This course provides an opportunity to explore the rationale for worship within the Christian tradition, the function of worship, and its constituent elements. Students will reflect on what the practice of worship implies about the relationship between God and his people.

The study of liturgy and worship focuses on practice of worship rather than the doctrinal and dogmatic issues which may underlie these topics. Students will review how Christians have practiced and developed the central rituals of their faith and how different movements (e.g., monasticism and Pentecostalism) have affected worship. They will examine the history and development of worship and sacraments, with a particular focus on Christian initiation and the Eucharist. Students will also consider the key issue of whether doctrine shapes liturgical practice or vice-versa.

This course will help students to appreciate and assess the role and function of worship, and thus be able to critique contemporary patterns of worship.

It is envisioned that students will have opportunities to attend worship in a range of different churches, meet with the practitioners, analyse what has been experienced, and make balanced judgments about the nature of the worship, its aims and effectiveness for participants.