Liturgical theology studies Christian doctrines in relation to worship practices, including standardized liturgy and less formal Protestant worship. It examines the development of liturgical practices and their relationship with historical theology, as well as the relationship between theology and sacraments. Liturgical theology also explores the mutually influential relationship between worship services and views of God, and the relationship between popular and learned theology.
Liturgical theology is the study of Christian doctrines in relation to historical and current worship practices. It refers to the study of both the standardized liturgy found in Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican traditions, as well as the less formal worship of most other Protestant groups. The ways people interact with worship and the ways worship and theology influence each other are major topics of discussion in liturgical theology.
The study of formal liturgy is a subset of liturgical theology. This study involves, among other aspects, tracing the development of liturgical practices throughout history and their relationship with historical theology. The liturgy of the Anglican church, for example, tends to have less open doctrinal teaching than the liturgy of other churches. Some theologians argue that this is due to its historic role as a middle ground between Protestants and Catholics in England. By avoiding explicit teaching on issues such as transubstantiation, the Anglican church could welcome those with Catholic or Protestant sympathies.
Liturgical theology also involves the relationship between theology and the sacraments or ordinances performed in worship services. The theology of some traditions, especially the Catholic one, sees in the rituals of worship, such as baptism and the sacraments of the Eucharist, the means by which God gives grace to believers. In many Protestant churches, however, these same rituals may be present, but are referred to as “ordinances” and are seen as symbols or reminders of grace, but not as a means by which grace is received.
Another concern of liturgical theology is the mutually influential relationship between worship services and the views of God that various types of worship promulgate. Many churches offer “contemporary” services which might include informal teaching and rock music. Other services might have more ritualized worship with traditional church instruments, such as a piano or organ. These superficial differences in worship may also reflect deeper differences in the view of God. Advocates of traditional worship services might argue that they promote a more reverent attitude toward God, while contemporary worship advocates might say their more informal style does appear to be God more approachable and relevant to daily life.
Liturgical theology can also examine the relationship between popular and learned theology. The theology taught in seminaries influences what is taught and believed by church members. A seminarian might have a more complex view of the Trinity than a layman, but scientific theology is to some extent imparted to the layman through worship. Theological teaching could occur directly through preaching or Bible studies, or indirectly through song or prayer.
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