Monday, April 11, 2011

The Sacred Meal Review

In "The Sacred Meal" Nora Gallagher shares her thoughts on the Eucharist (Lord's Supper, Communion, Sacred Mean etc).  She walks through three steps of taking communion the "waiting," "receiving," and "afterward."  Each had a few interesting reflections and insights that flesh out what we are doing when we come to Communion. 
Over all I was really hoping for something great out of this book.  I had never thought of Communion as a Spiritual practice, so I was interested to hear what Nora Gallagher was going to say.  Unfortunately this book was a disappointment.  While there were a few new insights that will enhance my participation in the Lord's Supper in the future, most of the book was lacking in any depth.  Perhaps most frustrating to me was her side comment that she supports an open table, but then failed to offer any theological or scriptural support for her position.  So far of all the books I have read in this series this was my least favorite.   I have to seriously wonder if Nora was the best choice for this book.  Surely there is someone else who could have had more theological, and biblical insight into this ancient practice.  Instead all we are left with is a few reflections that feel weak and aren't really worth reading.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.