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Postures of the Assembly During the Eucharistic Prayer

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As a Catholic scholar and college teacher of systematic theology I cannot stress adamantly enough the importance of "Postures of the Assembly during the Eucharistic Prayer." Without question it is the single most important book I have on my shelf. Every American Roman Catholic (including every priest and bishop) who desires to be "Traditional" in the TRUE sense of the word and who is interested in experiencing a deeper level of presence and communion should understand the history of the postures of the assembly as well as its implications on comtemporary practice, which to a large extent in the American Catholic Church does NOT currently conform either with the revised Roman Rite or with the eariest traditions of the Church. Although the authors claim that the reader is left to draw his or her own conclusion at the end of the book as to which posture -- standing or kneeling -- is more appropriate for the laity, following upon their research firmly ground in Tradition (see council of Nicea, for example), doctrine and historical practice up to and beyond the first millenium, it is clear that a drastic change in the American Catholic laity's posture and theological understanding of the Eucharist is LONG overdue!

Let me admit that even a slim volume on this topic doesn't excite everyone. But this volume has a fascinating discussion on the social dimensions of posture in a ritual meal. There is exploration of the history behind posture - begining with adoration as action ... and kneeling arising out of kissing ....

Throughout the book wears its scholarship easily - creating an easy read that forces you to reevaluate the use of posture in your own faith community.