Sacrament of Salvation: An Introduction to Eucharistic Ecclesiology [Paperback]

Paul McPartlan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 3, 2000

For all who wish to develop a eucharistic understanding of the Church and its application to issues of current debate.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'McPartlan's book is written in a straightforward, uncomplicated style. This is an important achievement given the nature of the subject and the obfuscation one sometimes encounters in an area of this kind. Sacrament of Salvation is a book written by a teacher (helpful diagrams included), with plenty of footnotes to serve as tutorial in the sources quoted or referenced. The text is especially useful for seminarians and other newcomers to the theological scene, such as those in programs of ministerial formation. The eight chapters of even length keep the book moving and provide a solid, practical text for group reading and discussion. This book makes a fine contribution to the ongoing concern for church unity and ecumenical dialogue.'
Gabriel B. O'Donnell OP, Antiphon, A Journal for Liturgical Renewal

About the Author

Paul McPartlan is Carl J. Peter Professor of Systematic Theology and Ecumenism at the Catholic University of America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: T&T Clark Int'l (November 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0567292991
• ISBN-13: 978-0567292995
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,058,792 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars eucharist and church -- inseparable, January 15, 2002

By 

Barry H. (West Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacrament of Salvation: An Introduction to Eucharistic Ecclesiology (Paperback)

So much good liturgical theology brings in ecclesiology (I think immediately of Schmemann's Introduction to Liturgical Theology), and so much good ecclesiology hinges on the liturgy (I think of Ratzinger's Called to Communion). In Sacrament of Salvation, Paul McPartlan explains why. The liturgy and the Church are almost one and the same. If my conception of one excludes the other, I have an incomplete conception of both.

The first millenium Church saw that the Eucharist makes the Church. In the second millenium, we forgot that, but knew that the Church makes the Eucharist. Both are true. Both make us.

This is the wisdom of the Catholic faith. It is distilled and presented in a clear and stimulating manner in McPartlan's short book. I'm sure I'll refer to McPartlan's work for a long time.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding - and very original and insightful, September 9, 2004

By 

Elizabeth G. Melillo "gloriana" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacrament of Salvation: An Introduction to Eucharistic Ecclesiology (Paperback)

Dr McPartlan's work not only explains the ecclesiological aspects of the Eucharist (a critical and often neglected topic) but provides very original, fascinating treatment of New Testament texts in the eucharistic context.

For example, McPartlan's explanation of Hebrews 18, and the relation to the parousia and Eucharist, and his treatment of the Lamb and multitude in Revelation, make for superb reflections, meditation, or topics for group discussion. The only reservation that I would have about that last is that, since later chapters defend the Vatican position and admit only Roman Catholic and Orthodox Orders as valid, the book may not be suited for group discussions in other sister churches. It nonetheless would be a valuable contribution to the library of anyone interested in sacramental theology and ecclesiology.

McPartlan quotes extensively from documents of Vatican II, which makes it an excellent reference for a correct understanding of these (this often sadly lacking elsewhere - my stress was on 'correct.') It is notable that there are many references to the books of the New Testament and earliest Christian texts, and the setting of these in the context of worship and Church fills a most important need.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Uneven, but good, November 18, 2007

By 

Eric Sammons (Gaithersburg, MD United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacrament of Salvation: An Introduction to Eucharistic Ecclesiology (Paperback)

I found this book very informative overall, but it was quite uneven, and could have used a better editor.

McPartlan does an excellent job of explaining the basics of Eucharistic Ecclesiology, and he also shows how the entire New Testament must be read in a eucharistic setting (something most people today don't even consider). His analysis of sections of the Letter to the Hebrews is especially enlightening.

However, there are a number of instances, entire sections even, in which McPartlan goes off into areas that seem to have no connection to Eucharistic Ecclesiology. For instance, he recaps the history of the councils of the patristic age, but never attempts to connect that history with his main thesis.

Also, his enthusiasm for Vatican II-inspired changes seems to be uncritical. For example, he emphasizes the importance of the venacular in the Mass, without ever recognizing that this has at times also lead to a lack of reverence and a "performance" mindset by the presiding priest.

The book also seems a bit dated already, even though it was written in 1995. He talks of how distribution of the chalice should become more widespread, even though it seems to be universal these days.

Overall, I would recommend this book as a very basic introduction to the important topic of Eucharistic Ecclesiology, but it would be nice to see a more tightly-edited version come out to replace it.