1. Definitions of Christian Worship

2. Theological: Cyprian Vagaggini
Complexus of sensible signs
Of things sacred, spiritual, invisible
Instituted by Christ or by the Church;
Signs which are efficacious, each in its own way, of that which they signify;
By which signs God (the Father by appropriation), through Christ the Head and Priest, and in the presence of the Holy Spirit, sanctifies the Church;
And the Church as a body, uniting itself to Christ its Head and Priest, through Him renders worship to God (the Father by appropriation).

3. Historical Corporate Ceremonial Repetitive Behavior
By which a bounded religious group
Sustains and negotiates its relationship with Deity

4. Social Science
Distinguish between the liturgies (“cult”) and magic (“occult”) of a society
Liturgies:
Encapsulate community’s heritage and hopes (culture/myth)
Typically in the vernacular
Substantial portion of the community are active participants, leadership roles filled by those who best typify the culture.

5. Rites are long and complicated, but essential rational
Rites are designed to define, re-define, shape, re-shape, or maintain communal life
Rites are designed to establish, re-establish, or strengthen communication with deity
Exegesis: What do a) the laity and b) the ritual expert say about the ritual element?
Operation: Where and why did the ritual element come into use, how does it function, what does it accomplish within the culture?
Position: What is the ritual element’s position within the liturgical system, what meanings does that imply, what additional meanings does it give to or receive from other uses within the system?