The Church at Worship series presents case studies of worshiping communities around the world and throughout Christian history, designed to inform and enrich worship practices today. Rather than survey historical developments of worship, this series closely examines worship practices of particular times and places. Each volume includes a map, a timeline, a summary of noteworthy aspects of worship in the relevant time period and region, an anthology of primary sources, and questions for congregational and student study groups.
This inaugural volume uses vivid descriptions of Jerusalem, its history, its people, and its worship practices to set the stage for a rich selection of primary church documents, presenting readers with a vibrant snapshot of the church at Jerusalem in the fourth century.
Some of the primary materials included are:
In the Logos edition, this volume is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches to find exactly what you’re looking for. Take the discussion with you using tablet and mobile apps. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.
Interested in the whole series? Be sure to check out The Church at Worship Series (3 vols.).
“The Christians who formed the church that remained in the city in the second and” (Page 4)
“Who would not want to worship where Christ had stood, walked, bled, and rose?” (Page 3)
“Persevere with the catechetical classes. If we have a lot to say, don’t relax your attention. You are being given” (Page 125)
“from earthly things to heavenly. This water ‘springs up to eternal life,’ for Jesus is the source of blessings.” (Page 119)
“The whole church in Jerusalem formed one worshiping people” (Page 22)
Ancient liturgy comes to life in this truly reader-friendly yet scholarly book—a valuable addition to the growing number of resources that should greatly enrich Christian worship in years to come. With this as a first sample, I eagerly await the rest of the series.
—Justo L. González, emeritus professor of history, Columbia Theological Seminary
Readers will see, hear, and feel the enthusiasm and faith of worshipers sixteen hundred years ago. . . . A wonderfully rich, fascinating, and inspiring book!
—Martha Ann Kirk, professor of religious studies, University of the Incarnate Word
A marvelous window for helping students understand through the eyes of a pilgrim what the contours of the faith looked like as Christianity moved from persecuted sect to imperial religion. With its panoply of resources, this book will be eminently useful.
—Brian T. Hartley, professor of religion, Greenville College
Lester Ruth is research professor of Christian worship at Duke Divinity School.
Carrie Steenwyk is a publications manager at the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship.
John D. Witvliet is director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and teaches theology, worship, music, congregational, and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary.