Worship in the Early Church: An Anthology of Historical Sources (4 vols.)

by Lawrence J. Johnson

Publisher:

Liturgical Press

, 2009

Overview

Worship in the Early Church is a four-volume collection of excerpts from early Christian writings illustrating the Church’s liturgical practice in both East and West, from its Jewish beginnings through the end of the sixth century. Source material includes doctrinal and historical treatises, scriptural commentaries, sermons, letters, synodal legislation, early church orders, monastic rules, and baptismal and funeral epigrams. Each author or major selection is preceded by a short introduction containing such information as dates, country of origin, and various other background details. A bibliography of pertinent periodical and liturgical literature is given, as well as a bibliography referencing standard encyclopedias of religion and manuals of patrology.

Reading these volumes in Logos—whether on your phone, tablet, or computer—is intuitive and easy. Search for topics or patristic writers instantly, and follow footnotes and biblographic references with just a click. With this essential collection, your Logos-powered research into the patristic sources of worship and liturgy becomes that much easier.

Key Features

• English translations of a wide range of ancient sources
• Separate bibliographies for pertinent periodical and liturgical literature and for standard encyclopedias of religion and manuals of patrology
• Doctrinal and historical treatises, scriptural commentaries, sermons, letters, synodal legislation, early church orders, monastic rules, and baptismal and funeral epigrams

Praise for the Print Edition

Worship in the Early Church is a rich treasure trove of source materials for those who study early Christian worship. This anthology gives them access to English translations of a wide range of ancient sources that may not be otherwise available to them. The author, who studied under Pierre Marie Gy and Pierre Jounal at the Institut Catholique in Paris, has done scholars a great service in providing these translations, the majority of them his own. Johnson’s bibliography, with entries covering the past century and a half, will be a welcome bonus for those wishing to trace the development of scholarship on these early documents. A truly remarkable and indispensable resource!

—Gilbert Ostdiek, professor of liturgy, Catholic Theological Union

This set will be a great resource. I was impressed with the thoroughness of Johnson’s bibliography and his attention to detail. In addition to scholars in the area of worship or liturgy, this collection could also serve those in theology and historical theology. . . . It could have significant ecumenical appeal.

—Judith M. Kubicki, associate professor, department of theology, Fordham University

It will be very useful to have all these texts in one location. . . . The bibliography is very useful and the translations are excellent.

—Dominic E. Serra, associate professor and director of liturgical studies and sacramental theology, The Catholic University of America

The project looks tremendous . . . eminently usable for classroom purposes. This is a volume that can be used for years to come. A much-welcomed product.

—Paul Turner, Saint Munchin Parish, MO

Product Details

• Title: Worship in the Early Church: An Anthology of Historical Sources
• Editor: Lawrence J. Johnson
• Publisher: Liturgical Press
• Volumes: 4
• Pages: 1,552

About the Editor

Lawrence J. Johnson is the former executive secretary of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions and the former editor/director of The Pastoral Press. He has written several books on the liturgy and its music, including The Mystery of Faith: A Study of the Structural Elements of the Order of the Mass.