Worship in Context (DL8030P)

Content

Worship in Context explores central contentions of liturgical theology. It subjects them to questions 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 cultural exegesis, colonial history, First People’s theology, and studies of the distinctive ecclesial scenes. Third, the unit models ways of ‘talking back to the tradition’, suggesting some and seeking other contributions to 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

Pedagogy

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

Indicative Bibliography

1. Burns, Stephen. SCM Study Guide to Liturgy. SCM Press, 2018.

2. Burns, Stephen and Bryan Cones, eds. Liturgy with a Difference: Beyond Inclusion in Christian Assembly. SCM Press, 2019.

3. Burns, Stephen and HyeRan Kim-Cragg, eds. Conversations about Divine Mystery. Fortress Press, 2023.

4. Carvalhaes, Cláudio. Ritual at World’s End: Essays in Eco-liturgical Liberation Theology. Barber’s Son Press, 2021.

5. Deverell, Garry. Contemplating Country: More Gondwana Theology. Wipf & Stock, 2023.

6. Norman Habel, et al, eds. Season of Creation: A Preaching Commentary. Fortress, 2010.

7. McFarland, Jason et al, eds. Doing Liturgical Theology: Method in Context. Brill, 2026

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

9. Stewart, Benjamin. A Watered Garden: Christian Worship and Earth’s Ecology. Augsburg Press, 2004.

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

Articles directly relevant to topics will be sourced from the like of: Australian Journal of Liturgy, International Journal for the Study of the Christian Church, Liturgy, Modern Believing, Studia Liturgica and Worship, all of which have special issues as well as individual contributions of particular significance to this unit.

Assessment