Liturgical Theology: The Church as Worshiping Community
"Simon Chan offers here a timely word to the evangelical church. Things 'liturgical,' once shunned by some, are now being embraced by a generation of believers who have renewed interest in ancient practices and ritual arts. This book provides a solid theological framework for the working-out of best practices as the evangelical world renews its worship." (Clay Schmit, Arthur DeKruyter/Christ Church Oak Brook Associate Professor of Preaching and Academic Director for the Brehm Center for Worship, Theology and the Arts, Fuller Theological Seminary)"Convinced that the practices of the liturgy shape and form faith and life, Chan has written an utterly compelling book that calls the evangelical tradition to a new commitment to worship. It is just the wake-up call that evangelicals need to hear." (Leanne Van Dyk, academic dean and professor of Reformed theology, Western Theological Seminary)"Worship both expresses and forms us in a particular theological vision. Oddly, evangelical Christians have been reluctant to explore this topic. Indeed, an 'evangelical proposal' for 'liturgical theology' still sounds like an oxymoron. But this reluctance must end--and kudos to Simon Chan for helping the cause. He explores the significant worship-theology relationship in conversation with a wonderfully broad range of Christian theologians. The result may not only change how you think about worship, but how you practice it in your congregation." (John D. Witvliet, director, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, and associate professor of worship, theology and music, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary)"In this day of confusion about the meaning and purpose of worship, Simon Chan returns worship to its place of belonging in the church. His calling to return to the catechumenate, to theordoof Sunday worship and the reinvigoration of the historic liturgy is especially timely given the postmodern moment in which we live." (Robert Webber, Myers Professor of Ministry, Northern Seminary)"Simon Chan asserts that if long-standing criticisms of the evangelical tradition are to be addressed, evangelicals must begin to develop a more adequate ecclesiology. In this book he presents a vision of the church as an ontological reality in which sound theological and ecclesial practices can be developed. In so doing he has produced a thoughtful and significant book that should be read carefully by all those concerned for the future of ecclesial life and witness in the evangelical tradition." (John R. Franke, professor of theology, Biblical Seminary)