Ambrosius Verheul: Introduction to the Liturgy, towards a Theology of WorshipWheathampstead, Anthony Clarke, tr. Margaret Clarke, 1972 (reprint 1987), 192 p., ISBN 85650 004 6The author gives a complete theology of worship, stressing much the encounter-character of the liturgy.Liturgy consists in an descending line from God to mankind and in man's answer. He proceeds step by stepto reach a full definition of the liturgy. The author has been for many years redactor and collaborator for twodifferent liturgical journals, of which Questions Liturgiques is the most known. Although he belongs to theRoman rite, he shows his knowledge of the oriental traditions of the Church. Being a member of theBenedictine Order and former abbot of the famous Abbaye du Mont César, known for its liturgical activitiesand its liturgical and ecumenical scholars (Dom Lambert Beauduin, Bernard Botte, Bernard Capelle), he isan authority in this subject. The foreword is written by Harold Winstone. The book is well divided in alogical and clear order. There is an author index, unfortunately no subject index.Introduction. Christianity considers redemption as a gift of God: Ipse prior dilexit nos. We see this also inthe liturgy, which is the celebration of the redemption: He comes to enrich us with His Word (liturgy of theword) and with the gift of His divine life (sacramental liturgy). To this descending line corresponds anascending line, visible in the praise and thanksgiving in the liturgy of prayer. This one is always second, ananswer on God's action. So, liturgy is a dialogue between God and man (the Church).Part 1. Theology of the Liturgy. 1. Liturgy as a personal encounter with God1. Theocentric Character of the LiturgyFor a correct answer to God's gifts on our part is required a review of our notion of God. The author want toobtain this with texts of Old and New Testament. Often we bring God down to the human level, as equal tous, as a merchant who has to give us grace in answer to our praye...