Christopher A. Hall
IVP Academic
"Worshiping With The Church Fathers" is probably not a book the average everyday Christian is going to read but there is no reason they shouldn't. It will, however, appeal to the curious thinker and Ancient Church history buff like myself. Author Christopher Hall is the Chancellor of Eastern University near Philadelphia, PA and has written a very well documented and informed book that looks at the ancient practices of worship among the early church fathers. To the average reader this may sound like a dry and boring read but Hall doesn't just spew out facts and information, he challenges the reader to look at early worship practices and see how they can be applied in modern day living of the Christian today.
This book is divided into three topical sections which include the Sacraments, Prayer and Discipline. Within these topics there are sub categories which include baptism, the Lord's supper, The Lord's Prayer, roadblocks to prayer and many others. What has been insightful to me in the section on baptism is his section on infant baptism and the early churches view of this practice. This has been one area in which I struggle and it was interesting to see how the early father's viewed it. The second part of the book which is on prayer is probably the most applicable part to the book. It looks at various aspects to prayer like praying the Psalms, distractions in prayer, unanswered prayer, fixed times for prayer and the four key elements of prayer (supplication, intercession, thanksgiving and confession). The closing section on discipline gives the reader a glimpse of Athanasius's biography of Anthony and some of the ideas and practices that came out of the monastic communities. The idea behind this section is to show the reader the importance of slowing down and seeing how the "desert life"can be applicable to busy pastors, preists and Christians in general.
Is this an easy read? By no means. As I mentioned earlier it is a great read for individuals who are interested in the spiritual practices and beliefs of the early Church Fathers. As a pastor myself I found this book to be insightful and practical. "Worshiping With the Church Fathers" would not make for a good daily devotional but it would be a great resource for individuals to have to better understand why and how the early church functioned and worshiped. Don't let the title scare you away, check this book out... You may find your faith encouraged and challenged as you do.
Rating: 3 out of 5 pops!
