The Early Liturgy to the Time of Gregory the Great

by Josef Jungmann, Francis A. Brunner (Translator)

Based on a series of lectures given at the University of Notre Dame, this classic text traces the history of liturgy from the early Church through the sixth century. The book focuses on the Euchrist and it's development, including the development of various rites. It also touches on the development of the sacraments of Baptism and Penance.

Genres: Theology, Church History

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

Reviews

[David Withun · Rating 5 out of 5]

-

[Louis R · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a relatively strong overview of the early liturgies, some of his theoretical points have been most definitely contested by modern scholarship, most especially on the Eucharistic prayer and the understanding of the early Church visavis Judaism. Overall, a good introduction, and helpful to understand "no break in continuity of thought nor any confusion or disorder" between the early liturgies and those into the sixth century, especially of the Canon (307).

[Kyle Evens]

A digestible overview of the Greco-Roman evolution of Christian eucharist and holidays. Unlike many surveys I have read, Fr. Jungmann does not shy away from the heavy influence that Greek philosophy and Roman sun-worship had in the lead up to the pre-Trent form of Western Christian worship.

[Rick Stuckwisch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A somewhat more "popular" and "devotional" (though still scholarly and erudite) examination and discussion of early liturgical history and development, theology and practice.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a little sad about returning this one to the library.