Worship and Reformed Theology

by Jack M Maxwell

Overview

Blame us not if we value our liturgy: It embodies the anthems of Saints; it thrills the heart with the dying songs of the faithful; it is hallowed with the blood of martyrs; it glows with sacred fire. -J. S. Foulk It is impossible to take the little finger of liturgy without grasping the whole fist of theology! -Gerardus van der Leeuw

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780915138128
Publisher:	Pickwick Publications
Publication date:	08/01/2004
Series:	Pittsburgh Theological Monograph , #10
Pages:	498
Product dimensions:	6.26(w) x 8.12(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Jack Martin Maxwell is an ordained minister in the United Presbyterian Church, USA, serving as the Senior Pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, MDiv (1963) and PhD (1969). He has taught liturgies and homiletics at Princeton Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and at La Roche College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Commission on Worship of the Consultation on Church Union and of the American Academy of Homiletics.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Is doctrine simply the formulized expression of the way we worship? Or do we worship in certain ways because we believe certain doctrines? Which comes first, credal confession or liturgical assent? In this careful piece of historic research, Dr. Maxwell argues persuasively that 'liturgical revision' should begin in theological re-definition. Taking the 'Mercersburg Theology' as a testcase of the interaction between creed and cultus, this study not only explores that intriguing Reformed experiment but suggests that what happened then and there provides a paradigm for today. It was 'after' theological and doctrinal consensus was achieved at Mercersburg that fresh, innovative liturgical renewal emerged. The lessons for today are obvious and, in some ways, disturbing. Much of our contemporary experimenting with new worship forms, and our often aimless recasting of liturgy to fit the modern mood, seems unrelated to doctrine, belief, or theology. Some might say that our theological decline in recent years precludes the possibility of any creative liturgical revival. In any case, Maxwell's theological critique of the Mercersburg liturgy projects a specialized case-study into a more general exploration of controversial issue, but perhaps for today nothing is more crucial for church and theology than clarity about the relationship of ownership and doctrine."

—Hugh Thompson Kerr, Princeton Theological Seminary

Editorial Reviews

"Is doctrine simply the formulized expression of the way we worship? Or do we worship in certain ways because we believe certain doctrines? Which comes first, credal confession or liturgical assent? In this careful piece of historic research, Dr. Maxwell argues persuasively that 'liturgical revision' should begin in theological re-definition. Taking the 'Mercersburg Theology' as a testcase of the interaction between creed and cultus, this study not only explores that intriguing Reformed experiment but suggests that what happened then and there provides a paradigm for today. It was 'after' theological and doctrinal consensus was achieved at Mercersburg that fresh, innovative liturgical renewal emerged. The lessons for today are obvious and, in some ways, disturbing. Much of our contemporary experimenting with new worship forms, and our often aimless recasting of liturgy to fit the modern mood, seems unrelated to doctrine, belief, or theology. Some might say that our theological decline in recent years precludes the possibility of any creative liturgical revival. In any case, Maxwell's theological critique of the Mercersburg liturgy projects a specialized case-study into a more general exploration of controversial issue, but perhaps for today nothing is more crucial for church and theology than clarity about the relationship of ownership and doctrine."

—Hugh Thompson Kerr, Princeton Theological Seminary

From the Publisher