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| Reforming the Liturgy |
A Response to the Critics
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| John F. Baldovin, SJ |
Paperback
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2009 Catholic Press Association Award Winner! Perhaps no liturgical scholar of our time is better able than John Baldovin to write with clarity and accuracy about the meaning of the church's liturgy and the history of its development in the last half century. In this summary volume on the reform of the liturgy since the Second Vatican Council, Baldovin pinpoints and assesses—both sympathetically and critically—the objections to changes in the liturgy since the council, focusing on philosophical, historical-critical, and theological questions. After addressing each criticism in turn, in a final chapter he assesses the critique of post–Vatican II liturgy as a whole, affirming what is accurate and necessary, rejecting what is backward looking, and proposing a set of principles to guide future development. No one who studies or participates in liturgical action in the twenty-first century can afford to overlook this book.
John F. Baldovin, SJ, is professor of historical and liturgical theology at Boston College School of Theology and Ministry. His most recent books include Bread of Life, Cup of Salvation and The Urban Character of Christian Worship.
"Baldovin’s work is to be highly recommended. Indeed, any serious future discussion of pastoral liturgical issues will be unable to ignore this excellent analysis of the liturgical status quo."
-Irish Theological Quarterly
"The book deserves high praise for Baldovin’s perspicacity, his commitment to rigorous academic veracity, and his intrepidness."
-Anglican Theological Review
"This volume is an important contribution . . . "
-Emmanuel
"This is an insightful book, well documented, and well thought out. The author truly has provided a service to the wider community, by showing the origins of so many contemporary criticisms and by giving a sound response. I would commend this book to any pastor or anyone involved in the restoration of liturgy in parishes."
-Parish Liturgy
". . . [Baldovin’s] book remains an important step in the right direction."
-America
"In this fine volume, John F. Baldovin has done us a great service. . . . This is a book to read carefully, spend time with, and discuss with colleagues!"
-Pastoral Music
"Baldovin’s is an invaluable and lucid analysis. It brings together a great variety of critics and criticisms in a unique way. He exposes the agendas which often lie close to the surface even in some of the most academically rooted critiques. For these reasons this book is of immense benefit to scholars and practitioners alike. . . . Here is a response to the critics by an outstanding scholar. Perhaps it challenges others to engage further with the most compelling critics as liturgical development continues in this new millennium."
-Anaphora
" . . . a fascinating book, and one that is well worth reading."
-Commonweal
"Similar to a good mystery novel, Baldovin’s newest contribution to both academic and pastoral liturgy is a page-turner. I began reading and couldn’t put it down—this is one of the most interesting and insightful books I’ve read in a long time. Baldovin presents two or more sides of many contentious liturgical issues, among them faithfulness to tradition and the liturgical vision of Vatican II; entertainment vs. christocentric models of celebration; translation, vernacular, and inclusive language; placement of altar and tabernacle and orientation of the presider–celebrant; and liturgical music. His chapter on the theology of Pope Benedict XVI is superb. Writing in his usual studious but conversational style, Baldovin gives us much to think about and challenges us to listen to all sides. Would that we are all as sensitive, honest, and charitable in our critiques!"
-Joyce Ann Zimmerman, CPPS, Director, Institute for Liturgical Ministry, Dayton, Ohio
Publication Date:
November 2008
Format:
Paperback
Specifics: 192 pp., 6 x 9
ISBN: 978-0-8146-6219-9
Rights: World, English
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