Eucharist

Lawrence Hull Stookey is one of the scholastic luminaries of the United Methodist church and is especially wonderful when writing on matters of liturgy and sacramental theology. This work is no exception and it is not written for United Methodists. It is an ecumenical work which explains the things from the Catholic perspective and the Reformation tradition and looks at all major shadings in between as well as a few others. In doing so, he treats everyone with respect. Stookey looks at the historical development of the various theologies associated with the Eucharist. He then looks at areas of convergeance and divergence, all the while asking the question, "How does this compare with what is current practice and with Biblical warrant" Besides looking at the problems, he also looks at possible solutions and pays attention not only to the theology of the subject but also the pastoral ministry. This is a well rounded and well thought out book suitable as a text in a seminary or a text for a class of laity who are interested in such matters. He will completely satisfy no one but he will make all think. This one sets a gold standard.

Laurence Hull Stookey has a wonderful trinity of books in this text and the companion volumes 'Baptism: Christ's Act in the Church' and 'Calendar: Christ's Time for the Church'. These books address key aspects of Christian church practice in ecumenical and historical tones. 'Eucharist' is no different - it is a one volume survey of historical, theological and practical issues surrounding the central facet of Eucharist / Lord's Supper / Communion. Stookey himself is a Methodist, but writes intentionally as an ecumenical writer; this particular text was completed while he was on sabbatical near a joint Anglican-Methodist seminary. Stookey's preface begins with a comparison of Babette's Feast and Christ's meal with the church - there is something hidden, something disarming, something inviting about the meal; we may not all approach it exactly the same way and with the same expectations, but those who feast do find it a nurturing banquet. As Stookey points out, eating and drinking are central to life and community. Food is a common motif in the gospels; gathering together for meals is frequently cited from the time of the apostles forward as primary , and indeed the first ordained members of the church were those appointed to help serve the food. Stookey gives a brief summary of New Testament images and writings about communion. He begins with Paul's instructions to the Corinthians, the text upon which many churches base the liturgies or prayers at Eucharist, given that they are the closest in time to the original Last Supper. He discusses terms such as 'anamnesis' and 'prolepsis' without becoming too bogged down in theology or exegetical analysis. Stookey highlights a few aspects of Paul's verses - that they are actions (more than concepts) central to the importance; they are corporate, not private, actions; they bind past, present and future together; and, they have evangelistic and soteriological (dealing with salvation) relevance. Stookey also explores the images of the Last Supper in the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), and quoting from Dom Gregory Dix, he states that the Last Supper is not something radically new, but rather a reinterpretation and deepening of already-existing practices, not least of whom the group of twelve themselves. While John's gospel does not include the Last Supper in the same way, Stookey argues that the whole of the gospel is in a way a commentary on the importance of the Eucharist - chapters like the water-into-wine at the wedding in Cana, the 'bread of life' chapter, and more all point to this. Theologically, Stookey explores Platonic and Aristotelian ideas with regard to the Eucharist (as these are the two dominant philosophical schools underpinning Christian theology). These address issues of real presence and real substantive changes, and how those might be understood. Stookey also explores Nominalism, Lutheran, Zwinglian, Calvinist and later ideas regarding communion. After this

The author writes this book in a response to a need for a single volume that brings together historical, theological, and practical matters from a variety of sources. Much of the material available on this subject is written in a technical style that is not easily read or understood by the lay person. The author also seeks to suggest new ways of understanding and conducting the Eucharist. He identifies two audiences for his book. The first audience is lay people in the local church. A second audience is identified as seminarians and church professionals. The author writes from a Wesleyan/Methodist background, but seeks to produce a work that is ecumenical in scope. Stookey wants to clear up misconceptions about the Eucharist and to help the reader develop a historical and theological understanding that will affect the way the Eucharist is observed and shared in our churches. Stookey has succeeded in his objectives. I found the book to be well laid out, fairly easy to read, and quite engaging. Especially helpful was the section about how to preach on the Eucharist, and an emphasis that the observance of the Eucharist is not a solemn occasion, but a celebrative one! This book belongs in every pastor's library.