Heart of Worship, by Dr Wann M. Fanwar

This is a book review that I promised someone ages ago and have come to it only now. It is a gift from my friend, whose lecturer in seminary wrote the book. I was so kindly presented with an autographed copy of it, how about that?!

If I had to attribute just one adjective to my experience of reading this book, I would use the term intriguing. Any one adequate treatise on a topic like worship must necessarily encompass the biblical, historical, and contemporary aspects of the issue at hand; this book precisely so presents a study on Christian worship.

Fanwar begins by providing a thoroughly worked through definition of worship, and then proceeds to describe how worship has been conceptualised in the Old and the New Testaments in scripture. And then he briefly journeys with the reader on how the embodiment of worship evolved throughout the history of the Christian Church. Writing from the perspective of an Adventist tradition, Fanwar does not forget to describe the distinct contributions of the Adventist tradition to Christian worship. In a separate chapter, the author also describes how the legacy of music has been employed in Christian worship throughout the ages. Finally, in a lengthy chapter, he provides very practical samples of worship liturgies.

In the face of overwhelming fads in the industry of contemporary gospel music, this writing is absolutely timely. It helps the Christian to attain a deeper understanding of true worship beyond the superficial sentimentalities that are so prevalent today. It is most beneficial for Christian worshippers of all ecclesiastical levels, ranging from grassroots local church members to seminary students.

Christian worship is based on our knowledge of God, which in turn is based on God's revelation of himself to the worshipping community. And the God of our Fathers has revealed himself in both scripture and in the history of his dealings with the worshipping community. This essentially is what Dr Fanwar has most clearly demonstrated in his writing.

If you would like to purchase one or more copies of this book, please send an email to Nat.