The authors of this anthology share broadly in the programmatic goals of the modern liturgical movement, including reform in local assemblies and an ecumenical approach to liturgical renewal.

The book is in four parts and has been arranged in a logical progres-sion to provide a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of Christian worship:

a foundational section dealing with the spirit, shape, and content of the liturgy

"languages of the liturgy," that is, ritual actions, symbols, and environment

"proclamations of the liturgy," including preaching, art, readings, and music

"no east or west," that is, con-sideration of issues related to inculturation and intertraditional worship