university library-and no serious student of Christian worship-will want to be without this important collection.  It offers a superb snapshot of where modern liturgical research is headed, and its ecumenical range witnesses to the ongoing search for unity of faith and worship among Christians today.  Finally, readers should not overlook Melanie Ross's keenly focused assessment of Spinks's scholarship in her entertaining essay, ""An Octopus in a Matchbox.""  The Serious Business of Worship - and the scholar it honors - will richly repay careful reading and study.' -  Nathan D. Mitchell, Department of Theology, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA   -- Nathan D. Mitchell ‘Bryan Spinks has made brilliant and significant contributions to a vast range of subjects in liturgical history and theology. This excellent collection, ranging from early Eastern liturgies, via Reformation studies, to the tensions and challenges of liturgical practice today, is a fine tribute to an exceptional scholar and thinker, who deserves every honour from both the academy and the Church.' - Archbishop Rowan Williams. -- Rowan Williams Entitled The Serious Business of Worship, this gathering of papers focuses on Spinks' legacy to both church and academy. This collection identifies, reviews, and outlines his most profound beliefs, priorities, and commitments. Their efforts are informative, critical, and respectful. The Serious Business of Worship begins with a helpful introduction by Ian Torrance and a sermon from Dr. Spinks, himself. This collection will be of interest to students, scholars, and church leaders commited to the growth and development of effective worship and live giving sacraments. The diversity and dept of these papers will be both challenging and inspiring to anyone choosing to consult these pages and I commend it to each and every one. - Michael K Jones, United Church of Canada -- Michael K Jones ‘Informative, critical and respectful... of interest to students, scholars and church leaders.' -- Theological Book Review ‘This is a serious volume, demanding and rewarding study... The editors and contributors of this book are to be congratulated on serving up a tasty dish of calamari to be enjoyed by anyone serious about worship.' -- Anaphora 'This book is to be recommended for the breadth of its focus and the depth of its analysis in which the fruits of historical study and theological analysis are brought to bear on the contemporary challenges of experienced by worshippers in this current age.' Dominic E. Serra, Journal of Ecclesiastical History, Volume 63/2, UK -- Dominic E. Serra The Serious Business of Worship honours well the scholarly and pastoral contribution of Bryan Spinks. It also honours the complexity of the contemporary liturgical enterprise. -- Martin Tel, SJT, Volume 64/65"