Before reading my review, people should note that I have a particular bias. I am a seminary student who is from the reformed tradition of theology. In my seminary research papers I intentionally try to research and cite various people that span the theological spectrum. This shaped my preconceived expectations for Nora Gallagher’s book, The Sacred Meal.
Nora Gallagher is licensed to preach in the Episcopal church and was hired by Thomas Nelson to write the book on Communion for the “The Ancient Practices Series.” The Sacred Meal is a collection of life stories from Gallagher’s life in relation to the Christian practice of communion.
Gallagher is a good story teller, and this is the essence of her book. The way she tells stories is more than merely hearing a story and relating, but she cues people into the small, seemingly unrelated, details of each story which allows for the reader to know her story on more of an experiential rather than strictly mental level.
With the positive stated, I must admit, it was a very difficult to continue reading. Sense Gallagher is from the Episcopalian tradition, I would love to hear her perspective on The Sacred Meal, what, why, and how do Episcopalians celebrate it, and maybe even give a scriptural and doctrinal apologetic for it. Most books will do this and intertwine life stories in the process. The way Gallagher wrote the book felt like I was only getting the stories, and thus only getting half the book. During my education there have been several times when I forgot about a paper being due. I then pulled an all-nighter to finish the paper on time by filling it with a lot of rambling and life stories to make up for the lack of research done on the subject. This is what the book felt like. Early in the book, Nora actually says that she was surprised that Thomas Nelson asked her to write on The Sacred Meal because she knew little of the subject. When I read this, I assumed that she was moving me through a process of her discovery, but she moved through a process of life stories and memories associated with The Sacred Meal.
If you like short stories, then you may like this book. I even enjoyed reading some of her stories, but as I mentioned earlier, I felt like I was missing half the book.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Written by: James
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