Beyond Smells and Bells

Beyond Smells and Bells: The Wonder and Power of Christian Liturgy is for anyone who has ever wanted to understand what's so great about a liturgical service!

After reading it, Father Rooster and I agreed that this is a perfect primer on liturgy, the book to recommend when asked to explain the appeal of a liturgical service. Mark Galli writes in a way that is easy to understand, yet is rich in theology and thorough in its examination of the many beautiful facets of liturgy.

The chapter titles give such a helpful idea of what's in this little book. There's Cosmic Daytimer: How the Liturgical Calendar Can Bring Order to Our Lives; Bizarre, Holy Moments: How the Liturgy Reshapes Our Sense of Time; We Worship a Material Savior: Why the Liturgy Engages the Whole Body; and If You Don't Get It, You've Got It: The Liturgy as a Mystery Full of Meaning--plus ten other chapters! Each is short but filled with quotations, history, theology, and the author's own experiences and insights.

The Appendices are most helpful as well. Appendix A explains terms from a liturgical service, such as collect, creed, lesson and acclamation. Appendix B contrasts Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian liturgies. The Christian year is described in Appendix C.

A highly recommended resource.