Liturgy as a game by Joseph Ratzinger – Benedict XVI in the context of contemporary changes of catholic ritual. Cultural studies perspective

Abstract

Catholic liturgy can be analyzed by referring to the concept of game. Johan Huizinga, creating the homo ludens concept, devoted much of his research to the analysis of sacred activities as a game. Reflection on the liturgy as a game allows for a better understanding of contemporary changes taking place in the catholic ritual. The above text begins with the discussion of the issue of the game by Johan Huizinga. Then, based on the works of Romano Guardini and Joseph Ratzinger, the liturgy is described as a game. The text ends with a reference to contemporary problems of the catholic ritual in relation to the Huizinga’s theory.