Worship in Context explores central contentions of liturgical theology. It subjects them to questions from Australian perspectives, 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 Australian cultural exegesis, colonial history, First People’s theology, and studies of the distinctive Australian ecclesial scene. This second step makes clear the problematic nature of liturgy in migration to this place. Third, the unit models ways of ‘talking back to the tradition’, suggesting some and seeking other contributions to a 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.
Unit code: DL8030P
Unit status: Approved (New unit)
Points: 24.0
Unit level: Postgraduate Foundational
Unit discipline: Liturgy
Delivery Mode: Face to Face
Proposing College: Pilgrim Theological College
Show when this unit is running| 1. | describe the shape and articulate the nodal points in ecumenical liturgical theology |
| 2. | critically represent the views of scholars proposing Australian contextual distinctiveness |
| 3. | critique their own inherited liturgical practice and understanding |
| 4. | critically corelate the conversation |
| 5. | make constructive practical proposals for liturgical assemblies in Australia |
Input, peer-groups, guided reading, reflection, research, practicum
Anglican Church of Australia, A Prayer Book for Australia. Alexandria: Broughton Books, 1995.
Bos, Rob and Thompson, Geoff., eds. Theology for Pilgrims. Sydney: Uniting Church Press, 2008.
Burns, Stephen and Cones, Bryan., eds. Liturgy with a Difference. London: SCM Press, 2019.
Burns, Stephen and Monro, Anita., eds. Christian Worship in Australia. Strathfield: St Pauls, 2009.
Cones, Bryan. This Assembly of Believers. London: SCM Press, 2020.
Jagessar, Michael and Burns, Stephen. Christian Worship: Postcolonial Perspectives. Sheffield: Equinox, 2012.
Jupp, James., ed. Encyclopedia of Religion in Australia. Melbourne: Cambridge UP, 2009.
Ramshaw, Gail. Christian Worship: 100,000 Sundays of Rituals and Symbols. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2009.
Uniting Church in Australia, Uniting in Worship 2. Sydney: Uniting Church Press, 2005.
Wilkey, Glaucia Vasconcelos., ed. Worship and Culture: Foreign Country or Homeland? Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2014.
| Type | Description | Word count | Weight (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay - Essay on liturgical theology | Essay on liturgical theology (2500 words) |
2500 | 40.0 |
| Essay - A Guide | A guide for an assembly, informed by some correlations proposed in the unit (2000-word equivalent) |
2000 | 20.0 |
| Essay - Liturgical Practice | Essay engaging liturgical practice with a specified dimension of Australian culture/history (2500 words) |
2500 | 40.0 |
Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Maggie Kappelhoff on 17 Sep, 2021
Unit record last updated: 2021-09-27 10:00:54 +1000