In the prayer for unity described in chapter 17 of the Gospel of John, Jesus prays that "all may be one." This theme recurs in the New Testament and in writings throughout Christian history. In contrast, U.S. society is characterized by "individualism" as evidenced by various recent scholarly publications and surveys. Americans are less likely now to participate in social groups than they were a couple of decades ago. As a result, some aspects of good liturgy, such as common posture or communal singing, are increasingly perceived as "counter-cultural." Eucharist and American Culture is a unique resource that considers the impact of American individualism upon the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist. Short, insightful chapters offer key sociological points and liturgical understanding as well as summarize recent academic works and research results of Robert Bellah, Robert Putnam, and Jean Twenge. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal is consulted regarding the celebration of the liturgy. Suitable for use as an undergraduate religious studies resource, this book will also find a place in courses in religion and culture and sociology of religion, as well as in seminary formation programs and programs for parish liturgical ministers. Book jacket.
In the context of our late modern - or post modern - society, this book examines how these familiar cultural forms might evolve and develop.
Here are insights not only for Catholics but for Christians of every denomination.
By reframing the question in terms of God’s activity in and in spite of consumer culture, this book offers a lived theological account of consumer culture that recognizes not only its deceptions but also traces of truth in its broken ...
The Eucharist and Human Liberation
In this book, Yik-Pui Au argues that the Eucharist can be a countercultural liturgy that upholds the identity and values of Christianity by countering cultural currents that are contrary to the Christian faith.
This study, which draws upon the work of many classical and contemporary theologians, especially Hans Urs von Balthasar, contributes significantly to speculative theology and to Eucharistic studies.
Cultural Transmissions and Receptions: American Mass Culture in Europe
Louis Weil looks back on his work shaping the liturgical life of the Episcopal Church through his involvement with the development of The 1979 Book of Common Prayer— and looks forward to the future of the church and its liturgical life.
In this lavishly illustrated book, David Morgan surveys the visual culture that shaped American Protestantism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries--a vast record of images in illustrated bibles, Christian almanacs, children's ...
Has the Americanization of American Catholics--their cultural assimilation, that is--been a blessing or a curse for the Church in the United States?