The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church by F. L. Cross and E. A. Livingstone - Psalter

The "Psalter" is a term that signifies both the biblical Book of Psalms and the specific book containing these Psalms for use in Christian worship. In the Western Christian tradition, Latin Psalters, primarily derived from translations of the Greek Septuagint, have held a pivotal role in shaping liturgical practices. The oldest complete text, the Verona Psalter, dates back to the 6th-7th century and is indicative of the Psalms' longstanding presence in Christian worship, as evidenced by its association with St. Augustine. St. Jerome's translations, particularly the Roman and Gallican Psalters, have profoundly influenced the textual tradition of the Psalms. Despite subsequent translations, the conservative nature of liturgical practices often led to the preference for older Psalters, with the Gallican version ultimately becoming standard in the Latin Vulgate Bible. Furthermore, in Eastern Christian traditions, the Psalter retains a central place, with various versions used across different communities. Greek-speaking Orthodox Christians primarily rely on the Septuagint's Psalms, while Slavonic and Syrian Churches have their unique versions, reflecting historical exchanges between Eastern and Western liturgical traditions. Notably, the Psalter's role extends beyond communal worship into personal devotion, particularly in the Eastern Churches, where it is divided into sections for structured recitation. In addition, in both Western and Eastern rites, the Psalter's function and form have evolved, responding to scholarly revisions and the desire for linguistic and theological updates. The mid-20th century saw significant changes in the Roman Catholic Church's approach to the Psalms, with new translations seeking a balance between textual fidelity and liturgical tradition. These developments, alongside continued scholarly interest, maintain the Psalter's enduring significance in Christian worship and its role as a living document reflecting the faith, tradition, and scholarly pursuits of the Christian community. Book link: https://amzn.to/48KOlM6 This summary is made by Eleven Labs AI audio generated platform: elevenlabs.io/?from=partnerhall9106