I have come to appreciate Stringer and his approach to historical Christian worship because of his unique perspective. Using the language of his field of study, sociology and anthropology, the author successfully addresses the history of worship in three specific ways that are unique. First, he is very intent on making sure popular discourses are addressed in different time periods. Focusing mostly on space and time, popular discourses sometimes involve Christianization (a slow infiltration of Christianity within a culture as it coverts its patterns of life and liturgy), a hegemony (situations where popular “winning” discourses exclude other discourses), or a de-Christianization of culture (deconstruction is applied to once popular discourses). Second, the author looked for major changes throughout history that bring about liturgical difference from period to period for the common life of the classes. Third, the author brings in case studies to clarify his major points. Finally, recapitulation is applied to reiterate the main points of his arguments.
This approach to Christian worship was very enlightening, teaching me, the reader, to look for different clues to liturgical life instead of simply looking at the monumental events and texted liturgy of the services themselves. It taught the reader to look outside the box. Further, it reminded me that major change takes time and, in an often-unorganized way, takes the cooperation of many people. Though there may be a handful of those who initiated the change (Apostle Paul, Luther, Charlemagne, etc.) power and approval must be behind the new ideology or liturgical practices. This approach to history breaks down the perspective that is often given in textbooks where the world changer is seen as a radical who voices his opinion and suddenly, at the snap of a finger, all is changed. Discourse in community allows for Christianization, hegemony, or de-Christianization to take place, whether a community is for new ideologies or against them.
In conclusion, as Stringer walks the reader throughout the history of Christian worship through the eyes of a sociologist, he opens the reader’s eyes to the popular discourses, changes and main case studies to support his claims. I found his approach surprisingly entertaining and applicable for my teaching context simply because society was emphasized instead of individuals. The discourses of society are what bring about change.
Stringer, Martin D. A Sociological History of Christian Worship.Cambridge; Cambridge University Press, 2005.
"Further, it reminded me that major change takes time and, in an often-unorganized way, takes the cooperation of many people." -- Good observation! It's kind of like turning an oil tanker or ocean liner - it's not done quickly or single-handedly.
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