Eine biblische (Fundamental-)Theologie des Gottesdienstes in der Pluralität christlicher Liturgien?

Abstract

Abstract This contribution is a critical assessment of Gregor Etzelmüller’s habilitation thesis, which was published in 2010 under the title »… zu schauen die schönen Gottesdienste des Herrn«. Eine biblische Theologie der christlichen Liturgiefamilien. A presentation of current research trends in systematic theological reflection of worship in ecumenical discourse shows that Etzelmüller chooses an approach of his own. Etzelmüller is not so much interested in the performative character of worship but its basic textual character. He considers the Bible as a decisive pre-text of Christian liturgies and hence responsible for their commonalities; likewise, as a pluralistic library, it is responsible for their differences. Heinrich Assel and Johannes Modeß underline that the broad approach of Etzelmüller’s book opens up new perspectives for liturgical research. They nevertheless critically reflect on some of his methodological decisions and suggest that worship as an event cannot only be understood via (the interpretation of) liturgical texts.