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The Spirit of the Liturgy
 
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The Spirit of the Liturgy (Hardcover)

by Joseph Ratzinger (Author), John Saward (Translator)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 250 pages
  • Publisher: Ignatius Press (Sep 2000)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0898707846
  • ISBN-13: 978-0898707847
  • Product Dimensions: 21.6 x 14.5 x 2.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 198,785 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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    #92 in  Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Catholic > Theology

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22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars The spirit of the new pope, 25 April 2005
By Kurt Messick "FrKurt Messick" (London, SW1) - See all my reviews
(TOP 10 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
Cardinal Ratzinger, newly elected as Pope Benedict XVI, is perhaps one of the greatest intellectuals in the Roman Catholic Church's hierarchy since the second world war. Examples of his ability in the historical and theological disciplines abound, but perhaps a more practical expression of this intelligence is contained in this book, `The Spirit of the Liturgy'. The subject of this book is the central rite of the church, the Eucharistic feast, and the liturgy - the word `liturgy' actually translates into `work of the people', and this includes clergy and laity alike.

The first section of the book works to connect liturgy in the church with the wider world, and indeed the entire cosmos. Ratzinger draws on ideas East and West, from philosophical traditions in the church as well as the biblical witness (both Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament). He sees Jesus as both a role model as well as the central figure in the Eucharist, drawing on all of these sources to make the point of the way worship is done, and what meaning can be derived from it.

Following this introductory section, Ratzinger continues to look at the practical aspects, everything from the language used and the movements done to the architectural implications and the musical elements. Ratzinger was a leading figure in the Second Vatican Council, but navigates an interesting line between some of the traditional elements and the more recent innovations in liturgical worship. He is suspicious of the idea of changing music in service to being popular forms simply for the sake of relating to the culture, seeing that as somewhat of a sell-out to changing forms; he generally disapproves of rock-concert-type music in the liturgy, for example, because it is less a part of the worship as it is a part of the general culture outside.

There is a metaphor that Ratzinger uses near the beginning of the book about the liturgy being akin to a fresco which has been uncovered from the accumulations over time. While the picture is now more visible and able to be participated in by viewers, it is also now more susceptible to damages and ravages of the elements. Ratzinger emphasises both pieces, ultimately straddling the fence between traditional and modern.

During Vatican II, Ratzinger was considered one of the liberal theologians of the church. Now, he is considered as the newly-elected pope the champion of conservative views. This book gives an insight into the way he thinks, and how we might be in for an interesting time; those who think Ratzinger a knee-jerk conservative might be in for a surprise, as may be those who are hopeful for changes in various areas of his thought.

Regardless, this book demonstrates the quality of mind and clarity of expression Ratzinger has. This is must read for those who want insight into directions of the new pope.

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16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!!, 23 Feb 2005
By L. R. Michael "epiphania" (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
Ive still not completed the book, but its been amazing from page 1! I bought it to try to get an understanding on what liturgy was all about and why the Catholic church gives it so much importance - a catholic myself and one quite drawn to the High Mass and the liturgy but having never comprehended it, I should say this book has not been dissapointing at all!! Its been great and brings out the beauty, the theology, the biblical understanding and necessity all excellently. Highly recommended!
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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful insight into the mystery of the liturgy, 4 Jul 2005
By Aquinas "summa" (celestial heights, UK) - See all my reviews
This short book is a gem. It is a book to be cherished and to be returned to time and time. For many of us Catholics (and I point out here that I am relatively young, merely in my late thirties), there is a real feeling that something has been lost in recent times in the liturgy. The Holy Father, as he is now, gives an insight into precisely what has been lost, that sense of the Mass being an unfathomable mystery which we much approach with a cosmic awe - a witness to the everlasing sacrifice of the Son to the Father (the pictorial representation by Dali comes close to illustrating this). I note here that this mystery is presented very well in the Roman Canon, but seems to be hidden in the other Eucharistic prayers, Eucharistic prayer no. 2 being a prime example of brevity potentially disguising truth. A reader of this book with an open heart cannot but find his/her outlook being transformed by this book. There are some difficult ideas but Benedict's humanity shines through, in particular the heart breaking and loving manner in which he recollects the way his parents used to bless him and his brother and sister, as children. Buy this book and keep it close.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Desert Island Books
This would probably be one of them.

The best and simplest book on the Catholic liturgy.

You must read it.
Published 8 months ago by S. Davies

5.0 out of 5 stars A clear examination of the Liturgy
In this book the Holy Father clearly demonstrates his grasp of all liturgical matters. He shows that, contrary to the portrait his detractors paint of him, he recognises the good... Read more
Published on 30 Oct 2005 by m_ryan

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