Holy People

<p>This sequel to Gordon Lathrop's highly successful <i>Holy Things</i> is an exercise in liturgical theology viewing the activities of worship as a means of defining and discussing the concept church. It centers on community and assembly to discuss the sacraments. It focuses on ecumenism and inculturation as central test cases for a liturgically derived idea of church.</p><p>In hopes of invigorating the local church Lathrop explores the meaning of the term church the relationship of the local liturgical assembly and other Christian assemblies (catholicity); the personal and communal character of liturgical assembly; the unity of the churches; the critical principles of liturgy and culture; openness to what is radically other; and liturgical evangelization. Lathrop's work grounds a notion of church that is personal yet communal universal but not triumphalistic.</p>