Tuesday Lectio
2/25/25
Wegman, Herman A.J. (1985). (Original Dutch, 1976). "Appendix." In Christian Worship in East and West: A Study Guide to Liturgical History. (pp. 346-359). (Translated by Gordon W. Lathrop). New York: Pueblo Publishing Company. (Personal Library)
In his appendix, Wegman briefly describes what he considers to be a period of stagnation in liturgy, consisting of the period from the 17th century through the first half of the 20th century (Wegman 1985, p. 346). Though Wegman sees many developments in philosophy and in theology, he finds very few substantive changes in liturgical ritual. He does note Enlightenment renewals in French and German practices, in which singing Christian songs and Psalms became more popular (Wegman 1985, pp. 348-349). At the same time, within Lutheran Pietism, liturgical ritual was minimized and sacramental practice decreased (Wegman 1985, p. 350).
The 20th century did see a liturgical movement in which renewal sprang mainly from Roman Catholic sources (Wegman 1985, p. 353). Some of the impetus was gained from scholarly study of the history of liturgy. Interest in liturgical history sparked a similar interest in practice, seen in parishes (Wegman 1985, p. 354). Wegman describes in some detail the slow pace of such renewal movements. They begin with scholarly consideration. This results in conferences which gather such scholars. Eventually the patterns are considered by high church authorities who have power to approve and implement changes, especially in seminaries, thus finally influencing parishes (Wegman 1985, pp. 355ff). Though this is a slow process, it involves numerous safeguards as well as a reliable means of implementation.
2/25/25
Wegman, Herman A.J. (1985). (Original Dutch, 1976). "Appendix." In Christian Worship in East and West: A Study Guide to Liturgical History. (pp. 346-359). (Translated by Gordon W. Lathrop). New York: Pueblo Publishing Company. (Personal Library)
In his appendix, Wegman briefly describes what he considers to be a period of stagnation in liturgy, consisting of the period from the 17th century through the first half of the 20th century (Wegman 1985, p. 346). Though Wegman sees many developments in philosophy and in theology, he finds very few substantive changes in liturgical ritual. He does note Enlightenment renewals in French and German practices, in which singing Christian songs and Psalms became more popular (Wegman 1985, pp. 348-349). At the same time, within Lutheran Pietism, liturgical ritual was minimized and sacramental practice decreased (Wegman 1985, p. 350).
The 20th century did see a liturgical movement in which renewal sprang mainly from Roman Catholic sources (Wegman 1985, p. 353). Some of the impetus was gained from scholarly study of the history of liturgy. Interest in liturgical history sparked a similar interest in practice, seen in parishes (Wegman 1985, p. 354). Wegman describes in some detail the slow pace of such renewal movements. They begin with scholarly consideration. This results in conferences which gather such scholars. Eventually the patterns are considered by high church authorities who have power to approve and implement changes, especially in seminaries, thus finally influencing parishes (Wegman 1985, pp. 355ff). Though this is a slow process, it involves numerous safeguards as well as a reliable means of implementation.
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