Holy Words and Holy Orders: As Dying, Behold We Live

by Donald L. Berry

Overview

This book addresses controversial issues in contemporary church life using liturgical commentary, homiletical illustration, and theological reflection. Issues examined include: gender and sexuality, relation of lay and ordained ministries, the relation of biblical Israel and the modern state, the differences between the Hebrew Scriptures and the Old Testament, the need for careful expository preaching, and deference to tradition as well as openness to new ways. The focus here is on the Episcopal Church in America, yet the examples and pleadings have relevance to the wider Christian community.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761844198
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	05/16/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	100
File size:	165 KB

About the Author

Donald L. Berry is the Harry Emerson Fosdick Professor of Philosophy and Religion Emeritus at Colgate University. He is an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Central New York and was the Rector of St. George's Church of Chadwicks, NY, from 1976-1990. He is the author of Mutuality: The Vision of Martin Buber, Traveler's Advisory, and Through a Glass Darkly: The Ambiguity of the Christian Tradition.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 An Anglican Miscellany—1. Why Me, Lord? 2. The Robinson Election 3. The Creation Comma 4. Lay Persons Are Not an Order of Ministers 5. The L Word 6. A Different Kind of Lord 7. Problematic Foot-Washing 8. God of Our Mothers? 9. Faith and The DaVin
Chapter 2 Selected Sermons—1. Water without Price 2. We Are Bold to Say 3. Blessed 4. Fear Not 5. They Were Astonished at His Teaching 6. Being Surprised in the Bible 7. Fishing for Women and Men 8. . . . All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed 9. I
Chapter 3 The Category Mistake of Messianic Nationalism
Chapter 4 Do Christians Read from the Hebrew Scriptures
Chapter 5 Afterwords

Editorial Reviews

I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Berry preach during an interim ministry period at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Chittenango, NY. As I began reading the typescript of his Holy Words and Holy Orders I found the precision and careful use of language in his opening essays that I had heard in his sermons. It is that care and precision, that skill with words, that make accessible Father Berry's creativity and intellect.

Reverend Charles Grover

A wide-ranging collection of penetrating commentaries on matters of the priesthood and the accuracy of the use of biblical interpretation in liturgical practice.

Milton H. Coleman