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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Christianity > Christian worship > General
The central act of Christian worship is the Mass or Eucharist.
This, however, is a formal public act, and generally a
once-in-a-week event, which does not entirely answer the spiritual
aspirations of the vast majority of Christians who express these
through prayer and "devotional practices". The cult of relics and
of saints in general; banding together into confraternities to
foster a special devotion; going on pilgrimages, wearing medals,
badges and scapulars - all these are forms of devotion. Where did
they all come from? They have left their mark on the Church, in the
history of books and in manuals of prayers, but relatively little
is known about them. The idea for this book arose when, in the
senior common room of a university theological faculty, it became
clear that none of those present knew why there was an "Infant of
Prague". The book is in a dictionary format. Mainly historical in
its approach, it explains how a particular devotion arose, sets it
in its context and explains the purpose it served in the life of
the Church. It is critical without being judgemental on subjects
such as the "truth" behind apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Some 600
entries range over topics such as relics, pilgrimages and the cult
of the saints, as well as more specialized and local devotions. The
work is designed to be of use to historians and those engaged in
religious studies, as well as being of interest to the general
public. The topics are confined to the Christian religion and, in
effect, almost entirely to the Roman Catholic tradition. Tables
provide a comparison of the Liturgical Calendar (fixed and moveable
feasts) before and after the Reform of 1969. A comprehensive index
enables readers to follow virtually any subject through its
different aspects, as well as providing a quick guide to the
contents of the dictionary. Michael Walsh is the editor of Bishop
Butler's "Lives of the Saints" in one concise volume, and the
author of a companion volume, "Patron Saints".
"Rediscovering the Beauty of Sabbath Rest"
Our bodies and souls were "created "to rest--regularly--and when
they do, we experience heightened productivity, improved health,
and more meaningful relationships.
In these pages you'll find wonderful stories of the senator's
spiritual journey, as well as special Sabbath experiences with
political colleagues such as Bill Clinton, Al and Tipper Gore, John
McCain, Colin Powell, George W. Bush, Bob Dole, and others. Senator
Joe Lieberman shows how his observance of the Sabbath has not only
enriched his personal and spiritual life but enhanced his career
and enabled him to serve his country to his greatest capacity.
A portrait of the traditions and interior life of Russian Orthodox spirituality.
What does God want to say and do in your worship service?As a
pastor or worship leader, planning a meaningful, relevant, and
theologically rich worship experience for your church is of the
upmost importance. How do you meet the demands of the modern
congregation without getting in the way of what God is doing
through worship?Created to Worship: God's Invitation to Become
Fully Human is a resource that provides a theology of worship in
the Wesleyan tradition. This book will help you plan for a worship
service in a discerning manner, while answering the question, 'What
does God want to say and do today?'
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