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Introduction to Christian Liturgy
Designed as a general introduction to Christian liturgy, this book explores the meaning, history, and practice of worship in Eastern and Western, Catholic and Protestant traditions. Its chapters cover the theology of worship, the historical development of Eucharist and the Prayer Offices, the lectionary and customs of the church year, other sacramental rites, and the use of music and the arts. As such, it is a perfect textbook for students seeking to understand the basics of liturgical worship, as well as a reliable guide for worship leaders.
- GenresTheology
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 18, 2014
A book I will revisit on many occasions to understand historical liturgical patterns. A very helpful introduction to the history of liturgy and the theology behind many practices. Senn, a Lutheran, is very ecumenical in his approach.
January 6, 2025
I read this book in conjunction with watching some lectures on the Foundations of Christian Worship that Yale Divinity School uploaded to YouTube while waiting to receive the syllabus for a course in liturgics.
Anyone who has participated in or led liturgical worship will be familiar with the concepts presented in the book. While the author is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, he presents a balanced view of liturgical practices within the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Presbyterian Churches. However, he will occasionally focus more on the Lutheran tradition.
What I found most helpful about this book is Senn's attention to the historical context and development of the liturgy. For those new to either the Roman Catholic Church or the mainline Protestant traditions, the author reinforces that current liturgical practices have not strayed much from how the early Church worshipped.
In Chapter Nine, Senn describes how "life passages" are addressed in liturgical settings. These would include baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals. However, the section of the chapter on how Christians affirm and live into their baptisms is weak. While he focuses on confirmation classes and receiving the Eucharist as affirming one's baptism, he misses the mark when living out one's baptismal covenant. If there is to be a second edition of this book, it would be helpful for the uninitiated that the author expands on this.
Anyone who has participated in or led liturgical worship will be familiar with the concepts presented in the book. While the author is a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, he presents a balanced view of liturgical practices within the Roman Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and Presbyterian Churches. However, he will occasionally focus more on the Lutheran tradition.
What I found most helpful about this book is Senn's attention to the historical context and development of the liturgy. For those new to either the Roman Catholic Church or the mainline Protestant traditions, the author reinforces that current liturgical practices have not strayed much from how the early Church worshipped.
In Chapter Nine, Senn describes how "life passages" are addressed in liturgical settings. These would include baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and funerals. However, the section of the chapter on how Christians affirm and live into their baptisms is weak. While he focuses on confirmation classes and receiving the Eucharist as affirming one's baptism, he misses the mark when living out one's baptismal covenant. If there is to be a second edition of this book, it would be helpful for the uninitiated that the author expands on this.
April 1, 2020
Well written and thorough.
May 21, 2022
Brilliant
January 30, 2013
Why do we Worship? What is Liturgy? What are the main periods of liturgical history? What characterizes liturgy in each of these periods? What does it mean to sanctify time? How is liturgical space arranged? How is the body used in worship? How are children formed in Christian worship?
These are just some of the questions which Frank Senn answers in Introduction to Christian Liturgy. In this book he describes, catalogues and commends a thoughtful appropriation of liturgical practices in worship. This is a solid introduction to liturgy and covers topics like: what liturgy is, history and culture (and how liturgy inculturates), the order of service, the liturgy of hours, the church calender and the history and meaning of various seasons, life passages, liturgical arts, and how congregants participate in worship. While Senn himself is a Lutheran pastor and liturgist, his approach is ecumenical. He is able to synthesize the insights of liturgists and scholars from various traditions (i.e. Schmemann, Wainwright, Lathrop, White, Bradshaw, etc.) and he surveys liturgical traditions from the Orthodox to the Vineyard movement.
This is a very good book for anyone interested in liturgy. In each of the chapters (which explore the topics listed above), Senn answers a series of questions. This makes this book a quick reference for the various elements of liturgy. Senn calls his book a ‘pastoral liturgical handbook’ and envisions that this book will be most useful to pastoral leaders by making them knowledgeable of the liturgical tradition and enabling them to answer specific questions lay people may have (1-2). His contention is that pastors who are knowledgeable of the history and trends can help shape the liturgy for a particular context in a way that is congregationally and culturally sensitive. He does not articulate a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to Christian liturgy, but commends to you the rich resources of the Christian tradition.
Three groups will find this book helpful. As Senn envisions, this book will be helpful to pastoral leaders and other worship leaders as a resource on liturgy. It will help pastors answer questions about the liturgy and help them lead congregants into the significance of various rituals and ceremonies. Secondly, this book will be well used in an academic context. The comprehensive way in which Senn addresses the various pieces of Christian liturgy makes it an ideal text for courses on liturgy and worship. I would have loved a text like this in seminary which described the various elements of worship in various traditions. Third, the educated lay person will also find this book helpful. The question-and-answer organization to this book, makes it a quick and accessible resource. This is the sort of reference book which is great addition to a personal or church library.
