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Worshiping with the Reformers
Worship of the triune God has always stood at the center of the Christian life. That was certainly the case during the sixteenth-century Reformation as well. Yet in the midst of tremendous social and theological upheaval, the church had to renew its understanding of what it means to worship God.In this volume, which serves as a companion to IVP Academic's Reformation Commentary on Scripture series, Reformation scholar Karin Maag takes readers inside the worshiping lifeof the church during this era. Drawing from sources across theological traditions, she explores several aspects of the church's worship, including what it was like to attend church, reforms in preaching, the function of prayer, how Christians experienced the sacraments, and the roles of both visual art and music in worship.With Maag as your guide, you can go to church―with the Reformers.
248 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 4, 2024
An impressive introduction that provides specific anecdotes and general summaries of various worship practices and the reasons behind them in the age of Reformation. Includes not only Lutheran and Reformed but also Catholic and Anabaptist practices. Surprising combination of thorough and brief. Hard to imagine a better introduction.
October 27, 2021
Summary: A survey of the various worship practices of Reformed church bodies, revealing the diversity of practices and the reasons for those differences.
The Reformation led to many changes in the church. Among these were changes in various worship practices that reflected the changes in thinking about the worship of God by church leaders. Not all those changes were in the same direction. This book, a companion to IVP Academic’s Reformation Commentary Series, surveys these practices and the reasons behind them.
The book examines eight aspects of the church’s worship beginning with the matter of when people went to church. In many settings, attendance was more or less an expected duty, with the key driving factor of observance of the sabbath. Businesses were closed and activities banned that could distract from Sabbath attendance. At the same time, feast days were pared down, and many considered superstitious. What they did in worship is the second topic. I learned that seating was often arranged in a circle around a central pulpit, emphasizing the priority of preaching. A real challenge was attention, including the dealing with the problem of fights breaking out! Weddings in many settings occurred during worship, with the whole church witnessing vows. So did not only funerals but burials, a carryover of medieval practice that where the living literally worshipped atop their dead kin, buried under the floor!
As already mentioned, preaching took on a central role in Reformed churches. Calvinist and Lutheran groups tended toward more doctrinally oriented preaching while Anabaptist focused more on moral exhortation. Adherence to scripture was emphasized throughout and the training of pastors took on a greater priority. Regarding prayer, churches varied, though for all prayer in the context of worship was considered vital. Some focused more on the use of scriptures, particularly the Psalms and the Lord’s prayer, others on liturgy, which had a strongly participatory element. While the content shifted, prayer books continued to be important in teaching people to pray. Posture was debated–standing, seated, kneeling. This chapter includes a wonderful historic rationale for set prayers, over against extemporaneous prayer.
As is well known, baptism and communion were widely debated–their meaning, administration, their timing. Maag covers all of this without arguing a particular conclusion. She offers a fascinating discussion of the visual arts in worship and the tension between instruction and idolatry. She also explores music, the preference for simpler tunes for congregational singing, psalms versus, hymns, and the controversies around instruments, including organs. While some preferred a capella singing, the importance of instruments was to keep the singing from dragging, which tends to happen with unaccompanied singing. These were not simply matters of taste but of theology. Finally, Maag considers worship outside the church including the practices of pilgrimage, the care for the sick and dying, and household worship.
This is a highly readable survey rather than a granular treatment. We are introduced to dominant characteristics of worship in Reformed settings, and offered helpful bibliographies for more specialized study. Maag articulates that one of her hopes is that understanding the decisions, sometimes different, that the Reformers made will help Christians be more thoughtful of the Triune God they worship and how they give expression to that worship. It also strikes me that there is history from which we may learn without repeating the same contentions. Most of all, we learn that many things were done for theological reasons, rather than contemporary taste. Of course the spirit and manner in which this is done, with devotion and warmth and love for God rather than a judgmental sterility seems vitally important. Soli Deo Gloria!
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The Reformation led to many changes in the church. Among these were changes in various worship practices that reflected the changes in thinking about the worship of God by church leaders. Not all those changes were in the same direction. This book, a companion to IVP Academic’s Reformation Commentary Series, surveys these practices and the reasons behind them.
