Reviews
"In this readable and historically-informed volume, Nigel Scotland argues that we need to 'rethink' Communion, which he contends should be part of a healthful, sit-down, home-based evening supper meal for small groups of Christian believers using ordinary bread and wine. He argues that the Lord's Supper should be frequent, be consciously understood as a spiritual partaking of spiritual food and drink, be focused on fellowship, and facilitate thanksgiving as Christ's work is remembered. You may take issue with some of his arguments, but can hardly resist his desire for the Eucharist to be a vital and joyful part of the spiritual experience of contemporary believers." --W. Bingham Hunter, Provost, Phoenix Seminary; former Academic Dean of Talbot School of Theology and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School "Nigel has taken us on a comprehensive and detailed journey, exploring both the Passover and the Lord's Supper, and pointing us to challenges inherent in historical theology and practice. His helpful emphasis on eating together with joy and thanksgiving, and on taking time to share a meal and communion in the family and in small groups, also encourages us to thoughtfully reflect on the way we share communion in our larger celebrations together, where so often we are gathering those who are searching and asking questions on their journey towards Jesus." --Mark Bailey, former National Director, New Wine Churches UK "In this book, Nigel Scotland's purpose is to enable 'Christian people...to re-think the way they practice the Lord's Supper.' To do so, he has provided us with a very helpful and thorough biblical and historical overview of the nature and practice of Holy Communion, showing how its intended shape and purpose have been distorted over the centuries. The challenge he leaves us with is how Christ would have us celebrate the sacrament given the multi-faceted contexts and opportunities of today's worshiping communities and so more profoundly 'feed upon him in our hearts by faith with thanksgiving.'" --Brett Cane, former Chaplain and Lecturer, Trinity College, Bristol "Nigel Scotland gives us an important reminder of the importance of 'the meal within the meal.' Communion was never meant to be a separate ceremony enjoyed only in public worship. It was, rather, an element of a real meal shared with real friends and family. We need to recover the idea of the fellowship meal and share communion as we were encouraged to do so by our Lord Jesus. Somehow in the modern church we have lost the idea of worshipful eating together and our fellowship is poorer as a result. The New Passover is a helpful corrective, reminder, and challenge. Take and eat." --Jamie Grant, Lecturer in New Testament, University of the Highlands and Islands, Scotland
