The Cambridge Companion to Christian Liturgy

This volume comprehensively presents the breadth and depth of Christian liturgy and thereby shows its relevance for contemporary cultures.

This Companion offers new insights into the theological depths of the liturgical mysteries that are the essence of Christian worship services, rituals, and sacraments. It shows how Christian liturgy, as a corporeal and communal set of activities, has had a profound impact on spiritualities, preaching, pastoral engagement, and ecumenical relations.Throughout the long history of Christianity, Christians have celebrated their faith in a myriad of ways. This Companion offers new insights into the theological depths of the liturgical mysteries that are the essence of Christian worship services, rituals, and sacraments. It investigates how these mysteries order time and space, and how they permeate the life of the Churches. The volume explores how Christian liturgy, as a corporeal and communal set of activities, has had a profound impact on spiritualities, preaching, pastoral engagement, and ecumenical relations, as well as encounters with religious others. Written by an international team of scholars, it also explores the intrinsic connections between liturgy and the arts, and why liturgy matters theologically. Ultimately, The Cambridge Companion to Christian Liturgy demonstrates the inextricable link between theology and liturgy and provides incentives for critical and constructive reflections about the relevance of liturgy in today's world.