On the U.S. Aversion to Ritual Behavior and the Vocation of the Liturgical Theologian

Authors

Martin F. Connell, College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2004

Disciplines

Arts and Humanities | Christianity | History | History of Christianity | History of Religion | Religion | United States History

Abstract

This three-part essay reflects on the vocation of liturgical theologians in a culture in which there is a general antipathy toward the influence of religious rituals on personal formation and decision-making.¹ Part ι considers a few foundational nineteenth-century authors of the American Renaissance for reflections on the aversion to Christian ritual behavior. Part 2 takes up the sermons of a few nineteenth-century revivalist preachers. Part 3 suggests five challenges to liturgical theologians who teach and think in the complex social and religious environment of the United States.

Comments

Originally presented in a Sacramental Theology group at the CTSA, Cincinnati, OH, in June 2003.

Recommended Citation

Connell, Martin F. “On the U.S. Aversion to Ritual Behavior and the Vocation of the Liturgical Theologian.” Worship 78, no. 5 (September 2004): 386-404.