An accessible reaffirmation of the importance and continuing relevance of Christian ritual
Offering an introduction to the important topic, Christian ritual and the sacraments, this book connects central Christian symbols to the symbols and rituals already present in the readers' lives. It appeals to intelligent lay readers, discussion groups, and for courses in ritual and the sacraments at the undergraduate and seminary level.
An accessible reaffirmation of the importance and continuing relevance of Christian ritual
Offering an introduction to the important topic, Christian ritual and the sacraments, this book connects central Christian symbols to the symbols and rituals already present in the readers' lives. It appeals to intelligent lay readers, discussion groups, and for courses in ritual and the sacraments at the undergraduate and seminary level.
In Christian Symbol and Ritual, Bernard Cooke and Gary Macy offer an accessible and engaging introduction to the topic written from a non-denominational perspective. Cooke and Macy demonstrate that celebration, ritual, and symbol are already central to our lives, even though most do not see their actions as symbolic or ritualistic. They connect central Christian symbols to the symbols and rituals already present in everyday life and place Christian theologyin a familiar context. After discussing the characteristics and functions of rituals, they explore different kinds of ritual, including those of friendship, worship, and healing. The authors also examine suchquestions as how rituals establish and maintain power relationships, how "official" rituals are different from "popular" Christian rituals and devotions, and how Christian rituals function in the process of human salvation. Christian Symbol and Ritual is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and lay readers.
“"When people hear the words 'symbol' or 'ritual,' they often silentlysupply the word 'mere': 'mere symbol,' 'mere ritual.' This book demonstrateshow, in Christian practice, symbols and rituals are never 'mere,' but ratherpower-laden and effective. Written in accessible, classroom style by two expertsin the history and theology of these matters, the book will be of great serviceto new Christians and to students starting out in the study of religion."--Geoffrey Wainwright, Cushman Professor of Christian Theology, DukeUniversity”
"A first-rate primer on the sacraments and the broader significance of ritual in human life." --Horizons
Gary Macy is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of San Diego. He has published widely in the area of Christian ritual, including The Banquet's Wisdom: A Short History of the Theologies of the Lord's Supper, 2nd ed. (2005). Bernard Cooke is the Loyola Professor of Theology Emeritus at
the College of the Holy Cross and author of many books, including Power and the Spirit of God: Toward an Experience-Based Pneumatology(2004).
In Christian Symbol and Ritual, Bernard Cooke and Gary Macy offer an accessible and engaging introduction to the topic written from a non-denominational perspective. Cooke and Macy demonstrate that celebration, ritual, and symbol are already central to our lives, even though most do not see their actions as symbolic or ritualistic. They connect central Christian symbols to the symbols and rituals already present in everyday life and place Christian theology in a familiar context. After discussing the characteristics and functions of rituals, they explore different kinds of ritual, including those of friendship, worship, and healing. The authors also examine such questions as how rituals establish and maintain power relationships, how "official" rituals are different from "popular" Christian rituals and devotions, and how Christian rituals function in the process of human salvation. Christian Symbol and Ritual is an invaluable resource for students, teachers, and lay readers.
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