In our post-modern, technological and visual age, there seems to be a new fascination with symbols. And in such an age as this, it is not enough just to understand and use the written liturgy, whether old or new, like Common Worship. In worship and in our pastoral rites, the preoccupation with texts has to be balanced with the vital liturgical language of symbols. Never before has there been such scope for the use of symbols as can be found in the family of Common Worship services. Not simply visual aids, liturgical symbols are suggestive and evocative; they belong to a whole matrix of imagery in Scripture and in the prayer texts that accompany the ritual acts of worship. Each chapter of Symbols and Worship provides theological and historical background to the symbols discussed (water, oil, light and incense), as well as practical guidance on the place and use of these symbols in the whole range of Common Worship services.

About the Author
Christopher Irvine was formerly Principal of the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield, and is now a Residentiary Canon at Canterbury Cathedral. He is a Consultant to the Church of England's Liturgical Commission. He co-authored (with Ann Dawtry) ALG 2, Art and Worship, and his most recent book, exploring the theology of liturgical formation is The Art of God: the making of Christians and the meaning of worship (SPCK, 2005).


Book Information
ISBN 9780281058525
Author Christopher Irvine
Format Paperback
Page Count 128
Imprint SPCK Publishing
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 159g