The development of the Book of Worship for United States Forces

• Main Author: Carr, Gary W.
• Other Authors: Theology
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10945/24312

CIVINS === The Book of Worship for United States Forces has been used as the primary worship resource in military chapels, in the field, as well as aboard ships since 1974. It is a hybrid hymnal combining the faith traditions of Protestants, Catholics, Orthodox, and Jews. As a unique liturgical document, the product of a great amount of research and ecumenical development, there has been no scholarly analysis of the myriad of benefits which it offers. It is widely used by clergy and laity from a variety of worship traditions. This study may prove helpful for those who are planning a new hymnal resource for their denomination. It offers a developmental history, and a theoretical set of criteria for selecting for selecting hymns, prayers, and liturgies. The full integration of ecumenical material in this book makes it stand out as a pioneer in hymnology and liturgy. Liturgical elements from the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Jewish traditions are not as thoroughly developed as the Protestant section. This thesis is primarily an analysis of those areas within the Protestant traditions. This author regrets some selections in the book will not be covered. However, others from those particular faith groups are encouraged to explore the richness and depth of those liturgies and musical selections which represent their history.