James F. White

"In White's uniquely helpful way, this text depicts the whole sweep of Protestant sacramental life. The sacraments were central to the controversies that led to and were a part of the Reformation of the sixteenth century. In the last fifty years, most traditions have made substantial revisions to their sacramental rites. This book traces the most significant changes in practices over the past five centuries, the controversies that they engendered or were born out of, and the faith that these rites were understood to express and embody."--BOOK JACKET.

In recent years scholars have paid increasing attention to the richness and diversity of North American contributions to Christian worship. This volume of articles by James F. White summarizes a major segment of liturgical history (1955-1995). Characteristic North American emphases, such as liturgy and justice, are highlighted along with other issues growing out of the worship context of the New World.

The four and one half centuries since the beginning of the council of Trent have witnessed enormous changes in Roman Catholic worship. At the beginning of the era congregations were preoccupied with devotions during the eucharistic liturgy, while today congregations participate actively in the liturgy while nearly ignoring devotions. This book surveys a tradition in translation, during which worship continued to evolve even when liturgical books remained largely unchanged. A distinctive feature of the present volume is the emphasis it gives to the total worship life of congregations rather than focusing on official documents. Developments in worship are traced through the epochs since Trent - the baroque age, the enlightenment, the romantic era, the second liturgical movement and the reforms in the wake of Vatican Council II. Cultural changes in each period are viewed through the lenses of church architecture, music, preaching and public prayer. This volume provides a history not only of the mass but all the worship forms in Roman Catholic experience, sacramental rites and popular devotions.

A history of Christian liturgy written from the perspectives of the 1990s in North America, covering a period that ranges from the New Testament era through modern times, with a look at the future of worship.

"Learning to worship is basic to becoming a Christian, says James White. Therefore, the teaching of Christian worship is also essential. White presents this excellent book, based on thirty-three years of teaching experience, as a resource for students and scholars who are engaged in studying and teaching the forms and meaning of Christian worship. White utilizes original documents and classical statements related to worship, and examines historically the application of liturgical practice in parish life. The book includes photographs, charts, and maps."--BOOK JACKET.

"Drawing on years of teaching experience, James F. White provides a unique overview of Protestant worship. He examines the origins, development, and present characteristics of nine traditions: Lutheran, Reformed, Anabaptist, Anglican, Separatist and Puritan, Quaker, Methodist, Frontier, and Pentecostal. To capture the 'reality of worship,' White looks beyond the printed texts and sacraments. He deals with Protestantism on a historical basis and brings insight by studying distinctively American contributions. He develops fresh and appropriate methods, focusing on ordinary events and tendencies that include piety, times of worship, architectural settings for worship, preaching, public prayer, church music, and social change among people." --

In this revised edition of Introduction to Christian Worship, first published in 1980, James F. White traces the development and current practices of the main forms of Christian worship, and includes discussion of the newest service books of the principal churches of North America and the British Isles. Time, space, daily public prayer, the Service of the Word, sacraments in general, Christian initiation, eucharist, and journeys and passages of the Christian life are discussed from historical, theological, and pastoral perspectives. Throughout, technical terms used in the study and practice of Christian worship are clarified. - Back cover.