Introduction to Christian Worship

by James F. White

Introduction to Christian Worship, 3rd Edition traces the development of the major forms of Christian worship, and includes discussion of the newest service books of the principal churches of North America and the British Isles. This staple of liturgical history is used widely in Protestant seminaries and is read by clergy and laity alike as an accurate, informative, and
accessible introduction to all aspects of Christian worship. This revision keeps pace with the latest scholarship and includes more maps, tables, woodcuts, and photographs.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, History, Christianity, Christian, Church

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Joshua · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is a VERY thorough exploration of many aspects of worship. It gives the history of practices, as well as a contemporary exploration of the meaning and purpose of those practices. It is a bit dry at times, but if you need intense research on worship, this is the book to use.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good...comprehensive explanation of Christian worship.

[Rob Markley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really useful survey of the practices of Christian worship across history and denominations. Coming from a background of almost total freedom from structure and liturgy it was illuminating to understand different streams of worship practice. A course in understanding broader Christian worship should really be compulsory in seminaries for looser denominations like Pentecostals and Baptists and this really would be an excellent standard reading - thus it is more than simply a text book, it is the course and most useful for reflection and guidance in the library of any minister/pastor/church leader.

White is mostly content to briefly describe practice, history and theology underlying things, but his occasional observations and commentary are also most helpful. I read the 1990 edition and although things have continued to evolve in worship practices the overwhelming emphasis of the book is looking at how we got here rather than looking forward or comparing contemporary activities - and so my edition does the job!

[Ben Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

At long last, I have finally finished this book.

White does a good job of showing how particular aspects of Christian Worship developed from Judaism, into early Christianity, the medieval era, the reformation era, and the modern era. I found it fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the insights White provided about how the church borrowed from the Syngague and how the modern church is the union between the house church and the synagogue. It was a wonderful read, where i learned a whole bunch.


In the past year I have been attending an anglican church, and it has been amazing reading about the roots of what I have been doing in church. My only complaint of White, Is that sometimes I worry he strawmans opponents he wishes to disagree with (particularly, Luther). I found his opinions on the sacrements to also be sort of strange.

[Jeff Ragan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really impressed by White’s Introduction to Christian Worship, and enjoyed it thoroughly. His is a great overview of the key elements of Christian worship as they were formed and developed over the centuries and around the world. I gained a greater appreciation of our faith in general, and the huge variety of ways it is expressed in different periods of history and different families of church tradition.

[Andy Todd · Rating 2 out of 5]

A useful basic introduction to the topic. In an attempt to be inclusive of a range of denominations it becomes reductive at times.

[Darcy Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things I loved about this book is that it gives such a great overview of worship practices over the centuries and throughout most of the known world among Christians. Books like this are a sure cure for those who think that how they do it in their own church is the only proper way. This is also a great resource for ideas useable in worship settings. A book that I intend to keep!

[Karla Renee Goforth Abreu]

Christian worship is traced back to early roots---high church is somewhat contrasted with low church---(liturgical/non-liturgical). It gives the reader appreciation for many of the symbolic rituals used in high church.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

We really wouldn't have anything to do on sunday mornings if it weren't for the Jews. This is a very good text book. It's clear and concise. The facts are easily distinguishable from the author's opinions. The author's opinions are quite informed, interesting, and helpful.

[Patti Clement · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my textbooks for my Worship, Liturgy and Sacraments course. I really enjoyed reading about the historical development and current practices in Christian Worship written by the leading Protestant liturgical historian.

[David Withun · Rating 4 out of 5]

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