DESCRIPTION:

This course aims to explore the biblical material (mainly New Testament) to do with Christian worship, and then to relate the theology and practice of the worship of God to the life of churches (in varying traditions), both historically and in today's world. It is a blend of New Testament study, liturgical study, and the theology of worship. Its stance is at once exegetical, historical, and practical.

The nature of and topics covered in this course suggest an immediate relevance to the church's ministry of proclamation and liturgical praise in its many forms. Any who are preparing for and engaged in ministry should benefit from a study of the scriptural data and the history of worship.

The class will meet each weekday (June 23-July 3, 1997) in the summer quarter. Since there are only nine days of classes, attendance is a necessity, and there will be a diversified curriculum (part lecture, part practical) each day. Supplemental readings are integral.

Bradshaw, P. The Search for the Origins of Christian Worship. Notre Dame, 1992.

* Berkley, J. D., ed. Leadership Handbooks of Practical Theology. Vol. 1. Baker, 1992.

Jasper, R. C. D. and G. J. Cuming. Prayers of the Eucharist: Early and Reformed. Oxford, 1975, 1980.

Liesch, B. People in the Presence of God. Zondervan, 1988.

* Martin, R. P. Worship in the Early Church. Eerdmans, 1975.

* ________. "Study Guide and Class Outlines." Syllabus (photocopied).

Martin, R. P. The Family and the Fellowship. Eerdmans, 1980, esp. chs. on ministry & sacraments.

________. Carmen Christi: Philippians 2:5-11 . . . in the Setting of Early Christian Worship. Eerdmans, 1983.

________. The Worship of God: Some Theological, Pastoral and Practical Reflections. Eerdmans, 1982.

Moule, C. F. D. Worship in the New Testament. John Knox, 1961.

Wainwright, G. Doxology. The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine and Life. Oxford, 1980. See The Reformed Journal, vol. 31, July 1981, pp. 25f.

Webber, R. E. Worship Old and New. Zondervan, 1982.

White, J. F. Introduction to Christian Worship. Abingdon, 1980.

1. Attendance and participation in class discussion (see above).

2. Reading to be accomplished and reported by July 9, 1997.

3. Two quiz-type exams based on lectures and the three main texts as indicated above. A one-page outline on a selected chapter in Berkley's book (above) will provide the basis for class discussion on one day.

4. A short paper (15 pp.) on a topic of interest, mutually agreed between professor and student, to be submitted by July 14, 1997 at noon, otherwise penalized. Leave a wide margin for professorial comment.

5. An outline of the lecture materials has been prepared, and is on sale at the bookstore. These pages include some issues and questions suitable for class discussion. Students should pick up this package in advance of the first class.