Description
If worship is God-centered, and God is the Trinity, then worship should be Trinity-centered.
Worshipping Trinity explores the meaning and implications of this simple claim. In recent years, theologians of all traditions have begun to re-emphasise that since God is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the true focus of Christian life and thought needs to be on God-as-Trinity. However, this theological understanding is not always reflected in the worshipping life of Christian communities. In its first edition, Robin Parry’s book has already proved itself an invaluable resource for bridging this gap.
Written for church leaders, worship leaders, and songwriters, as well as for those interested in theology, Worshipping Trinity explains why the Trinity matters so much and explores practical ways in which Christian worship can be made more Trinitarian. This second edition is fully updated and expanded.
About the Author
Robin A. Parry is an editor for Wipf and Stock Publishers.
Contents
Foreword 1 by Matt Redman
Foreword 2 by Keith Getty
Acknowledgments
1. Theology and Worship Up a Tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G
2. The Trinitarian Geography of the Biblical Story
3. The Trinitarian Geography of the Christian Life
4. The Shape of Trinitarian Faith
5. Worshipping with the Trinity
6. Worshipping the Trinity
7. Singing the Trinity
8. Praying the Trinity
9. Lament and the Trinity
10. A Herd of Other Ideas for Trinitarian Worship
Epilogue: Avoiding a Trinitarian Fad
Appendix 1: Family Daily Prayer
Appendix 2: “Two Men and an It?” Is the Triune God Male?
Bibliography
Endorsements and Reviews
The book has become a classic – and rightly so. There is nothing else like it. It brings first-rate theology and astute practical wisdom to the very heart of the church’s life. And the second edition is even better than the first!
Jeremy Begbie, Thomas A. Langford Research Professor, Duke Divinity School, North Carolina
Robin Parry is a fine theologian who writes accessibly and engagingly. I hope that this second edition will be very widely read. It has the capacity to enable the renewal of the life and worship of the church.
John Inge, Bishop of Worcester, UK
This is a fine book; certainly, a fine book for the right people! Robin Parry’s text is written for those whose ecclesial/liturgical traditions are found lacking in their presentation – if not understanding – of the Trinity. Written in an accessible conversational style, Parry is writing primarily to those in ‘praise and worship’ traditions, and at times turns directly to those who compose contemporary Christian music, and other times to those who lead worship using those songs. In some ways, this text functions as a mystagogical catechesis for those with little or no catechetical training. … [Parry] shows deftness in walking the line between ancient resources and contemporary practices, and at times between scripture and tradition. … This would be a provocative text for study, in part or whole, in Adult Education or a Worship Committee. But maybe its most important audience is the pastors who do not plan the worship service in their church – and who know much or all of this content – but have never made the connection between their theology and worship choices. This may invoke some very helpful conversations in churches near and far.
Todd E. Johnson, in Pneuma, Vol 35 (2013), 1-62
[Parry] argues that contemporary evangelical services should remember that the Trinity is at the center of worship. This is an interesting development. … Readers will do well to pay attention to his warnings and encouragements intended for those in the contemporary charismatic and broadly evangelical movements. … Parry’s central point is to assert that this doctrine matters, and to show how and why it matters – with special attention to public and private worship. Good Theology matters for good worship.
Rev. J. Basinger, in Anglican Way, Vol 37, No 1
