The Eucharist

by Edward Schillebeeckx

An outstanding contemporary analysis of the transubstantion and of its meaning and significance today . The first part of the book concentrates on the concerns and approach of the Fathers who defined the doctrine at The Council of Trent, the second part goes on to develop a modern interpretation of 'the distinctively eucharistic manner of the Real Presence.'

Genres: Theology

162 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

About the author

Edward Cornelis Florentius Alfonsus Schillebeeckx was a Belgian Roman Catholic theologian born in Antwerp. He taught at the Catholic University in Nijmegen. He then continued writing. In his nineties, he still wanted to finish a major book about the Sacraments.

He was a member of the Dominican Order. His books on theology have been translated into many languages, and his contributions to the Second Vatican Council made him known throughout the world.

Reviews

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN INFLUENTIAL DUTCH THEOLOGIAN INTERPRETS TRANSUBSTANTIATION

Edward Schillebeeckx (1914-2009) was a Dutch Catholic theologian and Dominican priest, who wrote a number of important "progressive" books in the Catholic tradition (e.g., 'Jesus: An Experiment in Christology,' 'Christ: The Experience of Jesus as Lord,' 'The Church With a Human Face,' etc.).

He wrote in the first chapter of this 1968 book, "I must unwillingly limit myself ... to a specified analysis of transubstantiation as such... What seems to me to be a basic methodological fault in many modern attempts ... is the fact that it is interpreted from a modern phenomenological standpoint without making clear what the dogma of, for example, the Council of Trent demands of one as a believing Catholic." (Pg. 19)

He notes that "In every generation the Church rereads Holy Scripture... The fact that the biblical and conciliar statements convey a mystery does not eliminate the historical character of human thought and faith." (Pg. 27) He concludes that the ONLY aim of the Council of Trent was to proclaim the "unique and distinctive character of the eucharistic presence as an inviolable datum of faith." (Pg. 53)

He suggests that the dogma of transubstantiation as Christ's transforming from within the sacrificial gifts of earthly food, thus making them a new creation, a saving sacrificial gift in time for eternity, must be formulated now "in a modern theological way, that the new formulation does not contradict the original, inviolable datum of faith or minimize it." (Pg. 86)

He notes that after transubstantiation, nothing is changed visibly and empirically; "If the reality were changed empirically, there could be no question of sacramentality." (Pg. 115-116) He asserts that "what is given to us in the Eucharist is ... Christ himself, in living, personal presence." (Pg. 139)

Schillebeeckx's interpretation is modern, yet also "traditional" (note that this book was published by Sheed & Ward).

[Paul Yanchek · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.

[Nathan Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Analytical review of the Eucharist's nature in the Catholic Church. Highly recommended.

[Andy Hickman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading "The Eucharist" by Catholic theologian Edward Schillebeeckx (cool name huh!?!).

He has been labelled by some as a progressive heretic for his support of Liberation Theology, ordination of women & the removal of celibacy for priests.
I like this guy.

"In every generation the Church rereads Holy Scripture... The fact that the biblical and conciliar statements convey a mystery does not eliminate the historical character of human thought and faith." (Pg. 27)