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A Holy Meal: The Lord's Supper in the Life of the Church
"This is my body," said Jesus at the Last Supper. What did he mean? Throughout church history, there have been various interpretations of his words. These differences have caused denominational ruptures that have yet to heal.
In A Holy Meal, Gordon T. Smith shows that we cannot appreciate the Lord's Supper until we understand it. In light of the renewed attention given to the sacraments by all branches of the church, he examines the historic interpretations and seeks common ground among believers. In the process, he shows how the Lord's Supper can infuse new meaning into the church as it confronts the forces of postmodernism and secularism.
A Holy Meal is essential reading for Christians who want to ponder the Lord's Supper again--perhaps truly for the first time.
In A Holy Meal, Gordon T. Smith shows that we cannot appreciate the Lord's Supper until we understand it. In light of the renewed attention given to the sacraments by all branches of the church, he examines the historic interpretations and seeks common ground among believers. In the process, he shows how the Lord's Supper can infuse new meaning into the church as it confronts the forces of postmodernism and secularism.
A Holy Meal is essential reading for Christians who want to ponder the Lord's Supper again--perhaps truly for the first time.
124 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2005
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About the author
Gordon T. Smith
30 books36 followersGordon T. Smith is the president of Ambrose University and Seminary in Calgary, Alberta, where he also serves as professor of systematic and spiritual theology. He is an ordained minister with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and a teaching fellow at Regent College, Vancouver, British Columbia. He is the author of many books, including Courage and Calling, Called to Be Saints, Spiritual Direction, and Consider Your Calling.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 23, 2013
Gordon T. Smith's book "A Holy Meal: The Lord's Supper in the Life of the Church", is a concise and enlightening book about the sacrament of communion. In it, Smith unpacks the different understandings exhibited by Christian traditions towards communion. He guides us down the journey using seven key words: remembrance, communion, forgiveness, covenant, nourishment, anticipation, Eucharist. For instance, he points out that Anabaptists have tended to focus on the unity of those assembled for communion as opposed for communion itself.
Smith is very conciliatory in this book. His aim is not so much to critique different perspectives as to lay them out, appreciate them and then graciously point the way forward for the best understanding of communion. For instance, he does not outright critique the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation or the practice of the Catholic Church to deny the Eucharist to other Christians, but he does stress that one of the main functions of the sacrament is unity; after all, it is the LORD's Supper and Jesus invites every believer to the table. At the same time, he also quotes from Catholic thinkers such as Francis de Sales.
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Lord's Supper, this is an excellent resource to read. Smith's points are clear and comforting. He reminds us that the most important thing about the Lord's Supper is not how much self-examination we do or our emotional response to the sacrament, but instead, that the most important work is being done through the ministry of the Spirit through the bread and wine.
Smith is very conciliatory in this book. His aim is not so much to critique different perspectives as to lay them out, appreciate them and then graciously point the way forward for the best understanding of communion. For instance, he does not outright critique the Roman Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation or the practice of the Catholic Church to deny the Eucharist to other Christians, but he does stress that one of the main functions of the sacrament is unity; after all, it is the LORD's Supper and Jesus invites every believer to the table. At the same time, he also quotes from Catholic thinkers such as Francis de Sales.
For anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Lord's Supper, this is an excellent resource to read. Smith's points are clear and comforting. He reminds us that the most important thing about the Lord's Supper is not how much self-examination we do or our emotional response to the sacrament, but instead, that the most important work is being done through the ministry of the Spirit through the bread and wine.
January 13, 2023
This was fantastic. A great theological treatment of the Supper without getting distracted with the questions of Christ’s presence. He also appropriates insights from a wide array of Christian traditions very well in a way that is helpful for all.
