Worship as Meaning : A Liturgical Theology for Late Modernity (Cambridge Studies in Christian Doctrine)

Rating:
Summary: Regaining a Sense of Mystery
Review: Graham Hughes has written a marvellous book on the signing of worship. He utilizes modern semiotic theory and makes it accessible to the non-technical reader. He then synthesises this largely continental contribution with the work of Charles Sanders Peirce in order to deleop a structure of meaning through the signs of the action of worship. He writes with limpid clarity even though his language is often highly technical. He has a nicely self-deprecating style that allows him to develop his own argument strongly while giving his readers space to make their own responses. This is important because he has sharply pertinent things to say about the current religious scene. Hughes has just retired after twenty years of distinguished teaching in Australia in biblical studies, hermeneutics and litiurics. He is himself a fine liturgist who celebrates with grace and sensitivity. This is evident in his writing. He is concerned that the God we worship is the mysterious Other who is approached in the signs we use in worship. Hughes has written a valuable and exciting book that contributes richly to our understanding of worship.

Rating:
Summary: Regaining a Sense of Mystery
Review: Graham Hughes has written a marvellous book on the signing of worship. He utilizes modern semiotic theory and makes it accessible to the non-technical reader. He then synthesises this largely continental contribution with the work of Charles Sanders Peirce in order to deleop a structure of meaning through the signs of the action of worship. He writes with limpid clarity even though his language is often highly technical. He has a nicely self-deprecating style that allows him to develop his own argument strongly while giving his readers space to make their own responses. This is important because he has sharply pertinent things to say about the current religious scene. Hughes has just retired after twenty years of distinguished teaching in Australia in biblical studies, hermeneutics and litiurics. He is himself a fine liturgist who celebrates with grace and sensitivity. This is evident in his writing. He is concerned that the God we worship is the mysterious Other who is approached in the signs we use in worship. Hughes has written a valuable and exciting book that contributes richly to our understanding of worship.