Loehe's Liturgical Imagination

Inspiration for Christian Identity and Mission

Abstract

Imagination is a significant dimension of faith, and images—most especially biblical ones—are foundational for Christian liturgy and crucial to liturgical-theological work. This essay explores some of the evidence for Loehe’s liturgical imagination in three “soundings” focused on specific texts. In each case, we look at Loehe’s imagination from the liturgy in relation to his imagination for the liturgy: 1) participation in the life of the triune God—the communal and participatory character of liturgy; 2) eucharistic community—the regular celebration of Lord’s Supper; living liturgy—the intersection of liturgy and life. The horizon of interest throughout is how Loehe’s liturgical imagination contributed to his engagement with matters of Christian identity and mission and what inspiration we might take from such imagination.