Sharing Food: Christian Practices for Enjoyment [Paperback]

L. Shannon Jung (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

Our everyday personal, familial, and communal practices of eating, says Jung, have the potential for making us more attentive to our life purposes, more attuned to our communal identities, and even more mindful of the presence of God. Juxtaposing practices with values, Jung explores how food and eating function culturally today. He explores the larger dimensions of personal and group eating, the great resonance that feasting and food and fasting have within the Christian tradition, and how all this figures very practically in Christian lifestyle. His work culminates in a chapter on the Lord's Supper as a model for eating and the Eucharist as an occasion for sharing with the worldwide family of God.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Jung, who teaches at St. Paul School of Theology, suggests that if Christians develop intentional practices of "mindful" eating, they will enjoy food more and connect with God. Jung explores practices such as praying before meals, hospitality, fasting and feasting. He also encourages that simple but often overlooked practice of "preparing food"-that is, cooking. (And he admits that a "male perspective" allowed him neglect cooking for years!) Jung discusses the Lord's Supper as the "master practice" of Christian eating, a ritual that transforms people, builds community, and reminds participants of their own "erodability," thus connecting them to the Earth. He also considers the political and economic implications of culinary choices: he is concerned about the ways "American economic dominance impacts the global food system." Christians can express their commitment to social justice by eating food that is grown locally, supporting fair trade policies and advocating legislation that supports small and medium-sized farms. Reflection questions and suggested activities-which range from watching Babette's Feast with friends to meeting with a nutritionist-will help readers apply the wisdom in this book. And the footnotes, which direct readers to a wealth of additional books and articles, are an added benefit. This thoughtful study will be a great resource for individuals and church groups.
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About the Author

L. Shannon Jung is Professor of Town and Country Ministry at St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. He served for many years as Director of the Center for Theology and Land, a rural ministry program of the University of Dubuque and Wartburg Seminaries. His books include Discovering Hope: Building Vitality in Rural Congregations (2001,0-8066-4147-9) and Food for Life: The Spirituality and Ethics of Eating (2004,0-8006-3642-2).

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: FORTRESS PRESS; 1 edition (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800637925
• ISBN-13: 978-0800637927
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #88,429 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Another Good devotional aid, May 20, 2009

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