Grand Entrance: Worship on Earth as in Heaven - Paperback

by Edith M. Humphrey (Author)

Can we understand worship in a way that transcends style, relevance, and aesthetics? Taking into account the most contested issues of the "worship wars," prominent New Testament scholar Edith Humphrey shows how the act of entering into God's presence is central to all true Christian worship. Regardless of worship style, when we come into God's presence, we praise God alongside angels and with the whole of creation.

Seeking to reclaim the forgotten theme of worship as entry into God's presence, Humphrey shows its prominence in the Bible, providing an accessible but thorough study of the Old and New Testaments. She analyzes key moments in church history to show how worship developed in Eastern and Western churches. She also draws insights from healthy worshiping communities around the globe. The book offers practical guidance to worship directors, pastors, thoughtful lay readers, and students with regards to balanced and faithful worship.

Back Jacket

With eloquence and ecumenical hospitality--as well as laser-like insight--Edith Humphrey has given us a much-needed biblical and practical theology for entering into the worship of the Triune God. Anyone who participates in worship and especially anyone who leads in worship, whether traditional or contemporary, liturgical or free, should read this timely book now.--Michael J. Gorman, The Ecumenical Institute of Theology, St. Mary's Seminary & University

"In a study that is at once biblical, theological, historical, and practical, Humphrey explores the essence of true Christian worship. Her insights illumine a wide range of traditional and contemporary practices, and she poses probing questions that often challenge popular wisdom about liturgy. This is a book not only for worship leaders but also for the whole congregation to study together."--Ellen F. Davis, Duke Divinity School

"Worship, like Bible reading, is not about finding something new but about entering into the Old Story. Don't expect Humphrey's book to settle the worship wars. Expect it to go behind the wars into the great tradition where worship was about entrance into the presence of God."--Scot McKnight, North Park University

"Through Scripture, the early church fathers, and the author's own personal experience, Grand Entrance examines the centrality of liturgy in biblical religion and the Christian tradition, bearing witness to the rites of East and West in the process."--Scott Hahn, St. Vincent Seminary and Franciscan University of Steubenville

"Instructed by the great biblical categories of redemption, covenant, worship, and assembly, Humphrey has written a book rich in theology, contemplative wisdom, and practical insight."--Patrick Henry Reardon, author, Chronicles of History and Worship; pastor, All Saints Orthodox Church, Chicago

"A must-read for anyone interested in a scholarly yet accessible treatment of Christian worship. Humphrey's meticulous scholarship, accessible writing, insightful questions, and balanced critique highlight the radical nature of what it means to enter--together--into God's presence for worship."--Judith M. Kubicki, Fordham University

"An especially welcome tonic for all of us exhausted by the quest for endless innovation in church life. This is a book of prophetic insight that you will wrestle with, talk back to, argue against, and sing along with."--John D. Witvliet, Calvin University and Calvin Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Edith M. Humphrey (PhD, McGill University) is the William F. Orr Professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is the author of several books, including Ecstasy and Intimacy: When the Holy Spirit Meets the Human Spirit, and of numerous articles on the literary and rhetorical study of the Bible.