The atmosphere of this work is wholly scholastic and Protestant. Fr Alexander views the "process" of liturgical development as depending on questionable vagaries of history, and sees much of the developed order of the divine services as meaningless accretions and distortions. Orthodoxy, on the other hand, views the services as divinely inspired. For an Orthodox expression of "liturgical theology," you should read St Nicholas Cabasilas' "On the Divine Liturgy" and the Collected Essays of Protopresbyter Michael Pomazansky, which is unfortunately not listed here at Amazon, but could be ordered from any Orthodox bookstore.

Late Alexander Schmemann the professor of Liturgical Theology and Dean of St Vladimir Orthodox Theological Seminary has brought out a good critical introduction to the study of Liturgical Theology by this book. He defines Liturgical Theology as an independent discipline with its own special subject and corresponding special method. The different themes are developed in the book in reference to the 'Ordo' or shape of worship as it evolved in the Orthodox Church from the earliest years. This book with an introduction and four other chapters, deals with the importance of the study of Liturgical Theology, the Origin and development of Liturgy, the contributions from Jewish worship, and the importance of monasticism to Liturgy.

This is the basic book for anyone who wishes to study Liturgical Theology. It is sufficiently clear and complete in itself. The book does not contain a bibliography or detailed index notes, which would have been valuable for the students. In some cases the author is constrained to put the Greek words as they are without any equivalent English words, which makes some proficiency in Greek a must for the understanding of the text.

By calling Introduction to Liturgical Theology 'Canon' I mean that it is the fundamental book you must read - its influence on the liturgical theologists of today is profound regardless of their dominational persuasion. After reading this book you will understand the distinction between theology of liturgy, liturical studies and liturgical theology.

Liturgical theology is the theology embedded in the rituals and words of liturgy ... it is the theology embodied in our liturgy. Understanding Schmemann's view of liturgy provides a framework for understanding the liturgical practices of any denomination including those claiming to be nonliturgical. It also provides the non-Orthodox a real insight into the Orthodox faith and makes concrete some of the differences between the Eastern and Western Church.

If you have any interest in liturgy please put this on a must read list.