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Theological reflection upon the Eucharist is dominated by two paradigms: One approach interprets the Eucharist almost exclusively in theological terms, shaped by Scholasticism and the Reformation. Most discussions about the nature of the Eucharist, eucharistic presence or the role of the priest follow these categories, even if they come in modern disguise. The other reads the Eucharist as an event which can be explored empirically. O'Loughlin develops a new understanding of the Eucharist. This can be done by looking afresh at the historical evidence and bringing it in dialogue with modern theology. In the past decades, historical research and new discoveries have changed our view of the origins and the development of the Eucharist. By bringing history into a fruitful dialogue with sacramental and liturgical theology, he shows not only ways how theology and practice can be brought closer together again, but also how current ecumenical divisions can be overcome. His book makes an important contribution to eucharistic theology, both for individual church traditions as well as for ecumenical dialogues.
List of contents
Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Starting points for a study of the Eucharist
2. The focus of eucharistic thinking: thanking the Father
3. Locating our ritual: food, community, and prayer
4. Locating the Eucharist
5. Meals and Christian Memories
6. Distinctive memories: the acts of blessing and their recollection
7. The Common Meal and the Common Good
Abbreviations
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Thomas O'Loughlin is professor of historical theology in the University of Nottingham, UK. His research has focused on the theology of the early medieval period, and on the works of insular writers in particular.
Summary
Theological reflection upon the Eucharist is dominated by two paradigms: One approach interprets the Eucharist almost exclusively in theological terms, shaped by Scholasticism and the Reformation. Most discussions about the nature of the Eucharist, Eucharistic presence or the role of the priest follow these categories, even if they come in modern disguise. The other reads the Eucharist as an event which can be explored empirically.
O'Loughlin develops a new understanding of the Eucharist. This can be done by looking afresh at the historical evidence and bringing it in dialogue with modern theology. In the past decades, historical research and new discoveries have changed our view of the origins and the development of the Eucharist. By bringing history into a fruitful dialogue with sacramental and liturgical theology, he shows not only ways how theology and practice can be brought closer together again, but also how current ecumenical divisions can be overcome. His book makes an important contribution to eucharistic theology, both for individual church traditions as well as for ecumenical dialogues.
Foreword
A constructive theology of the Eucharist, overcoming current divisions by bringing insights of historical research into the systematic-theological discourse.
Additional text
O’Loughlin’s provocative reflections on the meaning of Christ’s presence, the notion of consecration vis-à-vis the whole eucharistic prayer and the role of the priest are important questions that need to be rethought today. I stand in awe of the depth and breadth of his reading and research…anyone who wishes to be challenged to rethink time-worn theological statements on this most important aspect of Christian life should not miss one.
