The Mass and Modernity: Walking to Heaven Backward

by Jonathan Robinson

Many in the Church have accepted modernity in their effort to speak to the modern world, and not nearly enough attention has been given to trying to disentangle the complex of ideas and half-formulated convictions that constitute this mind-set which is in fact contrary to Christianity.
The first aim of this book is to examine the origins and present day influence of modernity, and then to argue that there is nothing in the Christian's concern...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586170694
• ISBN13: 9781586170691
• Release Date: October 2005
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 0.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

An incisive contribution to the reassesment of the liturgical reform

"The present condition of Catholic worship has come about because it has been shaped by principles and attitudes of secular modernity. The result is that the Liturgy, instead of providing an alternative vision of life to that provided by secular modernity, now cooperates with and disseminates principles that are distructive of Catholicism." "Modern liturgical practices are defective, and they are in place, and they reinforce people's understanding both of their faith and of how the faith should relate to the modern world." Strong words, but true. Father Jonathan Robinson doesn't avoid the grim reality of the state of the Liturgy in the modern world. Rather, he subjects it to the scrutiny of a Catholic philosopher (himself), and comes up with a detailed if disturbing diagnosis. However a correct diagnosis is the necessary prerequisite for a cure, and whilst it may be unpleasant, we are indebted to Father Robinson for his inscisive work. This book should form part of the liturgical formation programme of all clergy and religious and be studied by any laity seeking a qualification in the Sacred Liturgy. It is philosophically demanding, but all that more important for so being. Whether or not one agrees with Father Robinson's practical suggestions - and with these there is scope for much discussion - his cry of alarm is prophetic.

Very thorough explanation

A very good resource for your library if you're passionate about good liturgy and lament the current state of the Catholic Mass. If you want to know, philosophically, how we got where we are, and some suggestions for how to get out, this is the book for you. This isn't a spy thriller, it requires close reading. But its worth the effort.