The book examines eight aspects of the church’s worship beginning with the matter of when people went to church. In many settings, attendance was more or less an expected duty, with the key driving factor of observance of the sabbath. Businesses were closed and activities banned that could distract from Sabbath attendance. At the same time, feast days were pared down, and many considered superstitious. What they did in worship is the second topic. I learned that seating was often arranged in a circle around a central pulpit, emphasizing the priority of preaching. A real challenge was attention, including the dealing with the problem of fights breaking out! Weddings in many settings occurred during worship, with the whole church witnessing vows. So did not only funerals but burials, a carryover of medieval practice that where the living literally worshipped atop their dead kin, buried under the floor!
As already mentioned, preaching took on a central role in Reformed churches. Calvinist and Lutheran groups tended toward more doctrinally oriented preaching while Anabaptist focused more on moral exhortation. Adherence to scripture was emphasized throughout and the training of pastors took on a greater priority. Regarding prayer, churches varied, though for all prayer in the context of worship was considered vital. Some focused more on the use of scriptures, particularly the Psalms and the Lord’s prayer, others on liturgy, which had a strongly participatory element. While the content shifted, prayer books continued to be important in teaching people to pray. Posture was debated–standing, seated, kneeling. This chapter includes a wonderful historic rationale for set prayers, over against extemporaneous prayer.
As is well known, baptism and communion were widely debated–their meaning, administration, their timing. Maag covers all of this without arguing a particular conclusion. She offers a fascinating discussion of the visual arts in worship and the tension between instruction and idolatry. She also explores music, the preference for simpler tunes for congregational singing, psalms versus, hymns, and the controversies around instruments, including organs. While some preferred a capella singing, the importance of instruments was to keep the singing from dragging, which tends to happen with unaccompanied singing. These were not simply matters of taste but of theology. Finally, Maag considers worship outside the church including the practices of pilgrimage, the care for the sick and dying, and household worship.
This is a highly readable survey rather than a granular treatment. We are introduced to dominant characteristics of worship in Reformed settings, and offered helpful bibliographies for more specialized study. Maag articulates that one of her hopes is that understanding the decisions, sometimes different, that the Reformers made will help Christians be more thoughtful of the Triune God they worship and how they give expression to that worship. It also strikes me that there is history from which we may learn without repeating the same contentions. Most of all, we learn that many things were done for theological reasons, rather than contemporary taste. Of course the spirit and manner in which this is done, with devotion and warmth and love for God rather than a judgmental sterility seems vitally important. Soli Deo Gloria!
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 9, 2021
What was it really like to worship during the 16th century? In Worshiping with the Reformers, Karin Maag takes us on a tour of what it was really like to go to church during the Reformation.
The 16th Century
The 16th century seems so far away from us, and Maag makes it known that while there are differences, there are also similarities in the ways we worship. She examines five main confessional families throughout this book: Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed, and Anabaptists. She makes use of vignettes to transport us back in time, and she expertly analyzes how and why worship was taking place.
From the very first chapter, I saw just how different (and difficult) things were without modern comforts and technology. Moreover, I felt the tense religious and political happenings in society. These were heated times inside and outside of the church. But they were also times of powerful spiritual growth.
Seeking to Worship
The Reformers faced some of the same issues we have today. There were competing activities for Sunday mornings. People liked to claim their seat in church. And others definitely had feedback to give to the preacher, especially regarding how long a sermon should be. But for the most part, there was a sense of longing to worship God in a correct and righteous way.
As a music leader, Chapter 7: The Visual Arts and Music held my interest. There were opinions about what songs to sing, what instruments (if any) to use, and how to best teach a congregation how to stay in tempo and in tune. But what stuck out to me the most was how music was important to the Reformers. There was no substitute for corporate singing, and they sought to worship in the best way possible.
Better Understanding, Deeper Appreciation
This book is perfect for those who are interested in church history and for those who want to know more about the Reformation. For worship leaders and pastors, it will give you a better sense of our Protestant roots.
While this is an academic book, it will reward you with knowledge from the past to better understand the present. Reading this book will give all believers a deeper appreciation for how God has built, grown, and established his church. And joining alongside the Reformers, it will lead you to worship.
I received a media copy of Worshiping with the Reformers and this is my honest review.
The 16th Century
The 16th century seems so far away from us, and Maag makes it known that while there are differences, there are also similarities in the ways we worship. She examines five main confessional families throughout this book: Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed, and Anabaptists. She makes use of vignettes to transport us back in time, and she expertly analyzes how and why worship was taking place.
From the very first chapter, I saw just how different (and difficult) things were without modern comforts and technology. Moreover, I felt the tense religious and political happenings in society. These were heated times inside and outside of the church. But they were also times of powerful spiritual growth.
Seeking to Worship
The Reformers faced some of the same issues we have today. There were competing activities for Sunday mornings. People liked to claim their seat in church. And others definitely had feedback to give to the preacher, especially regarding how long a sermon should be. But for the most part, there was a sense of longing to worship God in a correct and righteous way.
As a music leader, Chapter 7: The Visual Arts and Music held my interest. There were opinions about what songs to sing, what instruments (if any) to use, and how to best teach a congregation how to stay in tempo and in tune. But what stuck out to me the most was how music was important to the Reformers. There was no substitute for corporate singing, and they sought to worship in the best way possible.
Better Understanding, Deeper Appreciation
This book is perfect for those who are interested in church history and for those who want to know more about the Reformation. For worship leaders and pastors, it will give you a better sense of our Protestant roots.
While this is an academic book, it will reward you with knowledge from the past to better understand the present. Reading this book will give all believers a deeper appreciation for how God has built, grown, and established his church. And joining alongside the Reformers, it will lead you to worship.
I received a media copy of Worshiping with the Reformers and this is my honest review.
April 12, 2021
This was an easy-to-read and quite informative look at Wordship practices in the Reformation Era. It covers Catholic, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican and Anabaptist (though far less on the last one due to lack of records) - and with insights from people of the day, so we get to see glimpses of the actual practice rather than just what was mandated.
Covers the attendance (both what was mandated and what happened), church practices, preaching, prayer, baptism, Holy Communion, and a good section on Music and the Visual Arts.
The final chapter looks at worship outside the church building - and in this it is sad how far we have neglected this area. It covers not just how worship was done at home but also in school and the high regard placed on personal piety.
An excellent read for all :)
Covers the attendance (both what was mandated and what happened), church practices, preaching, prayer, baptism, Holy Communion, and a good section on Music and the Visual Arts.
The final chapter looks at worship outside the church building - and in this it is sad how far we have neglected this area. It covers not just how worship was done at home but also in school and the high regard placed on personal piety.
An excellent read for all :)
December 20, 2023
This is easy to read and the stories are evocative. It’s really well organized by chapters around sermons, music, art, rituals, prayer and it includes Catholic practices as well as Reformed ones. While it stays rooted in the sixteenth century, it is easy to see how differences around worship developed in the current world. The debates around what to sing and how and other important elements may not be as big a division today, but thinking about the practical elements of how these folks tried to worship God is still relevant. And I felt like I could see them going to church and getting grumpy with each other and trying to read scripture well and things I still participate in. I will be assigning some chapters to my undergraduates.
September 30, 2021
Fairly short but very clear and easy to read exploration of public worship in the Reformation era. Maag surveys the practices, practical experience, and to some degree the reasons and beliefs underlying the differences among the churches. She focuses mainly on the Lutheran, Reformed, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Anabaptist churches, with some other groups or sub-groups popping in occasionally. The book is organized according to topic: Going to church, preaching, public prayer, baptism, communion, music and visual arts, and worship outside the church (feast days and deathbeds, etc).
It was striking how similar many of the controversies and experiences were to today, with probably the main differences being state involvement. Generally, in Europe in the Reformation era, there was some attempt by the state or local rulers to enforce compliance, at some level, with whatever the official practices were. The people's religion was rightly recognized as the foundation of society and culture, so right religious practice was seen as a public concern.
It was striking how similar many of the controversies and experiences were to today, with probably the main differences being state involvement. Generally, in Europe in the Reformation era, there was some attempt by the state or local rulers to enforce compliance, at some level, with whatever the official practices were. The people's religion was rightly recognized as the foundation of society and culture, so right religious practice was seen as a public concern.
July 22, 2026
very Informative Book
Dr Maag has written an insightful book on early practices of worship immediately before and after the reformation. This is a fascinating book covering the practices of the early churches across denominations and gives insight in to the histories of practices still continuing today. It was interesting to see areas of debate and ways the churches changed over time.
Dr Maag has written an insightful book on early practices of worship immediately before and after the reformation. This is a fascinating book covering the practices of the early churches across denominations and gives insight in to the histories of practices still continuing today. It was interesting to see areas of debate and ways the churches changed over time.
June 8, 2021
An intriguing, enlightening survey of early modern worship practices (and not just among Protestants). A quick, enjoyable (and inexpensive!) read, one which pointed me to other, more specialized books on the subject. Looking forward to reading Maag's Seminary or University?: The Genevan Academy and Reformed Higher Education, 1560-1620.
Read
June 1, 2023Книгата е много добра. Написана е изключително разбираемо, чете се леко, но зад това стои сериозно науно изследване.
April 6, 2021
Displaying a masterful synthesis of research Karin Maag provides glimpses into what worship looked like during the reformed age. The focus is not on the contributions of women but it is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to read a female author who makes a valuable historical offering.
March is Women’s History Month, set aside to learn of, remember and commemorate the important contributions of women in American history. Worshiping with the Reformers by Karin Maag may not directly correlate but this volume is a valuable account of worship practices in the time of the reformers.
Today readers receive encouragement to engage with books written by women and ethnic minorities to gain a different perspective from the plethora of writings by white males. It’s a legitimate concept as one can no doubt benefit from divergent viewpoints. It reminds me of F. W. Boreham’s encouragement, “I do suggest that a man should be incessantly forcing his mind along new lines, familiarizing himself with unfamiliar themes, pushing his keel into new seas and exploring worlds on which his eyes have never before gazed.”
Do you normally read books by men? Read some written by women. If your reading tends towards those who share your ethnic origin, enjoy the writings of someone from a different race.
Doing this to cross it off a checklist or to fulfill a self-imposed quota is futile if we just go through the motions. Approaching it, however, with a sense of inquisitiveness can expand our horizons. If a reader is looking to read a female author, this book is an excellent choice. Not interested in historic worship practices during the reformation period, all the more reason to push yourself along a different line. You may find it enriching.
Maag, a PhD from the University of St. Andrews, is professor and director of the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies at Calvin University. Don’t let these academic qualifications scare you. The books is filled with highly accessible accounts of people and institutions navigating a tumultuous time. It’s fascinating and a joy to read. You don’t have to be an academic, just a learner.
You also don’t have to be of the reformed faith to find this interesting. This covers the practices of a multitude of groups during the reformation period. Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed and Anabaptists are the main representatives. Expect to read quotations from luminaries like John Calvin and Martin Luther but thankfully we get to hear from lesser known voices and publications. The author’s research and skill is evident from the depth of content and the organization. Using words as her building material, readers get to follow her creation of a historical edifice that is a wonder to behold.
I can’t help thinking that this makes an excellent companion to the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series. Neither is dependent on the other, but this definitely complements the former. It even matches the series in terms of the images and color on the cover. Logos Bible Software should add this resource to their inventory since they include the commentary series. I can’t imagine a better pairing.
What adds to the richness is the secondary aspect: “Although the primary focus of this book is on the practice of worship, most of the chapters include some background on the theological approach adopted by Reformation-era church leaders on various topics.” So it’s not just what but why.
The chapter headings reveal the main topics: Going to Church, At Church, Preaching, Prayer, Baptism, Communion, The Visual Arts and Music and Worship Outside Church.
In walking us through the subject matter Maag points out that even in a particular group, nothing was set in stone. Variation existed. There was “flexibility and diversity.” Even with the best intentions it’s difficult if not impossible to achieve uniform practice.
The purpose in examining the differences is to help ministers and lay people today “think more deeply about various aspects of worship practice.” Why did some incorporate icons and others reject them? Why did some hold to set prayers while others favored extemporaneous expression?
One of the surprises is the role of government. This is one of the big divides between then and now. In various ways governments regulated the practice of worship, even mandating attendance. Officials were looking at what was best for society, seeing people more as groups rather than individuals.
The dedication that I see within these pages is a challenge to my own apathy. The varied expressions lead to considering today’s practices. This window into the past informs the present and has the potential to shape our future. In this time of steadily declining church attendance this can purify the heart to worship anew.
March is Women’s History Month, set aside to learn of, remember and commemorate the important contributions of women in American history. Worshiping with the Reformers by Karin Maag may not directly correlate but this volume is a valuable account of worship practices in the time of the reformers.
Today readers receive encouragement to engage with books written by women and ethnic minorities to gain a different perspective from the plethora of writings by white males. It’s a legitimate concept as one can no doubt benefit from divergent viewpoints. It reminds me of F. W. Boreham’s encouragement, “I do suggest that a man should be incessantly forcing his mind along new lines, familiarizing himself with unfamiliar themes, pushing his keel into new seas and exploring worlds on which his eyes have never before gazed.”
Do you normally read books by men? Read some written by women. If your reading tends towards those who share your ethnic origin, enjoy the writings of someone from a different race.
Doing this to cross it off a checklist or to fulfill a self-imposed quota is futile if we just go through the motions. Approaching it, however, with a sense of inquisitiveness can expand our horizons. If a reader is looking to read a female author, this book is an excellent choice. Not interested in historic worship practices during the reformation period, all the more reason to push yourself along a different line. You may find it enriching.
Maag, a PhD from the University of St. Andrews, is professor and director of the H. Henry Meeter Center for Calvin Studies at Calvin University. Don’t let these academic qualifications scare you. The books is filled with highly accessible accounts of people and institutions navigating a tumultuous time. It’s fascinating and a joy to read. You don’t have to be an academic, just a learner.
You also don’t have to be of the reformed faith to find this interesting. This covers the practices of a multitude of groups during the reformation period. Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Reformed and Anabaptists are the main representatives. Expect to read quotations from luminaries like John Calvin and Martin Luther but thankfully we get to hear from lesser known voices and publications. The author’s research and skill is evident from the depth of content and the organization. Using words as her building material, readers get to follow her creation of a historical edifice that is a wonder to behold.
I can’t help thinking that this makes an excellent companion to the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series. Neither is dependent on the other, but this definitely complements the former. It even matches the series in terms of the images and color on the cover. Logos Bible Software should add this resource to their inventory since they include the commentary series. I can’t imagine a better pairing.
What adds to the richness is the secondary aspect: “Although the primary focus of this book is on the practice of worship, most of the chapters include some background on the theological approach adopted by Reformation-era church leaders on various topics.” So it’s not just what but why.
The chapter headings reveal the main topics: Going to Church, At Church, Preaching, Prayer, Baptism, Communion, The Visual Arts and Music and Worship Outside Church.
In walking us through the subject matter Maag points out that even in a particular group, nothing was set in stone. Variation existed. There was “flexibility and diversity.” Even with the best intentions it’s difficult if not impossible to achieve uniform practice.
The purpose in examining the differences is to help ministers and lay people today “think more deeply about various aspects of worship practice.” Why did some incorporate icons and others reject them? Why did some hold to set prayers while others favored extemporaneous expression?
One of the surprises is the role of government. This is one of the big divides between then and now. In various ways governments regulated the practice of worship, even mandating attendance. Officials were looking at what was best for society, seeing people more as groups rather than individuals.
The dedication that I see within these pages is a challenge to my own apathy. The varied expressions lead to considering today’s practices. This window into the past informs the present and has the potential to shape our future. In this time of steadily declining church attendance this can purify the heart to worship anew.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews