The Eucharist and Ecumenism
Let Us Keep the Feast

In this book, George Hunsinger explores how churches might overcome key theological obstacles to Eucharistic sharing.

George Hunsinger (Author)

9780521894869, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 11 September 2008

362 pages
22.3 x 14.2 x 2.7 cm, 0.59 kg

'… this extensive treatment of the topic, by the Professor of Systematic Theology at Princeton, is a work of incisive scholarship based on extensive knowledge of the literature, and reveals an irenic attitude along with the ability to formulate possibilities of convergence which, if accepted by the churches, would create an ecumenical theology of the Eucharist.' One in Christ

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Christian theology [HRCM], Ecumenism [HRCJ]