Patricia Klein

This is a short pocket reference for liturgy and symbol in Christian worship. The title is somewhat a misnomer as it covers the important elements of liturgy (including the words). It also discusses seasons, architecture, priestly garments, sacramental utensils, etc.

As a short reference book, this is pretty good, thoughtfully arranged with good information. Particular focus on Catholic and Anglican liturgy.

Not just for newcomers to liturgical worship. If you ever wondered what all the liturgical garments are called, what various elements of church architecture signify, etc., this is a very helpful book. Oriented primarily to Roman rite (Roman Catholic Church, Anglican/Episcopal, and similar).

Booklist: The Christian church has amassed a dauntingly large vocabulary over the millennia. Or should one say vocabularies? Klein's classified dictionary of church terminology contains many pictures of physical artifacts, from church floor plans to symbols of the faith, as well as words. Thus, it defines both verbal and visual signs; hence, vocabularies. The emphasis is on signs that originate in Roman Catholicism, which, after all, predates Orthodoxy and Protestantism. Each of 12 chapters show more deals with a different set of terms. The first, "Sacred Places, Sacred Spaces," contains architectural and furnishing terms. Subsequent chapters focus on physical features (the altar, vestments), public and private worship, the sacraments, church offices, the liturgical year, and the words of belief. Each chapter is appropriately subdivided, with the index providing a complete alphabet of defined terms. Interestingly, Klein has low-church roots but believes knowing the names of the old ways removes practical barriers between varying Christians and enables them "to lose [themselves] in the Presence of God"--that is, to truly worship. Consider reference as well as circulating copies. Ray Olson
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