My own ecclesiastical tradition is not directly named in this text. The church I attend is not particularly ‘high church.’ We have a worship team and don’t often follow the Lectionary but we do have some liturgical features we hold dear. We celebrate weekly communion, observe the Christian seasons and our pastor will ‘robe up’ to perform baptisms and dedications (significant life events). This liturgical ‘hodge podge’ is due to the fact that my denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church retains some of the traditional elements from their Swedish Lutheran roots, but their churches also bear the influence of revivalism. Senn names and describes both of these influences and there is a lot here that would be applicable to my context. Likewise, Christians from a wide swath of Christian traditions will also find various entry points into this subject matter.
I am happy to recommend this book to students, pastors, worship leaders and any one interested in liturgical practice. This is an ‘introduction’ so does not say all that needs to be said about liturgy, but Senn points readers to other resources at the end of each chapter, so that they may deepen their liturgical understanding. Senn does what any good guide does and names the flora and fauna of the terrain he traverses and points the way for those who wish to explore further. I give this book five star: ★★★★★
Thank you to Fortress Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
These are just some of the questions which Frank Senn answers in Introduction to Christian Liturgy. In this book he describes, catalogues and commends a thoughtful appropriation of liturgical practices in worship. This is a solid introduction to liturgy and covers topics like: what liturgy is, history and culture (and how liturgy inculturates), the order of service, the liturgy of hours, the church calender and the history and meaning of various seasons, life passages, liturgical arts, and how congregants participate in worship. While Senn himself is a Lutheran pastor and liturgist, his approach is ecumenical. He is able to synthesize the insights of liturgists and scholars from various traditions (i.e. Schmemann, Wainwright, Lathrop, White, Bradshaw, etc.) and he surveys liturgical traditions from the Orthodox to the Vineyard movement.
This is a very good book for anyone interested in liturgy. In each of the chapters (which explore the topics listed above), Senn answers a series of questions. This makes this book a quick reference for the various elements of liturgy. Senn calls his book a ‘pastoral liturgical handbook’ and envisions that this book will be most useful to pastoral leaders by making them knowledgeable of the liturgical tradition and enabling them to answer specific questions lay people may have (1-2). His contention is that pastors who are knowledgeable of the history and trends can help shape the liturgy for a particular context in a way that is congregationally and culturally sensitive. He does not articulate a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to Christian liturgy, but commends to you the rich resources of the Christian tradition.
Three groups will find this book helpful. As Senn envisions, this book will be helpful to pastoral leaders and other worship leaders as a resource on liturgy. It will help pastors answer questions about the liturgy and help them lead congregants into the significance of various rituals and ceremonies. Secondly, this book will be well used in an academic context. The comprehensive way in which Senn addresses the various pieces of Christian liturgy makes it an ideal text for courses on liturgy and worship. I would have loved a text like this in seminary which described the various elements of worship in various traditions. Third, the educated lay person will also find this book helpful. The question-and-answer organization to this book, makes it a quick and accessible resource. This is the sort of reference book which is great addition to a personal or church library.
My own ecclesiastical tradition is not directly named in this text. The church I attend is not particularly ‘high church.’ We have a worship team and don’t often follow the Lectionary but we do have some liturgical features we hold dear. We celebrate weekly communion, observe the Christian seasons and our pastor will ‘robe up’ to perform baptisms and dedications (significant life events). This liturgical ‘hodge podge’ is due to the fact that my denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Church retains some of the traditional elements from their Swedish Lutheran roots, but their churches also bear the influence of revivalism. Senn names and describes both of these influences and there is a lot here that would be applicable to my context. Likewise, Christians from a wide swath of Christian traditions will also find various entry points into this subject matter.
I am happy to recommend this book to students, pastors, worship leaders and any one interested in liturgical practice. This is an ‘introduction’ so does not say all that needs to be said about liturgy, but Senn points readers to other resources at the end of each chapter, so that they may deepen their liturgical understanding. Senn does what any good guide does and names the flora and fauna of the terrain he traverses and points the way for those who wish to explore further. I give this book five star: ★★★★★
Thank you to Fortress Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
August 5, 2012
After a pretty thorough skimming this weekend, I would have to say I'm very excited about this book. I think it would make not only a great text for a worship course at the undergraduate or seminary level, but I think it would even be useful for a congregation-based study of worship.
Senn addresses the questions (and the questions under the questions) that are often asked about why liturgical churches do what they do at their weekly worship services. From the basic who, what, why, where and when, to the more intricate "how did it get to be that way?" "why do you wear/say/do that stuff?" and the ever popular "is that the way it HAS to be?" In and through that of course, is the question of "who says" and I think a more thorough reading would answer that question as well.
I like that he makes connections to worship resources and practices (hymnals and other books) in common usage and refers to less common resources as well. His discussion is predominantly focused on the North American church, but he includes references and research on worship around the globe as well.
