ecarp.org

In my latest review for the Thomas Nelson BookSneeze.com program I am reviewing the book, The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher.

I have to start out by saying that I had hoped the book was going to be a historical look at the Communion Meal or Last Supper, but instead it was more of a personal look at the authors view of the meal. So that said, this book took me forever to get through, not because it wasn't interesting or well written, it just wasn't what I had in mind.

That said, I have to say I both disliked and liked the book at various times. At times the authors recounting of ritualistic and man made traditions that surround the meal just about put me to sleep although they seemed to invigorate the author. Yet just as I was almost unable to read any further, she would switch to a more relational observation that she gathered from the whole process and I was challenged by her take on the matter to look closer at my own thoughts on the subject.

The author has a unique way of looking at things and intersperses it throughout. I enjoyed seeing what I would consider a dead and lifeless ritual through her eyes. It goes to show that life can happen almost anywhere and God should not be reduced to formulas, not even ones supposedly based on organic relationships.

Having enjoyed the authors input, I still longed for more historical insights on how the meal has changed over the years into what is commonly practiced today. That said, it is still an interesting read and if you are looking for a modern perspective on the current ritual of Communion I recommend it.