The Book of Common Prayer : a detailed analysis of its language, its revisioning in contemporary Australian liturgies and in the writings of Jim Cotter and Janet Morley and, in context of the relationship between spirituality and language, the implications of the use of reviesed Prayer Books in the Anglican Church in Australia

This thesis was scanned from the print manuscript for digital preservation and is copyright the author.

A profound shift has occurred since the Book of Common Prayer ceased to be the "common prayer" of the Anglican Communion. The content and style of the BCP formed a body of common knowledge which was absorbed into the consciousness and culture of church-goers throughout the English-speaking world. This thesis argues the importance of style in liturgical language. The effect of language on the spiritual life of worshippers is also explored. A detailed analysis of BCP language demonstrates why its poetic qualities have influenced the spiritual formation of four centuries of Anglicans, so that the banality of the modem Australian texts has grave implications for the Anglican Church in Australia. The character of Anglicanism has been, and will continue to be, affected spiritually and theologically by the inept language. Gifted modern British writers Jim Cotter and Janet Morley demonstrate that some modern religious writing can be creative, poetic and inspirational. The year 1999 heralds the four hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Cranmer’s 1549 The Booke of Common Prayer and Administracion of the Sacraments, and other rites and ceremonies of the Church after the use of the Churche of England. By drawing attention to the very real lack of good English and inspiring poetic and spiritual language in our present Prayer Books, it is hoped that a higher quality of liturgical language will be sought by compilers and worshippers alike, in new writings and a rediscovery of the wonders of the Book of Common Prayer.