January 18, 2008
The author Gordon T. Smith is a former dean at Regent College, with a PhD from Loyola. I don't know what theological camp he belongs to (other tahn Evangelical), and he tries hard to be very ecumenical in this work. The fact that he quotes Tozer and A.B. Simpson 3 or 4 times (inferior sources to the others he quotes - Calvin, Wainwright, Schmemann, C.H. Dodd, Berkouwer, etc.) makes me think he might have a CMA-ish or Wesleyan background. I read a book he did on calling a few years ago, and it struck me as competent but unoriginal (a flatter Eugene Petersen-esque sort of book), and not as helpful as Os Guiness, The Call or James Petty Step by Step (1999).
Anyway, this new book on the Supper is VERY helpful. Very concise -- just 114pp. of joy. Part I (30pp.) is a little cliched and dry, but Part 2 is really amazing. In seven small chapters he highlights different Biblical aspects of the meal. 1. Remembrance (its not only a memorial, but it is a memorial); 2. Communion (fellowship); 3. Forgiveness (Table of mercy); 4. Covenant (renewal of bpatismal vows); 5. Nourishment (bread from Heaven); 6. Anticipation (declaration of hope); 7. Eucharist (joyous thanksgiving).
Reminds me alot of Peter Leithart's chapters in Blessed are the Hungry, but more tightly organized, less speculative, and more concise. I disagree with Smith sometimes, but these are generally good. He tries to stick with a Mere Christianity approach and is good at avoiding marking his theological boundaries or entering into the conflicts. He has a way of stating each of these 7 aspects positively and biblically so that a Calvinist, Catholic and Zwinglian could all take something away from it.
A few examples of things I liked:
From part I: Discusses eating as spiritual practice; a meal in which we celebrate the reign of God and communicate that we are a people who live in this reign. (p.9). "Our social context encourages us to make our own choices, live our own lives, and engage with others only when we think they have something to offer us. This is not a Christian spirituality. (p.10-11). I John 1:3-4 reminds us that joy is made complete when we are in fellowship with God and one another.
"As Alexander Schmemann [Orthodox] has observed, the origianl sin of Genesis 3 is not so much that Adam and Eve acted willfully but that they were no longer hungry for God and looking to God for 'life' Their eating was a violation of life because they ate in disobedience but ALSO because they ignored God in their eating." (p. 16).
Part II random notes:
p. 48 Richard Baxter (not as low sacramentology as other Puritans): "on where is God so near to man as in Jesus Christ, and NOWHERE IS CHRIST SO FAMILIARLY REPRESENTED TO US AS IN HIS HOLY SACRAMENT."
In the Nourishment chapter (pp.81ff.) Smith rightly gives Calvinists credit for emphasizing this aspect of the meal (bread of Heaven, means of grace). But he also notes that it is a strong image in Wesley too (something to like about Wesley for a change). He footnotes a paper by Leanne Van Dyke "Reformed Sacramental Theology" a 2002 paper given at AAR that I want to get ahold of that. She is a conservative Barthian, a very good scholar, and Reformationally oriented.
In the Anticipation he gives some more interetsing stuff on Schmemann. "Schmemann...stresses that the L S is an event in space and time, in THIS space and time, in the here and now, in the uncertainities and discouragemnet of this time. In other words, the LS is not an escape from our time or place. ...On the contrary, this event is very much one in which we participate as those who are unavoidably in this world....when..we enter into thsi meal...we participate in what we HOPE for, the future renewal of creation....The LS cuts the cord of cynicism and defeatism....." (p. 95).
George Herbert on p.114.
Anyway, this new book on the Supper is VERY helpful. Very concise -- just 114pp. of joy. Part I (30pp.) is a little cliched and dry, but Part 2 is really amazing. In seven small chapters he highlights different Biblical aspects of the meal. 1. Remembrance (its not only a memorial, but it is a memorial); 2. Communion (fellowship); 3. Forgiveness (Table of mercy); 4. Covenant (renewal of bpatismal vows); 5. Nourishment (bread from Heaven); 6. Anticipation (declaration of hope); 7. Eucharist (joyous thanksgiving).
Reminds me alot of Peter Leithart's chapters in Blessed are the Hungry, but more tightly organized, less speculative, and more concise. I disagree with Smith sometimes, but these are generally good. He tries to stick with a Mere Christianity approach and is good at avoiding marking his theological boundaries or entering into the conflicts. He has a way of stating each of these 7 aspects positively and biblically so that a Calvinist, Catholic and Zwinglian could all take something away from it.
