Synopses & Reviews
Now that further research into the various rites of Christian initiation has challenged traditional assumptions, it is time to rewrite the textbooks. The ritual structure, specific detail, prayer content, and theology within the various rites indicate significant differences, ones that cannot be forced to fit the single, normative" Western model that has been advanced. These essays for seminary or graduate-level courses recognize the richness of the Christian liturgical tradition: multi-layered, multi-formed, multi-liturgical. They are presented in an order that facilitates their use in a study of the historical development and theological interpretation of Christian initiation. They offer the solid foundation in initiatory theology and history needed to promote an informed pastoral practice in the Churches today.
Following the model of editor R. Kevin Seasoltz's Living Bread, Saving Cup: Readings on the Eucharist, this ecumenical collection will forward the teaching and study of the rites of Christian initiation by gathering in one volume the significant contributions of many of the most important scholars working in the field. The contributors are Aidan Kavanagh, Georg Kretschmar, Adela Yarbro Collins, Gabriele Winkler, Paul F. Bradshaw, Jean Laporte, Joseph L. Levesque, Frank C. Quinn, Paul Turner, Laurence H. Stookey, Eugene L. Brand, Bryan D. Spinks, Paul F. X. Covino, and Mark Seale.
Maxwell E. Johnson, an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is assistant professor of liturgy in the School of Theology, St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. He received his doctorate in liturgical studies from the University of Notre Dame."
Synopsis
These essays for seminary or graduate-level courses recognize the richness of the Christian liturgical tradition: multi-layered, multi-formed, multi-liturgical.
Synopsis
This ecumenical collection of essays on Christian initiation from a number of liturgical scholars presents analyses of ancient sources and challenges to the traditional interpretations of those sources, an investigation of the development and meaning of "confirmation", descriptions and interpretations of contemporary initiation rites, and a discussion of the challenges and opportunities offered by infant initiation. Many of these essays have long been "required reading" for teachers and students of Christian initiation. They are conveniently collected together here for all who seek a solid foundation in initiatory theology and history leading to an informed pastoral practice in the churches today.
About the Author
Maxwell E. Johnson is professor of liturgy at the University of Notre Dame, USA, and a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His numerous publications are on the origins and development of early Christian liturgy as well as on current ecumenical theological questions, especially among Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans. He is the author and/or editor of over fifteen books and seventy essays and articles in books and journals. He is also a member of the North American Academy of Liturgy, Societas Liturgica, and the Society of Oriental Liturgy.