He makes helpful comparisons between denominational differences as well as historical differences. "Lutherans did it that way back then, over there and they do it this way this way now." or "Catholic churches have this, Presbyterian churches generally have that", etc.
I especially likes how he unpacks how what is done in liturgical worship is contextual, relevant, multi-cultural and connects worshipers to worshipers across the church in all times and places.
I recommend it - even from just skimming it - and I am going to look for an opportunity to teach from it.
Senn addresses the questions (and the questions under the questions) that are often asked about why liturgical churches do what they do at their weekly worship services. From the basic who, what, why, where and when, to the more intricate "how did it get to be that way?" "why do you wear/say/do that stuff?" and the ever popular "is that the way it HAS to be?" In and through that of course, is the question of "who says" and I think a more thorough reading would answer that question as well.
I like that he makes connections to worship resources and practices (hymnals and other books) in common usage and refers to less common resources as well. His discussion is predominantly focused on the North American church, but he includes references and research on worship around the globe as well.
He makes helpful comparisons between denominational differences as well as historical differences. "Lutherans did it that way back then, over there and they do it this way this way now." or "Catholic churches have this, Presbyterian churches generally have that", etc.
I especially likes how he unpacks how what is done in liturgical worship is contextual, relevant, multi-cultural and connects worshipers to worshipers across the church in all times and places.
I recommend it - even from just skimming it - and I am going to look for an opportunity to teach from it.
December 24, 2013
An Excellent read.
There were only a few of theological statements that I was uncomfortable with but that aside Senn writes of larger history of Christian liturgy in a logical yet easy and entertaining way. Certain practices are illuminated and the canyon from the time of Jesus to the modern church is bridged. Most helpful to me were…
The history of baptism
The history of the Lords supper
The history of Liturgical “rites”
The only down side of this work is this. Frank Senn seems to focus on Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran liturgy primarily. It would have been beneficial to the reader to have a larger overview that included the liturgy of the reformed tradition. But as there is no such thing as a perfect book, this gets the job done in an enjoyable fashion.
A must read for any Liturgical Christian or those are just curious.
There were only a few of theological statements that I was uncomfortable with but that aside Senn writes of larger history of Christian liturgy in a logical yet easy and entertaining way. Certain practices are illuminated and the canyon from the time of Jesus to the modern church is bridged. Most helpful to me were…
The history of baptism
The history of the Lords supper
The history of Liturgical “rites”
The only down side of this work is this. Frank Senn seems to focus on Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran liturgy primarily. It would have been beneficial to the reader to have a larger overview that included the liturgy of the reformed tradition. But as there is no such thing as a perfect book, this gets the job done in an enjoyable fashion.
A must read for any Liturgical Christian or those are just curious.
August 11, 2016
Short review: this would make a good introductory text for a MDiv worship class. The main focus is on how a variety of traditions within the various Christian streams work liturgically. It can be a bit dry because it is essentially fleshed out lists. The catholics handle the church year in this method, the orthodox in this method, presbyterians in this method, lutherans, low church baptists, etc.
It is helpful for historical development of many parts of the liturgy and for breaking down parts of the liturgy to understand how those components came to be ordered.
It is not super engaging, but it is helpful. And it well arranged so you can use it as as reference and dip in and out of areas that are of particular interest.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/introduction-christi...
It is helpful for historical development of many parts of the liturgy and for breaking down parts of the liturgy to understand how those components came to be ordered.
It is not super engaging, but it is helpful. And it well arranged so you can use it as as reference and dip in and out of areas that are of particular interest.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/introduction-christi...
February 8, 2018
A great resource of Christian Liturgy! Almost too many facts, often leaving me hungry for transitions, context or back stories. I read this book as part of a class on Christian Worship - specifically Lutheran - and it was a great compliment to the discussions. As a stand alone, however, it may not quite work.
Take a class or discuss this with someone who can help you with your specific denomination's application. It covers some good facts and history if you have the patience to wade through them.
Take a class or discuss this with someone who can help you with your specific denomination's application. It covers some good facts and history if you have the patience to wade through them.
Read
August 20, 2016good
April 8, 2017
Excellent
I really loved this book. For many who have been in church their entire lives, especially in the protestant tradition, this book is a breath of fresh air. Far from being a book about dead ritualism, this is a book that I believe will breathe life and excitement into the liturgy of your church because life and excitement and emotion all come when we understand and can act in our worship gatherings with meaning. Every pastor, music pastor, and committed layperson will benefit from this book.
I really loved this book. For many who have been in church their entire lives, especially in the protestant tradition, this book is a breath of fresh air. Far from being a book about dead ritualism, this is a book that I believe will breathe life and excitement into the liturgy of your church because life and excitement and emotion all come when we understand and can act in our worship gatherings with meaning. Every pastor, music pastor, and committed layperson will benefit from this book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews