Mass Culture

Edited by Pete Ward

From The Diocese of Hereford Newspaper - Spring 2009

It has been an enormous challenge to review this book which addresses one of the biggest problems of the Church today, namely why is the younger generation unable to relate to the traditional services in our parish churches. It takes time to read and, more particularly, to absorb the reasons the writers from across the broad spectrum of the Church have given. Many readers may be shocked by some of the sections, but if approached with an open mind there is a wealth of food for thought. Alternative worship has been studied both in detail and objectively, the problem of celebrities and a worship culture has been recognised, the tendency of the young to dip in and out which does not necessarily bring a lifelong commitment has been acknowledged.

There are no definite answers, but despite the diversity of the contributions time and again one theme has emerged which is the importance of the shared meal at the Lord’s Table, and how this should be celebrated within contemporary culture. I would urge everyone, clergy and lay people, who is concerned about the Church of England and its future to read this book and discuss it with their fellow worshippers.

Reviewed by Susan Child, Yarpole

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