Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Christian Practice

by John D. Witvliet

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2003

Overview

Worship Seeking Understanding mines the riches of biblical studies, theology, history, music, and pastoral research to provide windows into Christian worship practices. Motivated by Anselm, John Witvliet’s “goal is not to explain away the experience of worship or kill and dissect it by esoteric scholarly analysis, but rather to honor and cherish it by asking the questions worship itself prompts.”

With this volume, Witvliet attempts to build bridges in three directions at the same time: between theory and practice, among various worship-related disciplines, and across denominational lines. Its broad scope and insightful advice will be welcomed by seminary students, pastors, and church leaders.

Key Features

• Mines the riches of biblical studies.
• Attempts to build bridges in three directions at the same time.
• Brings an insightful description of the current situation in worship and church music.

Praise for Worship Seeking Understanding

When it comes to music in worship, it is rare to find a person who can cross the really tough boundaries--between theory and practice and between different worship-related disciplines and entrenched church traditions. John Witvliet is such a person. These essays, drawing on many years of experience, will do much to expand our vision, not only of worship but also of the God who inspires it.

--Jeremy Begbie, University of St. Andrews

Written with pastoral sensitivity and scholarly precision, this book is a most insightful description of the current situation in worship and church music. It is a generous down payment on the future work of a new generation of scholars concerned about contemporary Christian worship.

--James F. White, visiting professor of liturgical studies, Yale University

If you are looking for a book that spans the academic horizon of worship, look no more. John Witvliet explores the relationship between the theoretical and practical in the biblical, historical, theological, musical, and cultural disciplines. Worship Seeking Understanding leads us into a worship that is grounded in the great tradition yet accessible to the person in the pew.

--Robert Webber, Myers Professor of Ministry, Northern Baptist Seminary

Product Details

• Title: Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Christian Practice
• Author: John D. Witvliet
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2003
• Logos Release Date: 2024
• Pages: 319
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Worship
• ISBNs: 0801026237, 9780801026232
• Resource ID: LLS:WRSHPSKNGCPRCTC
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-02-16T00:38:58Z

About John D. Witvliet

John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and associate professor of music and worship at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary, respectively. He also teaches in the religion department at Calvin College. His areas of interest include the history of Christian worship, worship practices in various denominations, biblical and systematic theology of worship, the role of music and the arts in worship, and consulting with churches on worship renewal. “At its best, Christian worship reflects and conveys the beauty of God, profound gratitude for the gospel of Christ, and eagerness to deepen self-giving service in God’s world. In my teaching, I hope to invite pastors and worship leaders to plan and lead services that reflect this vision, to offer worship that is both profoundly biblical and culturally relevant. An important part of this learning process is encountering the wisdom of Christian communities in cultures and historical periods very different from our own. Such encounters deepen our sense of solidarity with the whole body of Christ, and also sharpen, humble, and enrich our ministry.” John Witvliet is the author of The Biblical Psalms in Christian Worship: A Brief Ecumenical Introduction and Guide to Resources (Eerdmans, forthcoming), Worship Seeking Understanding: Windows into Christian Practice (Baker Academic, 2003), co-editor of Worship in Medieval and Early Modern Europe: Change and Continuity in Religious Practice (University of Notre Dame Press, 2004), and Proclaiming the Christmas Gospel: Ancient Sermons and Hymns for Contemporary Inspiration (Baker 2004) and editor of A Child Shall Lead: Children in Worship (Choristers Guild, 1999). He serves as editor for two books series-the “Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Liturgical Studies Series” (Eerdmans) and “Vital Worship, Healthy Congregations” (Alban Institute)-as well as co-editor, with Pearl Shangkuan, of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Music Series (GIA). He is married to Charlotte van Oyen Witvliet, a professor of psychology at Hope College. They are parents of four very active children, Sheila Grace, Kate, Madeline, and Luke.