Gather into One:
Praying and Singing with Christians Worldwide

C. Michael Hawn
Perkins School of Theology
Southern Methodist University

June 21-July 16, 2004

Co-sponsored by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Funded by the Henry Luce Foundation

Course Description:
The Christian church has become increasingly aware of its cultural roots and diversity since the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s. More than ever before, hymnals and denominational worship books reflect varied cultural influences both abroad and within their countries of origin. While many welcome this plethora of resources from the world church, others respond with resistance, discomfort or confusion. A host of important questions arises: What is faithful Christian worship in a culturally pluralistic society? Is culturally diverse worship desirable for all? What is the role of traditional worship structures in an age of cultural diversity? What skills do presiders and musicians need to guide culturally diverse worship? How might leaders present rites, rituals, and music from other cultures without offending or stereotyping persons from these cultures? How does a culturally diverse liturgy relate to trends in the contemporary Christian music and worship, on the one hand, and classical Western rites and music on the other? What is the difference between propagating an agenda of “political correctness” and facilitating an authentic multicultural liturgical experience? Does multicultural worship speak to a postmodern perspective? What theological assumptions must leaders have in order to prepare and lead cross-cultural worship? Perhaps the ultimate question is—how do local congregations worship with the church universal?

This seminar will explore global worship within the context of trends in worldwide Christianity. Participants will observe and take part in a breadth of liturgical rituals, artistic expressions, and musical forms in Christian communities around the world through readings, videos, local congregations and experiences from students in the class. The focus will be on selected cultural settings in Africa, Asia and Latin America, as well as minority cultures in the United States. The goals of this course are to understand the basic issues in liturgical inculturation, experience cross-cultural worship, develop participant-observer skills in liturgical situations, plan and lead cross-cultural liturgies with integrity, and reflect theologically on culturally conscious worship.

The following are encouraged to apply: (1) professors in liturgy, ritual studies, liturgical music and dance, (2) scholar pastors and theologically informed church musicians, and (3) advanced graduate students. Persons need to be willing to participate both in the performance of rituals as well as liturgical, cultural and theological reflection on their performance.

Past Events

For further information contact:
Seminars in Christian Scholarship
Calvin College
1855 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids MI 49546-4402
616.526.8558
fax 616.526.6682
seminars@calvin.edu