"This terrific and timely book demonstrates that the study of theology and the practices of worship ought to be close neighbors, constantly talking and learning from each other. Students will receive a double blessing in studying this book because they will both learn the remarkably deep conversation of Christian theology and see with new eyes the rich theological implications of worship."  
\--__Leanne Van Dyk__, Columbia Theological Seminary  
  
"Worship and doctrine are inseparable, yet for too long evangelicals have been constructing worship ad hoc as if it bears no relation to belief. This arbitrariness must end! And Okholm convincingly shows why. This book could serve as an excellent resource for catechetical instruction. The evangelical world is richer for Learning Theology through the Church's Worship."  
\--__Simon Chan__, editor, Asia Journal of Theology; Trinity Theological College  
  
"Theology and worship belong together. What we do together in public worship arises out of and then further forms our particular visions of who God is, the kind of salvation that is offered to us in Jesus Christ, and the nature of the Holy Spirit's work in the world. Thanks to Okholm for inviting students to see so many of the connections!"  
\--__John D. Witvliet__, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship, Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary  
  
"Through careful and accessible theological discussions, Okholm gives a much-needed voice to liturgy in this introductory book on Christian theology. It provides fresh and refreshing theological insights that will be beneficial to all students of theology."  
\--__Victor I. Ezigbo__, Bethel University  
  
"A most helpful model for the integration of biblical theology, theology proper, and worship studies. I enthusiastically recommend the book for pastors, teachers, students--all Christian worshipers."  
\--__Andrew E. Hill__, Wheaton College and the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies  
  
"An amazing ride! This book has rare breadth, and where needed, serious depth--all aimed at showing how praying and worshiping shape followers of Jesus in true belief and fruitful practice."  
\--__Todd Hunter__, Anglican bishop; founder, Churches for the Sake of Others  
  
"A pestilent dichotomy between doctrine and worship has infected Christian thought. Reading this book will heal you of the disease. Okholm introduces us to the rich beauty of our doctrine, performed every time we come together in worship. Reading this book will lead you to profound hallelujahs!"  
\--__Brian Lugioyo__, Azusa Pacific University

__Dennis Okholm__ (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of theology at Azusa Pacific University and adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. He serves as a canon theologian for the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others and is the author or editor of many books, including Monk Habits for Everyday People.

This book introduces students to theology with sustained attention to how Christian beliefs and the church's worship interact, both historically and in practice. Dennis Okholm approaches the subject from the necessary intersection of theology and liturgy, showing that learning the church's doctrine apart from its worship undermines both. The book flows as if the reader were participating in a service of worship. It features illustrative charts and figures that complement challenging concepts and includes suggestions for assignments at the end of the book.

Introduces students to Christian theology with sustained attention to the relationship between the church's doctrine and its worship, both historically and in practice.

__Contents__  
Preface: How to Read This Book 1. Liturgical Ophthalmology, or Why Christian Theology and Ethics Begin and End with Worship  
We Enter by "Gathering"  
2. What Is Christian Theology?  
We Pray the "Collect" of the Day  
3. What Are the Sources for and the Results of Doing Theology?  
We Hear Scripture and Respond in the "Liturgy of the Word"  
4. Who Is God? The Doctrine of the Trinity  
We Recite the "Creed" in Response to Hearing the Word  
5. Who Is Jesus Christ? Christology  
We Ponder the Creed's Meaning for Our Belief in Jesus Christ  
6. How Did the World Come into Existence and What Keeps It Going? Creation and Providence  
We Join in the "Prayers of the People": Thanksgiving and Intercession for the World and the Church  
7. What Is a Human Being? Theological Anthropology  
We Kneel in the "Confession" of Our Sins  
8. What Did Christ Do for Humans? Soteriology  
We Hear That We Are Forgiven in the "Absolution"  
9. Who Is the Holy Spirit and What Does the Holy Spirit Do? Pneumatology  
We Pray the "Epiclesis" That Invokes the Holy Spirit's Active Presence in Communion  
10. What Is the Church? Ecclesiology  
We Continue the "Liturgy of the Table" with the "Passing of the Peace of Christ"  
11. The Sacraments  
We Practice "Baptism" and Celebrate "Eucharist"  
12. What Is the Future of God, Humans, and the World? Eschatology  
The "Dismissal" That Sends Us Out into the World from Which We Gathered  
The Benediction  
Appendix: Examples of Assignments to Be Used with This Book Indexes

Okholm, Dennis

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Learning Theology through the Church's Worship

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