In Praise of Worship

Drawing together scholars from fields of biblical studies, systematic theology, liturgics, and pastoral theology, In Praise of Worship questions an overemphasis on singing and music (alone) as worship in today's church. Whilst not minimizing moments of conscious and deliberate worship, the authors show that according to a close reading of Scripture and a clear understanding of theology, the whole of our lives is to be considered as worship-glorifying to the Lord who deserves such honor. Contributors: Nancy Ault Alastair Campbell David J. Cohen David G. Firth Travis Fitch Michael W. Goheen Stephen Haar Brian S. Harris Chris Jack Angela McCarthy Alan Niven John W. Olley Michael O'Neil Robin Parry Michael Parsons Michael J. Quicke ""This is a work of immense importance. I recommend all who wish to have a deeper understanding of what is entailed in worship to read this book. The sixteen contributors follow the biblical understanding with scholarly competence and enthusiasm. Through a study of both text and practice the writers highlight the importance of allowing every sphere of our lives to be worship-oriented opportunities to serve God and to bring Him glory."" --Raymond Nobbs Emeritus Professor and Dean Sydney College of Divinity ""This book is an important contribution by an international group of scholars to pressing issues on the theme of Christian worship. The writers engage with both the text and practice of worship in biblical times, theological reflection on worship, and the practical implications for contemporary evangelical worship. As such, the book reaches out from scholarly interaction with sources to community experience today and will be a valuable tool for students and for all interested in the development of authentic contemporary Christian worship."" --Keith G Jones Rector, International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague, Czech Republic. ""In Praise of Worship has a strong academic undergirding, but is written in an engaging way that will attract specialist and non-specialist alike. Furthermore, most chapters have clear practical implications. This book is particularly timely given the controversy that continues to swirl around the topic of worship. I expect to purchase a personal copy when it appears, and imagine that many academics and pastors will also wish to do so."" --Robert K. McIver Dean, Faculty of Theology Avondale College, Australia Michael Parsons is Director of Postgraduate Research and Lecturer in Christian Thought at Vose Seminary, Perth, Western Australia. He is the author of Luther and Calvin on Old Testament Narratives (2004), Reformation Marriage (2005), Calvin's Preaching on the Prophet Micah (2006), and Martin Luther's Interpretation of the Royal Psalms (2009). Parsons is also the editor of Text and Task: Scripture and Mission (2005). David Cohen is Head of Biblical Studies, Old Testament, at Vose Seminary, Perth, Western Australia. He has written about the relevance of lament psalms for worship and pastoral care in Text and Task: Scripture and Mission (2005). Parsons and Cohen, together, previously edited On Eagles' Wings.