A few examples of things I liked:
From part I: Discusses eating as spiritual practice; a meal in which we celebrate the reign of God and communicate that we are a people who live in this reign. (p.9). "Our social context encourages us to make our own choices, live our own lives, and engage with others only when we think they have something to offer us. This is not a Christian spirituality. (p.10-11). I John 1:3-4 reminds us that joy is made complete when we are in fellowship with God and one another.
"As Alexander Schmemann [Orthodox] has observed, the origianl sin of Genesis 3 is not so much that Adam and Eve acted willfully but that they were no longer hungry for God and looking to God for 'life' Their eating was a violation of life because they ate in disobedience but ALSO because they ignored God in their eating." (p. 16).
Part II random notes:
p. 48 Richard Baxter (not as low sacramentology as other Puritans): "on where is God so near to man as in Jesus Christ, and NOWHERE IS CHRIST SO FAMILIARLY REPRESENTED TO US AS IN HIS HOLY SACRAMENT."
In the Nourishment chapter (pp.81ff.) Smith rightly gives Calvinists credit for emphasizing this aspect of the meal (bread of Heaven, means of grace). But he also notes that it is a strong image in Wesley too (something to like about Wesley for a change). He footnotes a paper by Leanne Van Dyke "Reformed Sacramental Theology" a 2002 paper given at AAR that I want to get ahold of that. She is a conservative Barthian, a very good scholar, and Reformationally oriented.
In the Anticipation he gives some more interetsing stuff on Schmemann. "Schmemann...stresses that the L S is an event in space and time, in THIS space and time, in the here and now, in the uncertainities and discouragemnet of this time. In other words, the LS is not an escape from our time or place. ...On the contrary, this event is very much one in which we participate as those who are unavoidably in this world....when..we enter into thsi meal...we participate in what we HOPE for, the future renewal of creation....The LS cuts the cord of cynicism and defeatism....." (p. 95).
George Herbert on p.114.
February 12, 2024
Excellent overview of the Lord's Supper. Smith is writing for a wide audience and takes into account various viewpoints of the Lord's Supper. He invites us to consider what might be valuable in each viewpoint and leaves it to the reader to decide. I appreciate the generous spirit, attention to seven aspects of the Lord's Supper, and the approachable and readable style. I expect I will return to this book for reference in the future.
December 4, 2024
A wonderful reflection! It's not a "practical manual," but it succinctly brings out the beautiful aspects of each tradition, and the facets of biblical teaching they grew out of, in a way that low-church evangelicals like me need.
December 6, 2017
Succinct, deep, readable - just fantastic.
January 5, 2023
This academic treatise on the concept of communion is both exciting and enthralling. If you are a person of faith, the book will grab you and help draw you into a deeper understanding of your own approach to this table, and those who come to it beside you. It begins with a tour through the Old Testament. “The first human parents were invited to eat, with the proviso that their eating was to be an expression of thankfulness, obedience, and dependence on God. Alas, it was in their eating that they chose to disobey.” (p.11) From this example in the beginning, to the meal with Abraham, through the manna in the desert, Gordon shows us the importance of eating, and the importance of the fellowship meal through the whole history of God and God’s peoples.
From there, Smith proceeds to examine the different interpretations of signs, sacraments and symbols. Through such, a reader will grow in understanding of others who draw near to God through this event. Then he goes on to examine the holy meal in light of seven words: remembrance, communion, forgiveness, covenant, nourishment, anticipation and Eucharist. “The biblical perspective, however; allows the past to shape, inform and transform our present and give significance to our lives, our relationships and our work.” (p.38) Then from that perspective, he takes us on a tour of force through the seven terms and their meaning, through scriptures and community and breaking of bread and how the three become one in sustaining our faith, our hope and our life.
