Doxology: The Praise of God in Worship, Doctrine and Life : A Systematic Theology

Rating:
Summary: Sweeping and Suggestive
Review: After reading Wainwright's book, you will want to look for another one just like it--only it doesn't exist. His sweeping survey of Christian history and theology through the lens of liturgy is highly suggestive; what is it that truly binds the church universal together? While the conclusions he comes to may not please every reader (he tends towards universalism in certain ways) he does ask important questions. Read this book to get some perspective on your place in church history, and on the unique beauty and suitedness of worship for human knowing.

Rating:
Summary: Buy It For Chapters 7 & 8
Review: Doxology is a good book and well worth the price. However, as with many books, some chapters stand out to me more than others. In chapters 7 & 8 Wainwright deals with the old Latin phrase LEX ORANDI LEX CREDENDI (rule of prayer rule of belief). Like the old chicken and egg question, but with greater importance, Wainwright discusses which comes first, prayer or belief. That is, do we create our doctrines to match our worship or do we design our worship to reflect our beliefs? Before you answer that question too quickly I need to add that this is of fundamental importance to the ongoing dialogue between Catholics and Protestants.