Pierre HEGY. Worship as Community Drama: Introduction to Liturgy Evaluation. Eugene, Oregon: Wipf and Stock, 2019, pp. 120. $28.00 pb. ISBN 978-1-5326-7301-6. Reviewed by Dolores L. CHRISTIE, Cleveland, OH

It is always difficult to review the work of a colleague, particularly one dealing with a subject outside the wheel house of the reviewer. One hopes the book is neither too technical nor simply awful. Fortunately, this one is neither. It is a thorough and insightful summary of modern liturgical worship spanning the Catholic tradition from papal Masses to modest parishes, ceremonies streamed and those in vibrant contemporary communities. It details conservative, biblically fundamentalist congregations and contemporary Black churches. The author, a trained sociologist, observes, records from first-hand experience, and lifts up the life-giving aspects of communal liturgical practice. He underlines what works and what does not, using modern matrices from his field to analyze the success of religious worship services.

The title of the book speaks of “community drama.” It is clear from the content that successful liturgies draw from the experiences and predispositions of the congregation. They are not spectator sports performed by trained actors. Imposed liturgical practice, drawn more from doctrine or authority, cannot produce vibrant spirituality. As the author notes toward the end of the book, when authority attempts “to define and impose what people ought to believe . . . faith is muted in the hearts of many.” Vincent Donovan explored a similar theme years ago in his Christianity Rediscovered.

Perhaps the most interesting chapter is the final one, on Catholic liturgical practice in Zaire (formerly Congo). Unique in Catholic liturgy, Zairean masses incorporate strong participation, elements drawn from the endemic culture, and insights from the prayer life and experience of the people. The theology seeded into worship is primarily from the religious experience and prayer life of those who are a part of it, not a sterile top-down imposition from authority.

Hegy’s conclusions highlight the essential ingredient in liturgy: mystagogy. The community gathering should be the occasion where the congregation is drawn into a vortex that transports them beyond what may be merely, as the author puts it, “mechanical production.” The trappings of liturgy—architecture, statues and ornaments, music and movement—can contribute to this happening. The choir, the celebrant and the homily, the assembly itself: all might provide the wind that directs and moves participants toward a “more,” something beyond the actual service. This is the secret sauce of spiritual growth and vital parish life. It is the motivator for growth even beyond the local church. “Community drama” works.

This book could be read profitably by anyone engaged in pastoral work, especially those tasked with liturgical planning and action. It is clear, chocked full of interesting data, and readable. Important tidbits are highlighted in discrete boxes throughout the text. Even though the book does not explore beyond the Christian tradition to the liturgical practices of other religious traditions, it could be applied to them as well.

Its contents and conclusions may shock some pastors, especially those who are comfortable with what they perceive as successful shepherding. At times the author flirts with caustic observations (“T.V. masses are apparently a viable option for the hierarchy but not for the faithful” or “Ritualism is a threat to all forms of worship.”), yet his observations are on target. One hopes that those in charge of leading the faithful to a rich and productive encounter with God might come to understand and take seriously the damning insights this book chronicles.

Perhaps a new era of thoughtfulness about the tools and functions of ministry will lead to a deepening of faith and a future of revitalized liturgical and ministerial practice. In this era of documented erosion of church attendance, this is a must read for those who wonder why. Might I suggest that this book, as the author notes in his comments about Zairean practice, is “a gift to the entire Catholic community.”