Altar and Church: Principles of Liturgy from Early Christianity

An altar is a place of worship for deities, but the design of Catholic church rooms has been the focus of many redesigns since the Second Vatican Council. This volume challenges the widespread opinion that Christianity did not know any cult and no sacrifices in the beginning, and arrives at results that are both surprising and stimulating.

Format: Hardback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: The Catholic University of America Press

An altar serves as a sacred space for the worship of deities, where offerings and sacrifices are made. The debate among Christian denominations regarding the nature of the altar in contemporary worship continues. Since the Second Vatican Council's liturgical reform, the altar has undergone numerous redesigns in Catholic church spaces. Drawing inspiration from the early church, the Council emphasizes the norm of the fathers. However, this raises the question of how the early Christian community, known for its emphasis on love and sin feasts celebrated in house churches, could have developed a state cult with sacrifices, altars, and magnificent sacred spaces only later, particularly during the time of Emperor Constantine.

This volume aims to critically examine these assumptions and provide insights that challenge the conventional understanding. It explores various perspectives and historical evidence to shed light on the development of the altar in Christianity. The authors examine the historical context, cultural influences, and theological implications of the altar, challenging the notion that it emerged solely as a result of historical circumstances or cultural adaptations.

Through their research, the authors offer surprising and thought-provoking conclusions that challenge the prevailing narratives. They explore the role of the altar in shaping Christian worship, its symbolic significance, and its connection to the broader religious and cultural landscape. The volume provides valuable insights for scholars, theologians, and anyone interested in the study of Christianity and its historical development.

In conclusion, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of the altar in Christianity, challenging the traditional narratives and providing fresh perspectives on its historical development. By exploring the role of the altar in shaping Christian worship and its cultural and theological significance, the authors contribute to our understanding of the complex and evolving nature of Christian faith and practice.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813237435