
Embodied Liturgy
Virtual Reality and Liturgical Theology in Conversation
C. Andrew Doyle(Author)
Church Publishing Inc
Will be published approx. on 3. June 2021
Book
Paperback/Softback
200 pages
978-1-64065-435-8 (ISBN)
Description
Can the 'reality' of the Eucharist be maintained online?
Author C. Andrew Doyle, in a well-researched and thoughtful study of both virtual reality and liturgy, argues that the Eucharist is not a formulaic rehearsal of words and rituals but an embodied and lived experience. This requires a shared place and presence. While the church should not shy away from virtual ministry, we should be wary of using the technological realm for the celebration of the Eucharist, an act that is an outward and visible sign of our spiritual union with God and one another. It brings us closer to friend and stranger for the transformation of individuals into unity in Christ. The context of the ritual-with people, objects, words, and all sorts of nuance-creates intimacy with God and each other.
This unique book is especially timely and will be of interest to scholars, liturgists, and those interested in sacramental theology in the digital age.
Author C. Andrew Doyle, in a well-researched and thoughtful study of both virtual reality and liturgy, argues that the Eucharist is not a formulaic rehearsal of words and rituals but an embodied and lived experience. This requires a shared place and presence. While the church should not shy away from virtual ministry, we should be wary of using the technological realm for the celebration of the Eucharist, an act that is an outward and visible sign of our spiritual union with God and one another. It brings us closer to friend and stranger for the transformation of individuals into unity in Christ. The context of the ritual-with people, objects, words, and all sorts of nuance-creates intimacy with God and each other.
This unique book is especially timely and will be of interest to scholars, liturgists, and those interested in sacramental theology in the digital age.
Reviews / Votes
"Andy Doyle approaches the question of virtual Eucharist with the same dignity and care to which he calls any who would dare to engage in deeper conversation about this complex and at times emotionally charged topic. This book is one that undoubtedly will be an important resource for years to come."-The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church and author of Love Is the Way: Holding On to Hope in Troubling Times
"Bishop Andy Doyle has brought the full compass of contemporary thought to bear on the controverted question of virtual Eucharist. This is the generous intellectual landscape that is needed for the theological questions bearing down on the Church in this time of pandemic."
-The Rev. Dr. Kate Sonderegger, William Meade Chair in Systematic Theology at Virginia Theological Seminary
"The scope of the argument is breathtaking. With a theological depth, deep insight, and engagement with the true breath of what it means to be a person, Andy Doyle creates a compelling argument that presence and place are at the core of the celebration of the Eucharist. The exercise could not have been done better: this is a landmark text in Anglican eucharistic theology."
-The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, PhD, Dean of Virginia Theological Seminary
"I found much to ponder in this slim yet weighty volume. . . . leaders and laypeople in any Christian tradition will find a lot that is relevant and valuable here. Be aware, however, that this text is best with some prior grounding in philosophical and phenomenological writing; it is not a quick, easy read, but it amply rewards the time spent with it."
-Neil R. Coulter, Global Forum on Arts and Christian Faith
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 226 mm
Width: 150 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
295 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64065-435-8 (9781640654358)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
05/2021
Naval Institute Press
€28.49
Available for download
Person
C. Andrew Doyle, the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, summarizes his autobiography in six words: "Met Jesus on pilgrimage; still walking." He is author of Vocatio, Unabashedly Episcopalian, Orgullosamente Episcopal, A Generous Community,and The Jesus Heist. He and his wife JoAnne live in Houston with two daughters. Follow him on Twitter at @texasbishop.