Matthew Henry: Pastoral Liturgy in Challenging Times

Jong Hun Joo offers a model of how both solid biblical understanding and effective practice of worship can be realized in churches today by exploring the theology and practice of Matthew Henry (1662-1714). Matthew Henry is one of the most famous biblical commentators in the English-speaking world. However Henry was also a pastor who was liturgical in negotiating the political and religious landmines of his day. This all but overlooked aspect of Henrys biography and writings is both a window into his life and times and an insightful view into the pastoral dimensions of Christian rituals and practices in the home and church. Joo discerns how Henry understood and practiced English Presbyterian worship as an example of Reformed worship in his context and further based on the principles found in Henrys writings and practices Joo suggests how contemporary churches can appropriately develop and articulate their own worship in their own contexts. In so doing he makes a case for worship renewal. Nothing could do more for Presbyterian worship than a rediscovery of the pastoral theology of Matthew Henry. Henry is particularly helpful in opening up the full diet of public prayer the recovery of the sanctity of the Lords Day and a systematic preaching through of the holy Scriptures. That is exactly what the author gives us. We are grateful for the publication of this study. --Hughes Old Erskine Theological Seminary Due West SC While Matthew Henry is well known for his biblical commentaries and writings about prayer his liturgical writings are not well known. In his book Jong Hun Joo offers a helpful introduction to Matthew Henrys contributions to the shaping of public worship. The material discussion in this volume promises to sharpen our understanding of Nonconformist worship practices and liturgical spirituality. It also offers an instructive case study in the interplay of form and freedom in the long and variegated history of Protestant worship. --John D. Witvliet Calvin Institute of Christian Worship Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary Grand Rapids MI Jong Hun Joo (PhD in Christian Worship at Fuller Theological Seminary) teaches at Africa International University (Formerly Nairobi Evangelical Graduate School of Theology) in Kenya. He is also an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary. He translated Alexander Schmemanns The Eucharist: Sacrament of the Kingdom (2012) and Robert Johnstons Useless Beauty (2005). He recently published Christian Worship and Worldview (2014) in Korean.