Returning to the Sources: An Historical Introduction to the Liturgy (CH1430Y)

Content

To renew its liturgical life in the current age, the church as critically evaluated its own tradition, and “returned to the sources” for guidance. This unit explores the history of the Church’s liturgy, focusing especially on key developments in the ancient/patristic, medieval and modern periods. It explores the changing patterns of how the church embodies in the liturgy its nature and its relationship with the world and with culture. With special reference to the Eucharist throughout, students are encouraged to discover the dynamic role liturgy has played in the Church’s navigation of two millennia of history.

Learning outcomes

Pedagogy

Asynchronous and synchronous lectures and tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

• Baldovin, John F. Reforming the Liturgy: A Response to the Critics. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2008.
• Ferrone, Rita. Liturgy: Sacrosanctum Concilium . New York/Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, 2007.
• Jones, Cheslyn, Geoffrey Wainwright, Edward Yarnold and Paul Bradshaw, eds., The Study of Liturgy . London: SPCK, 1997.
• McGowan, Andrew B. Ancient Christian Worship. Grand Rapids, MI, Baker Academic,2014
• Pilcher, Carmel, David Orr, and Elizabeth Harrington, eds. Vatican II: Reforming Liturgy. Adelaide: ATF Theology, 2013.
• Ratzinger, Joseph Cardinal. The Spirit of the Liturgy. San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2000.
• Senn, Frank C. The People’s Work: A Social History of the Liturgy. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2010.
• Spinks, Bryan D. Do This in Remembrance of Me: The Eucharist from the Early Church to the Present Day. London: SCM Press, 2013.
• Wainwright, Geoffrey and Karen B. Westerfield Tucker, eds., The Oxford History of Christian Worship. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2006.
• White, James F. Roman Catholic Worship: Trent to Today. Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2003.

Assessment