5/2/06

Why we do what we do?

Hello all. I was interested to see the list of books mentioned in a previous post. I'd be interested in finding out about the WHY instead of the what. Can anyone point me towards a book with more information on WHY we do particular things as servers please?

I've noticed that some of our younger servers at church are often uneasy when they don't know the reasons, so I'd like to improve my own knowledge of this and spread the information around.

For example, and this is a dreadfully ignorant question I know, what is the thinking behind reverencing the altar?

Thanks very much

REPLIES

Councillor David Froud - 6/2/06

You will find the book being a server today is very useful.

Two other books worth having are:-

The Ritual Reason Why? by Charles Walker (Mowbray & co. London) Best to search Amazon/Ebay but does come up occasionally in A & M Edwards booklist.

A Dictionary of Ecclesiastical Terms by John S. Bumpus (T. Werner Laurie, Clifford's Inn, London) Again a rare volume but you may find it on Amazon, E-bay or Alan & Margaret Edwards booklist.

David Froud Cllr PG10 

 David  - 7/2/06

From David N.Wales GSS

An excellent site to check out for what we do is the parish web site of St Michael and All Angels with St James in Croydon.

Has such things as the seven sacraments and an excellent part on what we do., includes things such as

a. The Cross b. Use of Incense c. Genuflecting d. Use of Bells etc

You will find it on www.croydonstmichael.org.uk

8/2/06

I've been fortunate to get a copy of The Ritual Reason Why from the library and have ordered Being a Server Today. It is interesting that some explanations in Ritual Reason Why (are very occasionally a bit lacking or more often) differ from explanations I feel I've come across before. Do you think our reasons have changed and evolved over the years, with old ones being forgotten and new significance being attached to things?

Just looking at www.croydonstmichael.org.uk and agree it is excellent, not overly complicated with is nice, thank you for recommending this.

I'm quite interested in the idea of external expressions of faith - it seems that in the modern era many people have become rather wary of them. Everyone is comfortable praying with words, yet not with actions. Which when you think about it is an odd prejudice.

Thanks again.