Logic and the Liturgy

Abstract

"Many ministers take a utilitarian view of Christian worship. They talk as if the most important things to be said about it concern the beneficial psychological or moral effects which it has on those who participate and, through them, on society at large. This utilitarian assumption is so deep-seated in our thoughts about worship that some may be surprised to find that anyone should call it in question. But that is what I am intent upon doing. I shall argue that the most important things to be said about Christian worship do not concern any effects which it may have as a matter of empirical fact, but rather the significance which it undoubtedly does have as a matter of logical necessity"