Explore the history and meaning of the Anointing of the Sick and see how Scripture, tradition, and liturgy converge to shape this ancient rite.
This scholarly work traces the practice from its biblical roots to its later medieval development, weighing the evidence from Scripture, Fathers, and liturgical forms. It compares Western and Eastern developments, discusses broader questions about sacramental theory, and includes explanatory appendices to illuminate documentary sources. The volume presents a careful, balanced view suitable for readers seeking a clear, documented understanding of the rite’s purpose and history.
- Examination of the two New Testament passages commonly linked to the rite (Mark 6:13 and James 5:13–16).
- A survey of how early Christian writers and liturgical texts shaped the meaning of anointing.
- Analysis of the East–West variations and the evolution of sacramental interpretation over time.
- Appendices that explore related liturgical forms and historical documents.
Ideal for students of church history, liturgy, and theology, as well as readers seeking a grounded account of how this practice has been understood through the ages.