Why Study the Liturgy with Dr Francisca Rumsey
From Simon Barnett
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From Simon Barnett
Dr Francisca Rumsey looks at the importance of liturgy in Christianity. She takes her starting point on its importance the fact that human beings are ritual animals. We constantly communicate with each other through rituals – so basic that we do not recognise them as such – for example shaking hands or sending a birthday card. These not only foster the links between us, but build up communities, and allow us to show solidarity with one another. Moreover, rituals are like poetry, they express us when we realise that life is more complex than we can express in rational discourse or factual language. This is why they are so valuable in worship.