LUTHERAN LITURGY is an e-mail forum for discussion of the history, theology and practice of the historic liturgy as found in the Evangelical-Lutheran Church ("Divine Service", "Divine Liturgy" or "Mass") and other orders of service. The purpose of the discussion is to learn more from the Church and her life as found in the historic liturgy. The focus of the discussion is guided by the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions (The Book of Concord).
In these discussions the following premises are assumed and encouraged
- that the Lutheran Church is a "liturgical" church and not just a church with a liturgy
- that the historic liturgy is a positive basis and reference for discussion
- that the Scriptural Tradition is catholic (universal and wholesome)
- that doctrine and practice, or theology and praxis, go together
- that liturgical history is appreciated in all of its stages
- that there is an inherent unity and organic development in the liturgy and that variety of customs based on regional differences are not the foundation, rule, or that which serves as the basis for the unity and credibility of the liturgy
- that the liturgy is what it is for the sake of the sacraments, or means of grace, and especially the Eucharist
[Disclaimer: The founder and owner/moderator of this group is no longer on this list. The views expressed in discussions here are not those of the moderator.]