I grew up in a Dutch/Reformed/Presbyterian/Calvinist background, where anything in the liturgy that smacks of Romanism is highly suspect (except for paedobaptism, which is obviously biblical, *wink wink nudge nudge* to my readership). This delightful little book reminds us of the values of participating in a liturgy that has its roots not in Romanism, but instead in the earliest Christian worship. One gathers from this book a sense of the 'catholic' (universal) nature of the Body of Christ - not only being joined to believers worldwide but in a very real sense joined in worship with saints from generations past. Ultimately, this points us to a worship that is diametrically opposed to self-centred worship and brings us into worship that is bigger than ourselves, outside of ourselves, and fundamentally worship that is Christ-centred. And for those who are suspect of high liturgy itself because of lifeless and empty ritualism, this book is a keen reminder that the form of the worship itself, regardless of tradition, is empty and ritualistic if not flowing from a regenerated heart pointed away from self and towards community with Christ.

Galli does not write apologetically here; rather he provides a simple primer of the liturgy, gently forming his arguments through the timeless words and prayers themselves, and through the rhythms and flow of the Christian calendar connecting his readers with the Body of Christ throughout the ages. Especially helpful are the appendices at the end with a simple glossary of liturgical terminology for anyone unfamiliar with the lingo, charts comparing the liturgy across traditions, and a basic understanding of the Church year and it's symbolism and importance. ( )

We are tempted to see our own culture as the measuring rod for all meaning. When we speak of being “relevant,” argues Galli, we are really talking about being relevant to our own culture. Christian liturgy, however, does not need the approval of our culture or any other culture to be considered “relevant” because it pertains to a completely different world. “The liturgy,” says Galli, “presents a form of worship that transcends our time and space” (p. 58). It invites us into “the culture of a Trinitarian God and his kingdom” (p. 60). And the liturgy has always “steadfastly refused to let the culture determine its shape or meaning” (p. 61).
Beyond Smells & Bells is not intended as a scholarly treatment of "high" church liturgy, it does serve as a popular introduction to the how and the why beyond the outward trappings (smells and bells) of Episopal worship. It is an introduction to "another world." ( )

Beyond Bells and Smells is a short, passionate book about the impact of Christian liturgy upon our coming ino a relationship with God. Through liturgy we transcend the cognative into the mystery of knowing God. Galli gives practical personal examples that communicate the significance of worshiping through the use of liturgy. He makes clear that we are not lone-ranger Christians but are called to be transformed within a Christian community. For those who are unfamiliar with litugical worship or for those who think that "rituals" are dry and boring, this book provides an excellent introduction into the life-giving liturgical worship. ( )