Theological Dimensions Of Worship And Spirituality

The following are twelve succinct theses regarding the theological bases of worship and spirituality. Offered here as a catalyst for thinking and dialogue, these statements highlight the importance of lay spirituality. (1) The vocation to life in Christ through God's Spirit, i. e. , holiness, is rooted in the priesthood of the baptized. Baptism is the act of initiation into the body of Christ, and through baptism one dies to self and rises with Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. (2) Participation of the body of Christ in his mission of salvation is incumbent upon the baptized, and therefore Christian faith is always corporate or communal, rather than private or individual. (3) The mission of Christ (and therefore the church) is to reconcile all humanity with God and with each other. Spirituality is always characterized by the work of peacemaking, division-healing, and unifying. (4) The Eucharist, celebrated together by all the baptized, identifies and effects the chur…