Worship and the New Cosmology: Liturgical and Theological Challenges

by Catherine Vincie RSHM, PhD

Overview

What is the Christian response to developments in the hard sciences? What do discoveries at the macro and micro levels have to say about Christian theology, about a theology of God, Christology, pneumatology, and creation? How do the developments in systematic theology that do take the advances in cosmology and the New Sciences seriously come to bear on our worship life?
These are the questions that are addressed in this text. It is an initial effort to bring cosmology and the New Sciences into dialogue with developments in systematic and sacramental theology. This book also suggests some ways in which these developments might appear in our worship. Overall, the author is concerned to reduce the cognitive dissonance between our scientifically informed everyday lives and our life of faith. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814682722
Publisher:	Liturgical Press, The
Publication date:	08/29/2014
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.25(d)

About the Author

Catherine Vincie, RSHM, is professor of sacramental and liturgical theology at the Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. She is also past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy. She has published numerous articles on initiation, eucharist, liturgy and justice, and preaching, among other topics. Her most recent book is Celebrating Divine Mystery: A Primer in Liturgical Theology. 

Editorial Reviews

"In this volume, Catherine Vincie invites the reader to theologically delve deeper as she promotes the church's position on the relationship between science and religion, which is one of harmony. She encourages all to encounter the Holy as she names the right relationship of the human with God and all of creation while offering antidotes to challenge hubris' narrow views on the subject."
Very Rev. David G. Caron, OP, President, Aquinas Institute of Theology

"Postmodern consciousness locates our Christian community on a small planet earth within a vast expanding universe. Postmodern Christian theology invites us to recognize the post-resurrection cosmic Christ at the heart of this universe. Unfortunately, the church's sacramental and liturgical life-world is not yet attuned to this contemporary thought-world, and Vincie dares to name and explore this challenge to the praying church. What she offers her readers is not a clear resolution of a self-evident problem but rather the gift of a serious question for a renewing Christian liturgy."
Mary Collins, OSB, Mount St. Scholastica, Atchison, Kansas; Professor Emerita, The Catholic University of America

"Vincie makes a timely and persuasive argument that the worship and sacramental life of the Christian churches must be transformed in light of the amazing discoveries of science and the insights of the New Cosmology. She provides a digest of emerging theologies of creation, Trinity, Christology, and pneumatology, as these have been shaped by a new cosmic consciousness, and offers samples of liturgical prayers, hymn texts, and an expanded festal calendar that reflect a more ecologically sensitive and cosmocentric awareness. A much-needed book!"
Mary E. McGann, RSCJ, Associate Professor of Liturgical Studies, Jesuit School of Theology/Graduate Theological Union

"An ambitious and timely reflection on the possible intersection of science and liturgy. Catherine Vincie is one of the first theologian/liturgists to advance the evolving conversation between religion and the scientific community. Recommended for all theological libraries."
John Leonard Berg, Catholic Library World

"Vincie presents her own suggestions about how such a revisioning might influence the theologies of baptism and confirmation, the Eucharist, and sacramental reconciliation, including some practical suggestions about the liturgical calendar and particular prayer texts."
Joseph Matros, Aquinas Institute of Theology, St. Louis, Theological Studies

"A compelling and creative theological take on advances in the last century."
Louvain Studies

From the Publisher