Adoratio
Book Description
In the contemporary church, worship often centers around eucharistic adoration, yet this profound spiritual practice extends far deeper into the foundations of Christian thought. Josef Otter's scholarly exploration delves into the rich theological debates of medieval scholasticism, where great minds grappled with fundamental questions about the nature of worship, reverence, and devotion.
Drawing from the masterworks of high medieval theology, this comprehensive study examines how influential thinkers like Thomas Aquinas, Bonaventura, and Albertus Magnus understood the essence of adoration. These theologians carefully distinguished between different forms of veneration, exploring who deserves worship and what virtues underlie genuine reverence. Otter traces the evolution of these ideas through earlier scholastic periods, incorporating insights from figures such as Alexander of Hales and William of Auxerre.
Through meticulous analysis of primary theological texts, including the Summa Halensis, this work reconstructs a detailed picture of how medieval scholars approached worship theology. The author reveals the subtle yet significant developments in thinking that shaped Christian understanding of adoration across centuries.
For modern spiritual seekers, this historical investigation offers valuable perspectives on worship that transcend denominational boundaries. By understanding how past generations wrestled with questions of reverence and devotion, contemporary readers can deepen their own spiritual practice and gain fresh insights into the timeless human impulse toward the sacred.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~16 hours)
📄 Length: 581 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Middle Ages
- ✓ Explore Public worship
- ✓ Explore Liturgy
- ✓ Explore Worship
- ✓ Explore Church history
- ✓ Explore Oriental Orthodox churches
- ✓ Understand the nature of love
- ✓ Explore History