Smith draws this conclusion “The Lord’s Supper is the meal of the church and together with the Word and prayer, the event that enables the community of faith to be a dynamic living body, drawing energy and grace from the fountainhead of life, Jesus Christ.” (p.121) Yet throughout all of his examinations he maintains a respect and reverence for traditions other than his own, and through this book we may come to appreciate others’ approaches to this holy meal. Smith makes it clear that we each have different lingo and understanding of this event. “There is, though, a certain irony when it comes to the nomenclature used for this meal. Roman Catholics speak of the Eucharist, Anglicans often call it Holy Communion, and most Protestants call it the Lord’s Supper. Yet it is interesting that most evangelical Protestants are a bit uncomfortable with the idea that this is actually a meal. The idea that we ‘feed on Christ in our hearts’ is overlooked in most evangelical contexts.” (p.83) Each tradition brings something from which the others can learn, and with Smith as our guide, that will happen.
(First Published in Imprint 2005-01-06 as: ‘Father's Fare: A deeper understanding of communion’.)
From there, Smith proceeds to examine the different interpretations of signs, sacraments and symbols. Through such, a reader will grow in understanding of others who draw near to God through this event. Then he goes on to examine the holy meal in light of seven words: remembrance, communion, forgiveness, covenant, nourishment, anticipation and Eucharist. “The biblical perspective, however; allows the past to shape, inform and transform our present and give significance to our lives, our relationships and our work.” (p.38) Then from that perspective, he takes us on a tour of force through the seven terms and their meaning, through scriptures and community and breaking of bread and how the three become one in sustaining our faith, our hope and our life.
Smith draws this conclusion “The Lord’s Supper is the meal of the church and together with the Word and prayer, the event that enables the community of faith to be a dynamic living body, drawing energy and grace from the fountainhead of life, Jesus Christ.” (p.121) Yet throughout all of his examinations he maintains a respect and reverence for traditions other than his own, and through this book we may come to appreciate others’ approaches to this holy meal. Smith makes it clear that we each have different lingo and understanding of this event. “There is, though, a certain irony when it comes to the nomenclature used for this meal. Roman Catholics speak of the Eucharist, Anglicans often call it Holy Communion, and most Protestants call it the Lord’s Supper. Yet it is interesting that most evangelical Protestants are a bit uncomfortable with the idea that this is actually a meal. The idea that we ‘feed on Christ in our hearts’ is overlooked in most evangelical contexts.” (p.83) Each tradition brings something from which the others can learn, and with Smith as our guide, that will happen.
(First Published in Imprint 2005-01-06 as: ‘Father's Fare: A deeper understanding of communion’.)
September 5, 2013
I appreciate how the author draws from various traditions, but does not fall into a vacuous "anything goes" mentality. Rather he skims the cream from the broad surface of Christianity and invites every reader to take it back to their own tribe.
Contrary to other reviewers, I did not find the first two chapters dry. Rather, they establish a foundation for the bulk of his material.
Contrary to other reviewers, I did not find the first two chapters dry. Rather, they establish a foundation for the bulk of his material.
May 27, 2013
A very nice, comprehensive discussion of the Lord's Supper. More focussed on the practical spirituality of the supper than on its dogmatic framing. The approach is irenic and broad, fairly discussing differing approaches to the Supper but not getting bogged down in conflict.
March 5, 2011
A nice overview of what happens in the Lord's supper and a highly sacramental approach from a low church evangelical.
April 3, 2017
In this brief book, Smith examines the historical and current importance of the observation of the Lord's Supper, or communion, by the church and explores the many aspects of the Christian life that the shared meal symbolizes, teaches, reinforces, and even makes possible.
This was an important read for me. I can get stuck in my own ruts as to what communion is all about and I appreciated the opening of my own eyes to the further realities and practices of the church beyond what I've known. My understanding of the Lord's Supper has been enriched.
This was an important read for me. I can get stuck in my own ruts as to what communion is all about and I appreciated the opening of my own eyes to the further realities and practices of the church beyond what I've known. My understanding of the Lord's Supper has been enriched.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews