Liturgy and Tradition: Theological Reflections of Alexander Schmemann

by Alexander Schmemann, Thomas Fisch (Editor)

This collection of essays by the preeminent Orthodox liturgical theologian is intended as a companion volume to his Introduction to Liturgical Theology. Here can be traced the development of his thought, particularly his increasingly precise articulation of the nature and method of liturgical theology. Here too can be found Schmemann's constant stress on liturgy as an eschatological and ecclesial event. He repeated challenges the liturgical movement in both East and West to rediscover this understanding of the liturgy, an understanding which was so central in the life of the early church. The introduction by Thomas Fisch discusses Schmemann's contribution to the broader liturgical movement and places him in the vanguard of twentieth century thinkers.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Essays

138 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1990

About the author

Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann was a prominent Eastern Orthodox theologian and priest of the Orthodox Church in America.

Reviews

[Радостин Марчев]

Един от най-ясните сборници на Шмеман за неговото виждане относно литургичното богословие. Книгата на места не е леко четиво, но всеки, който иска да разбере какво мисли автора има тази възможност - независимо дали е съгласен с него или не.

[Jacob Aitken]

In many ways this is a "reflective" follow-up to Schmemann's *Introduction to Liturgical Theology.* While a series of essays the book revolves around the theme that the experience of the church is primarily given in the liturgeia--the lex orandi (55). The thesis itself is fairly straightfoward, but Schmemann gets himself in trouble (maybe) in his theological and liturgical critiques. He suggests, that for all the rich and theologically correct symbolism of Byzantine liturgy, that much of the symbolism is additions. But whether is right or wrong, the book stands on its own. Liturgy is not a data for theology, but its source. Amen, indeed. Our worship determines our theology.



Like many of his books, Schmemann gives us rich meditations on the Eucharist. This is where Schmemann's writing can stop the Earth in its orbit. The Eucharist is a passage leading the church into heaven--really real heaven--where we perceive the eternal light, feast upon and feast with Christ--and are transformed (interestingly, Fr Schmemann asks both his Catholic and Protestant friends on debates on the real presence--what kind of "presence," any presence, isn't real? A fruitless debate, indeed).



The wholistic emphasis in his "Theological Critique of Liturgy" and "Liturgical Critique of Theology," while at times confusing, encourage the theologian not to isolate theology into different data and disciplines. This guts theology of its power. This is also the main point of contention in the beginning of the book. Schmemann gives an adequate response, I suppose.



The book is not perfect, however. Many paragraphs are almost word-for-word repetitions from earlier in the book (I suppose in a book like this it is unavoidable). Also, the debates in the beginning of the book, while invaluable in showing potential weaknesses in Schmemann's thought, aren't necessary to the book and can be skipped.

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great contribution by Schmemann. More difficult than his other books and more repetitive. I have numerous disagreements with his specific views of issues. Yet his view of the Christian life is unlike anything I am reading currently. His vision stretches into areas most theologians leave untouched. Two main points from this book. First, the liturgy is eschatological. The liturgy is where we enter the Kingdom of Christ. It is the final age brought into the present age. Second, theology is too divorced from the life of the Church. He hammers home this point in one essay. Many Protestants are feeling this divorce also. It makes theology the result of individuals living an ivory tower existence instead of being the rising from the organic life of the Body of Christ.

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic little book!

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a novice at Orthodoxy, so this provided some insight into liturgical tradition. It's redundant, but this is understandable given that it's a collection of essays.