Reaching out without Dumbing Down: A Theology of Worship for the Turn-of-th e-Century Culture

W.B. Eerdmans, 1995. Paperback. Very Good. Seeking to help local churches think more thoroughly about worship and cul ture so that they can function effectively in contemporary society, Dawn ro ots her discussion of worship issues in a careful assessment of significant aspects of the present technological, postmodern society and names criteri a by which to judge various cultural influences. She also sketches the esse ntial attributes of true worship - worship that keeps God at the center, bu ilds believers' character, and upbuilds the community." "In the process, Da wn discusses music, preaching, Scripture readings, rituals, liturgies, art, and all the accoutrements of worship, and offers practical suggestions for choosing the best tools and forms to deepen worship life, to nurture faith development, and to increase believers' outreach throughout the church and to the world."--Jacket Includes bibliographical references (pages 308-316) Why this book is critically needed -- Inside the technological, boomer, postmodern culture -- Outside the idolatries of contemporary culture -- Upside-down: worship as a subversive act -- God as the center of worship: who is worship for? -- The character of the believer: having content or being content? -- The character of the Church as a Christian community: what is at stake? -- Throwing the baby out with the bath water or putting the baby in fresh clothes: music -- Worship ought to kiss us: the word -- Discovering our place in the story: ritual and liturgy and art -- Reaching out without dumbing down -- The Church as its own worst enemy: is it happening again? -- Appendix: sample children's sermons.