Liturgical Language

"Liturgical language" denotes those words used by Christians in their communal praise and prayer. Liturgical language is often metaphoric, as metaphors help explain the unexplainable - they help the human mind contemplate the Divine. Problems with liturgical language occur when these metaphors exclude some Christians when their aim should instead be to bring all Christians into communion with God. Recognizing that both metaphoric and inclusive language are necessary in Christian worship, this book clarifies how these need not be contradictory criteria for forming liturgical language. Through a review of the history of language, it illustrates the difficulties of forming texts from words that have undergone numerous translations and whose primary meanings have also changed throughout the centuries. The discussion of symbolic imagery and theological language illustrates how essential it is that words be evaluated and chosen with understanding and care. The author writes for those who find beauty and truth in metaphor and for those who strive to invite everyone to the Eucharistic banquet.
She encourages all who formulate liturgical language to contemplate with seriousness - and vision - the ultimate objective of this language, so that it can speak with meaning and beauty to all. Gail Ramshaw is the editor and co-editor of "Psalter for the Christian People", "Richer Fare for the Christian People", "Homilies for the Christian People", "Lectionary for the Christian People" and "Intercessions for the Christian People".