The Eucharist and Ecumenism: Let Us Keep the Feast

by George Hunsinger

Overview

The theology of the Eucharist has long been the subject of heated debate, particularly since the Reformation. George Hunsinger's book explores ways in which Christians might resolve their differences in this area. With the aim of fostering ecumenical convergence, he tackles three key issues dividing the churches about the Eucharist: real presence, Eucharistic sacrifice, and ordained ministry. Hunsinger, a Protestant theologian in the Reformed tradition, brings Eastern Orthodox views more systematically into the discussion than has been common in the West. He also discusses the social significance of the Eucharist. His detailed conclusion summarizes and clarifies the argument as a whole with an eye to explaining how the views proposed in the book could lead the churches, beginning with the Reformed church, closer to the day when obstacles to Eucharistic sharing are overcome. George Hunsinger has been chosen as the recipient of the 2010 Karl Barth Prize by the jury of the Union of Evangelical Churches in the Evangelical Church in Germany.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521894869
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/11/2008
Series:	Current Issues in Theology , #6
Pages:	362
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

George Hunsinger is Hazel Thompson McCord Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He is author of Disruptive Grace: Studies in the Theology of Karl Barth (2000) and How to Read Karl Barth: The Shape of His Theology (1991).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; Introduction: ecumenical theology; Part I. Real Presence: 1. The bread that we break: controversies; 2. The iron in the fire: a proposal; Part II. Eucharistic Sacrifice: 3. The sacrifice we offer: controversies; 4. Christ our Passover: a proposal; Part III. Eucharist and Ministry: 5. Eucharistic ministry: controversies; 6. Eucharistic ministry: an impending impasse?; Part IV. Eucharist and Social Ethics: 7. The Eucharistic transformation of culture; 8. Nicene Christianity, the Eucharist and peace; Conclusion: let us keep the feast; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"What is needed now is a clear and comprehensive guide to contemporary sacramental and liturgical theology together with some realistic proposals for movement toward mutual recognition. That is precisely what George Hunsinger proposes to provide in The Eucharist and Ecumenism: Let Us Keep the Feast. And in many significant and persuasive ways he does. This book merits serious attention by scholars and church officials alike. It will be a while before we see another book as good at dealing with these issues, which are vital for the unity of Christians." --Commonweal, 3/27/2009

"...elegantly written and well-argued book. ...The Eucharist and Ecumenism is a book that someone needed to write, but it was not clear that anyone would know how to write it. Hunsinger has shown us that it can be done." --Christian Century

From the Publisher