Beyond East and West: Problems in Liturgical Understanding

by Robert F. Taft

Explores the Byzantine Eucharistic liturgy - its beauty, mystery and apparent total lack of logic. This work uncovers the roots of liturgy in Eastern and Western Christianity from historical, theological and practical points of view.

Genres: Nonfiction

204 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1984

About the author

Robert F. Taft SJ is an archimandrite of the Eastern Catholic Church and a prominent liturgical scholar.

Reviews

[Adam DeVille, Ph.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of vintage Taft essays, each paying rich dividends. He is widely acknowledged as today's doyen of Byzantine liturgical studies, and rightly so.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

These kinds of historical books can be tedious, but Taft's style made this an enjoyable read. He doesn't shy away from criticism, but his love of the Byzantine liturgy is palpable. I found this to be a good follow up to Wybrew's "The Orthodox Liturgy" for his insight throughout, but especially for the final article on the historical developments in the liturgy where he explains how the service evolved. Additionally, he finds the spirit of Eastern Orthodox worship even within the developments: for example, the iconostasis, not a mere result of clericalization as Wybrew suggests, but as a participation in the mystery of hiding and revealing the kingdom of heaven.

[Davis Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Certain essays in this little collection are great introductions to the classic sacramental view of liturgy. Others are a bit specialized. Overall very much worth owning/reading for the church history enthusiast.

[JonM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful and honest about certain liturgical developments, but excruciatingly boring. Thank God it’s not a long book!

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few very insightful articles among several obscure essays.

[Ms. S........... · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Taft is a very astute writer and gets at some core points about the differences in eastern and western christian practices. For anyone who wants to know some differences between byzantine, tridentine, orthodox, and modern catholicism.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep theological and academic work on Byzantine liturgical theology. Covers many topics no addressed else where. Truly he is an expert in his field and is very readable. Can be read straight through or used as a reference.