Customer Reviews

Sacraments in Scripture

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4 star:		(1)
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This short, breezy read is really well done. Many catholics incorrectly understand the sacraments either as man-made inventions of the Church or as arbitrary creations by Christ. Gray tackles both misconceptions by clearly showing that the sacraments are merely the final evolution of God's saving grace, that centuries and centuries of salvific force foreshadow and precede them.

For example, in Genesis chapter 22, Issac asks Abraham as they carry wood up the mountain, "Behold, the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Issac of course was to be the offering, but at the last minute God provides a ram in the thicket. It is interesting to note, however, that it is a ram that is sacrificed and not a lamb. Gray explains why--and how that lamb must eventually be provided (Hint: the Sacrament of the Eucharist!).

Having read five or six books focused specifically on the sacraments, this is probably the most interesting and accessible text of the group, despite being the shortest. It also partners nicely with a more technical study such as Stravinskas' 'Understanding the Sacraments'.

Highly recommended for both devotional and catechetical reading! 95pp

I enjoyed this book much. Brief but rich chapters on each Sacrament. Enlightening insights on every page. Shows how each Sacrament is a distinctive participation in the life of Christ. A fine aid to appreciation of grace-- God's transforming life in us.

Joe Conti, Ph.D.
Dept of Comparative Religion
California State University, Fullerton

Dr. Gray has an excellent grasp of christianity, its history and how it fits into our world today. Great author.

The chapter on Anointing was a bit sketchy, but the rest of this study book is fantastic!