What is it about?
In light of many unjustified biases against its being too confessional or unscientific I argue that liturgical theology entails many opportunities for thorough academic research and profound reflections. Liturgical theology is not only about the rituals of Christians, but also about their innermost convictions and the multiple connections between God, world, faith, Church and history.
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Why is it important?
While the study of Christian worship has a solid history of text-based approaches, it is crucial today to continue to expand the methodological horizon. In addition to implementing insights and wisdom from other disciplines, the use of the imagination, the arts, the senses and spirituality is to be strongly encouraged. Interestingly, the proposal to do this both practically and theoretically resonates with ideas of early twentieth-century pioneers of the Liturgical Movement.
Perspectives
A strong motivation for me to write this book is the experience of many PhD students whom I see struggling with methodological questions. They find it difficult to convince their peers that what they're doing corresponds with standards of both academic rigor and theological seriousness. Also, writing this essay has given me the chance to take another step in developing my own voice in the chorus of contemporary liturgical theologians.
Joris Geldhof
Associatie KU Leuven
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Liturgical Theology as a Research Program, Brill Research Perspectives in Theology, May 2020, Brill,
DOI: 10.1163/24683493-12340010.
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