A Womanist Theology of Worship - by Lisa Allen (Paperback)

About the Book

"Examines the history of worship in the Black Church in America, the enduring effects of white supremacy on its liturgical heritage, and proffers a new liturgical paradigm, using a womanist hermeneutic"--

Book Synopsis

Author Lisa Allen, a scholar and teacher of liturgical music, begins by explicating the Black Church's legacy of equating liturgy with justice. She then explores the development of liturgy in the Black Church and how Black congregations adapted liturgies from Euro-descended churches for their own use. Finally, Dr. Allen offers a new paradigm for Black worship that reimagines liturgy through a womanist lens and works to dismantle white supremacy in the Black Church. This paradigm centers African and African-descended cosmological and theological worldviews that employ a liberative hermeneutic of communal empowerment and agency.

From the Back Cover

RELIGION / Christian Theology/ General RELIGION / Christian Rituals & Practice / Worship & Liturgy RELIGION / Christian Theology / Liberation In this "love letter to the Black Church," Dr. Lisa Allen examines the history of worship in the Black Church in America (and its legacy of equating liturgy with justice), the enduring effects of white supremacy on its liturgical heritages, and finally proffers a new liturgical paradigm, using a womanist hermeneutic, for students, liturgists, liturgical musicians, and lay people. ISBN 978-1-62698-444-8 Cover design: Regina Gelfer Cover art: "First Sunday," 1985 Oil on Masonite, 20" x 20" (c) Jonathan Green

Review Quotes

"Lisa Allen has written a vigorous, well-informed, and provocative historical account of Black Church worship traditions. She has brought together insights from a rich set of sources, and has framed her reflection in light of significant developments and figures in womanist theology. This book is a must read for understanding Black liturgical history and the key issues facing current Black Church traditions. This is engaged, relevant scholarship with a discerning heart, mapping territory we need to know."--Don E. Saliers, William R. Cannon Distinguished Professor of Theology and Worship, Emeritus, Theologian-in-Residence, Emory University "At the heart of the Black Church experience is worship. At its nerve center resides the divine imperatives of love and justice. Lisa Allen's signature work leads us into the fierce faithfulness of Womanist theology, woven through the advocating and clearing spaces of worship. In action and instruction, Dr. Allen reflects the very wisdom contained within these pages."--Alton B. Pollard III, President and Professor of Religion and Culture, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary

About the Author

Lisa Allen, PhD, is an Emmy-award winning pastor, professor, and public theologian. She is the Helmar Emil Nielsen Professor of Church Music and Worship and Degree Coordinator for the Master of Arts in Liturgical Arts and Culture at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. She has over forty years of experience as a church musician, liturgist, and educator. She is the author of Worship Matters! A Collection of Practical Essays on the Practical and Spiritual Discipline of Worship. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA, and serves as Coordinator of Practical Ministries for the Sixth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.