Porter C. Taylor - We Give Our Thanks Unto Thee: Essays in Memory of Fr. Alexander Schmemann

We have waited too long for exactly this book! Alexander Schmemann was, without question, the most profound liturgical theologian of the twentieth century. Yet, though his writings are eminently relevant to the church in general, up to this point they have been seriously engaged almost exclusively by fellow members of his Orthodox tradition and by members of one of the other higher liturgical traditions. Here, at last, we have a truly ecumenical engagement with Schmemanns thought. Top scholars from a variety of ecclesiastical traditions offer illuminating interpretations of Schmemanns texts, subject his thought to critique when that seems relevant, and then use his ideas in their own theological reflections on liturgy. Altogether, a superb contribution to the cause of liturgical theology.

Nicholas Wolterstorff , Yale University

In this collection, Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican, Methodist, Reformed, and Evangelical essayists consider the life, work, and thought of Alexander Schmemann, whose contributions to sacramental theology, liturgical and pastoral reflection, and ecumenical engagement remain pertinent today. Readers familiar with Fr. Alexander will find here new interpretations by authors of different generations, while those not yet acquainted will come to understand the Orthodox theologians connections between theology, liturgy, life, Church, and world.

Karen B. Westerfield Tucker , Boston University

Porter Taylor assembles an expansive ecumenical group of authors, often from unexpected corners of Christianity, to connect, challenge, and extend Schmemanns work into encounters with new research and questions. What better way to honor such a foundational figure in the field of liturgical theology?

Lizette Larson-Miller , Huron University

For over fifty years, serious students of Christian worship have been stirred by the writings of the late Orthodox theologian Alexander Schmemann. This volume of equally outstanding essays not only pays tribute to his intellectual legacy, but also advances exciting new lines of inquiry for the next generation of ecumenical liturgical theologians who seek to follow in his footsteps.

Melanie C. Ross , Yale Divinity School

We Give Our Thanks Unto Thee, edited by Porter C. Taylor, brings together essays that honor Fr. Alexander Schmemann, both with its title, most apt for a eucharistic man, but also by means of its rich content. Roman Catholic, Reformed, Anglican, various evangelicals, and, of course, Orthodox join in offering perspectives by which we can better appreciate the light that continues to radiate to diverse places from this remarkable thinker and pastor, since his falling asleep in the Lord thirty-five years ago. The essays vary from a practical supplying of historical details for the purposes of contextualization, to an appreciative engagement with bracing points of disagreement, to a demonstration of how Fr. Alexanders sacramental understanding may become a means of transformation in surprising places. In all this, the joy and grand vision of Fr. Alexander emerges, encouraging readers to re-read his most well-known book, and to go beyond to those writings that are more demanding!

Edith M. Humphrey , Pittsburgh Theological Seminary

We Give Our Thanks Unto Thee

Essays in Memory of Fr. Alexander Schmemann

Edited by

Porter C. Taylor

Foreword by

Serge Schmemann

The contributors give this volume in loving and grateful memory of Father Alexander Schmemann, without whom much of our work would not be possible.

This book is also dedicated to those readers who are engaging with liturgical theology for the very first time. We hope that Fr. Alexander will be as powerful a guide for you as he has been for each of us.