Worship in the early church
Book Description
Discover the authentic roots of Christian worship through this remarkable collection of primary sources spanning six centuries of early church history. Lawrence J. Johnson presents carefully selected excerpts from the writings of church fathers, councils, and liturgical documents that reveal how Christian communities actually practiced their faith from the apostolic era through the sixth century.
This comprehensive four-volume work takes you on a journey through time, beginning with the Jewish prayers and synagogue traditions that shaped early Christian worship. You'll encounter the voices of influential figures like Justin Martyr, Augustine of Hippo, John Chrysostom, and Gregory the Great, alongside lesser-known but equally important witnesses to the developing Christian tradition.
The collection spans both Eastern and Western Christianity, offering insights into how worship practices evolved across different regions and cultures. From the simple gatherings described in the Didache to the more elaborate liturgies of later centuries, these primary sources illuminate the gradual development of Christian sacraments, prayers, and ceremonial practices.
Rather than relying on modern interpretations, this anthology allows the early Christians to speak for themselves about their spiritual practices and beliefs. For anyone seeking to understand the historical foundations of Christian worship or exploring the authentic expressions of early Christian spirituality, this collection provides direct access to the voices that shaped the church's liturgical heritage across its formative centuries.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 312 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Primitive and early church
- ✓ Explore Sources
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Worship
- ✓ Explore Frühchristentum
- ✓ Explore Gottesdienst
- ✓ Explore Worship, history, early church, ca. 30-600
- ✓ Explore Early church
Topics Covered
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