History of Christian Worship: Part 2, The Body

The movie History of Christian Worship: Part 2, The Body from 2010 is a captivating and informative glimpse into the evolution of Christian worship. Delivered by renowned Christian scholars Rev. Dr. John D. Witvliet and Lester Ruth Phd, the film offers a fascinating exploration of the ways in which Christian worship has been practiced and shaped over the past two millennia.

The film opens with an overview of the early Christian church, where the worship was simple, focused around the Eucharist, and officiated by a priest. From here, it moves through the centuries, exploring the various changes Christianity underwent as it spread throughout the world. The film delves into the rise of monasticism and the rituals and liturgy of medieval times, revealing the ways in which these practices informed and shaped the worship practices of the modern Christian church.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the film is its exploration of the relationship between Christian worship and the physical body. The scholars explain how Christian worship has always been intimately linked with the body, with prayer and praise expressed through physical movement, such as the raising of hands or the kneeling, as well as through the use of music and dance.

The film also reveals how the body has been used as a tool to celebrate and convey Christian teachings throughout history. For example, it explores the use of images in Christian art, which were used to visually communicate the stories and teachings of the Bible to those who could not read. It also shows how the architecture of churches and cathedrals was designed to convey a sense of awe and reverence, elevating the worshipper's experience of the sacred.

As the film moves into more modern times, it explores how Christian worship has continued to evolve, particularly in response to the social and political upheavals of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. It highlights how the rise of Pentecostalism brought with it a renewed emphasis on physical expression in worship, particularly through the use of charismatic gifts like speaking in tongues and healing.

Throughout the film, the scholars offer profound insights into the ways in which Christian worship has been shaped by both tradition and innovation. They also examine the ways in which worship practices reflect and shape Christian theology, showing how the liturgy and rituals of the church often function as a form of theology in action.

Overall, History of Christian Worship: Part 2, The Body is a thought-provoking and informative examination of the ways in which the human body and physical expression have been used to communicate and celebrate Christian teachings throughout history. Featuring compelling insights from two of the foremost scholars in the field of Christian worship, it offers a rich and rewarding exploration that is sure to appeal to anyone interested in the history of religion and culture.