Liturgy Explained (Paperback)

by Katherine L. Howard (Author) "We are all beginners in the liturgy, really..." (more)
Key Phrases: Prayer Book, Word of God, Lord's Table (more...)

Product Details

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Morehouse Publishing (May 1, 1981)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819212857
• ISBN-13: 978-0819212856
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #187,957 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Liturgy 101, June 22, 2003

By	Christian Book Reviews "www.christianbookrevi... (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

There may be no better individual to explain the workings of liturgy to curious Evangelicals than Thomas Howard. Raised in a notable Evangelical/Fundamentalist family and with a gift of literary expression, Howard has written numerous books on the spirituality of his new homes in the historic Churches - initially Anglicanism, then later Roman Catholicism. The Liturgy Explained, a little booklet of less than 50 pages written during his Anglican period, is a wonderful introduction to Christian liturgy to those searching for more reverent worship but unsure of what is happening in traditional liturgical services. It is not meant to be comprehensive but as is noted in the book, you have to start somewhere.

In the introduction, Howard focuses on the true purpose of worship, the use of ritual and ceremony, and the nature of Sacraments. The true focus should always be what God has called us to do and not what we experience.

Howard divides the main part of the booklet into two sections corresponding to the two parts of the Lord's Day services of the Church. The first covers the Liturgy of the Word. This initial phase of the service begins with an opening acclamation and a collect (prayer) for purity of heart. The congregation then sings two hymns: the first asking for mercy (Kyrie Eleison) and the second a hymn of praise (Gloria in Excelsis Deo). This is followed by a collect for the day (corresponding to the appropriate day in the Church calendar). Then come lessons from the Old Testament and New Testament Epistles followed by a reading from the Gospels and a sermon. The people then respond by stating their beliefs (The Nicene Creed), offering prayers (Prayers of the People), asking God for forgiveness (Confession) and having their sins declared forgiven (Absolution). The close of the Liturgy of the Word is the passing of the Peace of Christ. Howard manages to offer clear outlines of each step - not only explaining the practice, but also demonstrating why it is in its proper place in the service.

Howard then moves to the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Beginning with the collection of gifts (Offertory) and hymns of adoration (Sanctus, Benedictus), to the prayer of consecration, and the Holy Communion, and ending with the Benediction and dismissal, Howard paints a picture of a great mystical drama where Christ feeds His Church by faith by the means He ordained. A fine line is walked here as the Anglican understanding of the Eucharist affirms the Real Presence but allows for differing opinions of the mode of that presence. Howard stays neutral on this and other thorny subjects - thus admirably submitting his personal opinion to his Church in areas of public teaching (this booklet was intended as catechetical material - in other works intended as personal opinion, Howard affirmed his more "high church" beliefs). As in the earlier section, the explanations of liturgical practice are clearly presented.

Howard finishes with an appendix on certain liturgical practices and customs that may be used in some parishes and not others. Such items as Saints' Days and incense are far more common in high church Anglicanism. Howard explains why the rationale for allowing - though they are left optional.

The Liturgy Explained is a straightforward tool for catechesis of those confused by liturgical practice. There is often a need in parishes for a "Liturgy 101" course and for that purpose this little booklet should be required reading.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best liturgical guides!, November 22, 1999

By	"the_monk" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews

I have found no other book to be so helpful in both understanding the liturgy and explaining it to others. I had many epiphany moments, saying (often aloud) 'Oh, that's why we do that!' This is a must not only for Anglicans, but for anyone from the historic Christian liturgical traditions. An easy, quick read. Suitable for Confirmation classes!

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazon has wrong author's name listed, June 4, 2009

By	Edward D. Jacknitsky "txjack2000" (Central Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Thomas Howard is actually the author.

I loved this little book. It is very thin, but packed with loads of info. The book itself was written around 1985. I am fairly new to Anglicanism but it walked me through every step with great explanation. It was not deep, it is only a few pages, but really covers everything I wanted about the liturgy. I read it slowly and really studied it first time through, but then read through it again and thoroughly enjoyed it the second time, too.

Note: The book is more geared to the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, and although we use 1928 at my church, it still was great and no problem following.