Worship in Context (DL1010P)

Content

Worship in Context explores central contentions of liturgical theology. It subjects them to questions from Australian perspectives, in search of contextualized liturgical theology and practice.

Methodologically, there are three steps. First, the unit presents key contentions of liturgical theology—of the kind that marks ecumenical liturgical renewal and shapes denominational ritual books and liturgical resources, such as (but by no means only) Uniting in Worship 2. These contentions include: that Christ Jesus is made known in word and sacrament; that the assembly is the celebrant of Christian liturgy, and the presider the servant of the assembly, and so on. Second, numerous perspectives are brought into critical correlation with these commonplace notions of liturgical theology. These perspectives variously draw on Australian cultural exegesis, colonial history, First People’s theology, and studies of the distinctive Australian ecclesial scene. This second step makes clear the problematic nature of liturgy in migration to this place. Third, the unit models ways of ‘talking back to the tradition’, suggesting some and seeking other contributions to a contextualized liturgical theology and practice, proposing adjustments to/affirmations of/corrections to/renunciation of liturgical theology, conscious of its setting and dimensions of liturgy both stable and in flux.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

No prerequisite or co-requisite units

Pedagogy

Input, peer-groups, guided reading, reflection, research, practicum

Indicative Bibliography

1. Anglican Church of Australia, A Prayer Book for Australia. Alexandria: Broughton Books, 1995.

2. Bos, Rob and Thompson, Geoff, eds. Theology for Pilgrims. Sydney: Uniting Church Press, 2008.

3. Burns, Stephen. SCM Study Guide to Liturgy. London: SCM Press, 2018.

4. Jupp, James, ed. Encyclopedia of Religion in Australia. Melbourne: Cambridge UP, 2009.

5. Ramshaw, Gail. Christian Worship: 100,000 Sundays of Rituals and Symbols. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2009.

6. Uniting Church in Australia, Uniting in Worship 2. Sydney: Uniting Church Press, 2005.

   1. Wilkey, Glaucia Vasconcelos, ed. Worship and Culture: Foreign Country or Homeland? Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014.

Assessment