EDITORIAL: THEOLOGY AND CHRISTIAN WORSHIP

Abstract

‘Theology’ is the study of God and of God's relation to the world. ‘Worship’ is derived from the Old English ‘weorþscipe’, meaning ‘honour shown to an object’, which has been understood as ‘worthiness’ or ‘worth-ship’ in the sense of giving, at its simplest, value to something. Studying and knowing God more deeply (theology) should inexorably lead to worship. Knowledge and worship are inseparable fallouts of a good theology. Thus, theology is expected to deepen worship. Theology not only reflects and defines a belief system but also fosters the liturgical life of a worshipping assembly. This is particularly true since while the law of prayer fixes the law of faith (lex orandi lex credendi), faith seeks to be understood through theology (fides quaerens intellectum). Catholic theology is so practical that it must lead to active participation in worship.