408 - Introduction to Christian Worship

Introduction to Christian Worship
By James F. White
Nashville, Abingdon, 1980. 288 pp. $7.95.

White's new book is a mine of liturgical history and information, arranged in carefully-structured chapters with a view to clearer theological understanding and more skillful ministerial practice. It ranges from the first four centuries to post-Vatican II developments, examining the most recent service-books from the major denominations. The chapters on the language of time and space in worship are especially well done. Deeply ecumenical in approach, this onevolume handbook should be of great help to pastors and teachers because there is nothing quite like it presently available. One would also like to see it widely used in church study groups and committees charged with responsibilities for worship. The book's style is lively and lucid, and its complete avoidance of sexist language is a special boon.

Roger Hazelton
Episcopal Theological School
Cambridge, Mass.