Theological Glossary
Six Christian traditions define Liturgy below — each in its own words, paraphrased from its official documents. These are attributed positions, not assertions of fact.
The Catholic Church teaches that the liturgy is the public worship of the whole Christ — head and members — in which the Paschal mystery is celebrated and made present. It holds that in the liturgy, especially the Eucharist, Christ himself acts, and the Church on earth joins the heavenly worship.
Source: CCC 1069–1075 ↗
The Orthodox Church teaches that the Divine Liturgy is heaven on earth — the central act of worship in which the faithful participate in Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. It holds that liturgy is the very life of the Church, largely unchanged since the early centuries, engaging all the senses in worship.
Lutherans retained the historic liturgy of the Western Church, teaching that ceremonies and orders of worship are valuable for good order and instruction when they do not obscure the gospel. They hold that no particular liturgical form is divinely commanded, and that the Word and sacraments are the heart of worship.
Source: Augsburg Confession, Art. XV ↗
The Reformed tradition teaches the regulative principle of worship: only what God has commanded in Scripture may be offered to him in public worship. It holds that worship centers on the reading and preaching of the Word, prayer, singing of psalms, and the sacraments — kept simple and free of human invention.
Baptists practice simple, non-liturgical worship centered on the preaching of the Word, prayer, congregational singing, and the ordinances. They hold that no fixed liturgy is prescribed in Scripture, and that as consistent Baptist practice worship is orderly, heartfelt, and free from ritualism.
Methodists cherish a liturgical heritage of Word and Table, worshiping with historic prayers, hymns, and the sacraments while allowing freedom in form. They hold that liturgy forms disciples, and their worship characteristically joins structured prayer with warm, experiential devotion.
See how the traditions compare on related topics: