Lutherans celebrate the historic liturgy of Word and Sacrament of Western Christianity, a liturgy shared with Lutherans by Roman Catholics, Episcopalians, and some others to differing degrees, and centered both in the proclamation of the Word and the Eucharistic Meal. Professor Maxwell Johnson’s ZOOM session will focus on this central act of worship, of which the homily or sermon is only one (although necessary) part. Like Episcopalians and Roman Catholics, Lutherans are unashamedly liturgical-sacramental Christians, whose identity is formed by this Word and Sacrament liturgy in the context of the church year and its accompanying three-year Common Lectionary.

The Rev. Dr. Maxwell E. Johnson is professor of Theology (liturgical studies) at the University of Notre Dame, and a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The author or editor of 25 books and of more than 90 articles and essays, he is also a past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy, and serves as an editorial consultant for Worship, and as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Ecclesia Orans. His research interests are in the origins and development of early Christian Liturgy, with a special focus on the Rites of Christian Initiation, the Eucharistic Liturgy, and the Feasts and Seasons of the Liturgical Year.

Johnson’s recent book, The Church in Act: Lutheran Liturgical Theology in Ecumenical Conversation explores the dynamics of ecclesial and liturgical theology, examining the body of Christ in action.

Contact Cory Driver to RSVP and receive the ZOOM link.