Of Mammoths and Earthworms: A Theological Foundation for Liturgical Ordo

Gordon Lathrop's theology of liturgical ordo has been highly influential in liturgical theology and practice over the last thirty years, with a wide ecumenical reach. While Lathrop begins from the liturgy and its ritual patterns to discuss ordo, this article begins from broader Christian reflections on the concept of ordo to add a richer theological foundation for liturgical ordo. This article surveys early Christian discussions beginning with Paul through Augustine, before examining a few examples of liturgical manifestations of ordo in the Rule of Benedict and the Ordines romani. These examinations suggest that liturgical ordo is rooted in God's divine order and opens up greater ecumenical possibilities for a liturgical theology of ordo.