Touching the Altar: The Old Testament for Christian WorshipCarol M. Bechtel What does it mean to be in the presence of God's holiness? How can it affect us whether we seek it out or stumble upon it? Can it truly change our very reality to encounter it? The essayists in this volume explore these questions at the heart of Christian worship, considering the oft-neglected Old Testament as essential to understand our purpose in worship. Following the structure of the Hebrew canon -- beginning with the Pentateuch, moving through to the Psalms, then wisdom literature -- each chapter considers a separate aspect of worship, from theater to the Sabbath to sacred space, offering new inspiration. In the final essay Carol Bechtel "rereads the book of Job through the lens of our human limitations (as opposed to the usual theme of theodicy)," with compelling applications for both life and worship. Each of these essays concludes with two appropriately themed hymns and a "For Further Reading" list. Five of the seven contain sidebars that illustrate and enrich key points. Evocative woodcut artwork by Margaret Adams Parker provides a striking backdrop to the text. Taken together, these essays testify powerfully to the belief that the Old Testament is not only valuable but also essential to "whole" and fully foundational preaching and worship. Written primarily by Old Testament professors, Touching the Altar will make an engaging supplemental text for introductory or elective Old Testament courses and will also go far toward providing deeper worship for any Christian. Contributors: Carol M. Bechtel Thomas A. Boogaart Corrine L. Carvalho Ellen F. Davis J. Clinton McCann Jr. Dennis T. Olson Margaret Adams Parker John D. Witvliet |
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Contents
The Sabbath Commandment in Exodus 20 | 5 |
The Sabbath Commandment in Deuteronomy | 16 |
The Sabbath Day and the Lords Day | 23 |
O Day of Radiant Gladness Christopher Wordsworth | 31 |
Recovering the Dramatic Tradition | 35 |
As We Gather at Your Table Carl P Daw | 61 |
Correcting Theological Astigmatism as an Antidote to Idolatry | 75 |
FOR FURTHER READING | 94 |
The Temple in 1 Kings and Ezekiel | 126 |
The Temple and Gods Permanent Presence | 132 |
Reading a Map Theologically | 139 |
Arriving at the Treasure | 149 |
The Psalms in Worship | 155 |
103 | 159 |
and 100 | 164 |
Saturated with Justice | 175 |
Costly Vision | 103 |
Lament over Jerusalem | 111 |
Brian Wren | 120 |
FOR FURTHER READING | 178 |
We Cannot Measure How You Heal John L Bell | 210 |
Common terms and phrases
Aramean Bible biblical blessing book of Ezekiel book of Job book of Psalms Brian Wren Catholic chaps chapters Christ Christian worship church congregation contemporary context contrast covenant creation defiled Deuteronomy divine presence drama earth Elisha essay Exod Exodus faith glory God’s God's presence Gospel grace hear heart heaven Hebrew holy hope human hymn Hymnal idolatry idols Iona Community Isaiah Israelite Jeremiah Jerusalem Jesus Job's John Knox justice king of Aram king of Israel liturgy live Lord means metaphor narrative narrator nation offer Old Testament pray prayer preaching Presbyterian Church USA Press privilege prophets Psalms real presence reality righteousness ritual sabbath sabbath commandment sabbath day sabbath rest sacred space sanctuary Scripture sermon servant shame sing Spirit story Sunday theme theology things tion traditional vision Walter Brueggemann Westminster John Knox words worship services Yahweh