Description
In Worship, Its Theology and Practice, Jean-Jacques von Allmen establishes the broader framework of a doctrine of worship, to then see how it can be applied in practice. The book’s two parts, ‘Problems of Principle’ and ‘Problems of Celebration’, allow for a holistic approach to worship in all its forms. Covering a wide range of liturgical study, von Allmen places regular Sunday worship in its historical and theological context, affirming its nature as the ‘recapitulation of the history of salvation’ and a sacred sign of Christ’s presence, while fully acknowledging its practical role in building the Church.
In this new edition, von Allmen’s work is brought up to date with a Foreword by Ronald Andrew Rienstra. There is also a new index, enabling scholars to locate key concepts and themes with ease. At its core, Worship, Its Theology and Practice remains acutely relevant, with its vision of an experience of worship comprised of deeper participation and simple obedience to Jesus Christ.
About the Author
Professor Jean-Jacques von Allmen (1917-1994) was Professor of Practical Theology in the University of Neuchâtel, and was formerly Pastor of the Reformed Church in Lucerne. Professor von Allmen directed his studies towards the life of the church through its use of the Scriptures and of Preaching. Published alongside this book is A Companion to the Bible. Previous von Allmen books published by James Clarke & Co. include Vocabulary of the Bible (2002) and The Lord’s Supper (2003).
Contents
Foreword
Introduction
A Note on Terminology
First Part: Problems of Principle
Chapter 1. Christian worship considered as the recapitulation of the history of salvation
1. The Christological basis of church worship
2. The presence of Christ in Christian worship and the epiklesis
3. The cult as recapitulation of the history of salvation
Chapter 2. The cult as the epiphany of the Church
1. The Church as a liturgical assembly
2. The implications of the cult considered as the epiphany of the Church
3. The cult as the heart of the local Christian community
Chapter 3. The cult, the end and future of the world
1. Two preliminary remarks
2. The cult considered as a threat to the world
3. The cult as a promise for the world
4. Cult and evangelization
Chapter 4. The approach to forms
1. Necessity and limitations of liturgical forms
2. The domains of liturgical expression
3. Discipline and liberty in liturgical expression
4. The reward of liturgical expression
Chapter 5. The necessity of the cult
1. Justification of the necessity of Christian worship
2. The usefulness of the cult
3. Obedience to the call to worship, and in its celebration
Second Part: Problems of Celebration
Chapter 6. The components of the cult
1. List of the elements of the cult
2. How to articulate the elements of worship in relation to one another
Chapter 7. The participants in the cult
1. God
2. The faithful
3. The angels, partners in worship
4. The world and its sighs
Chapter 8. The time of the cult
1. Sunday
2. The liturgical year
3. The sanctification of time
Chapter 9. The place of worship
1. The signs of Christ’s presence
2. The place of worship as a witness to the presence of Christ
3. The sanctification of space
Chapter 10. The order of worship
1. Teachings which result from the history of worship
2. The order of worship
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Endorsements and Reviews
Contemporary theologians and pastors would benefit by dwelling upon von Allmen’s convictions about the recovery of the Lord’s Supper in weekly Christian worship - convictions informed by his reading of Calvin, Ostervald, and other Reformers, as well as by his ecumenical engagement with theologians of other denominational identities. Ronald Andrew Rienstra, from the Foreword
