Central Casting -- Review


CENTRAL CASTING: The Lord’s Table at the Heart of Faith. By Glenn Thomas Carson. Nashville: Polar Star Press, 2008. 76 pp.

The Lord’s Supper is the heart of worship for the Stone-Campbell Movement, that movement of churches that draw their inspiration and heritage from the reform movements of Barton Stone and the Campbells. It was the Lord’s Supper that drove the Campbells (Thomas and Alexander) to consider reform of the church. Both were Scottish Presbyterians who came to the conclusion that practices that excluded believers from the Table were not only divisive, but unchristian. From that time until today, the Lord’s Table has had central importance to their successors.

Whether one is Church of Christ, Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ, or Disciples of Christ, weekly communion is observed. There is much that divides these branches of the movement, but in this they are united. Being that 2009 marks the bicentennial of Thomas Campbell’s issuance of the Declaration and Address, a statement that provided the foundations for this movement of which I’m a part. As part of that observance, the different branches of the movement are being called up to share together at the Lord’s Table on October 4, 2009 – World Communion Sunday ( http://greatcommunion.org/).

As part of this effort to observe the gathering of the family to the Table, Glenn Carson, President of the Disciples of Christ Historical Society, has written a brief devotional that explores the meaning of the Table. In good Disciples fashion he starts with the biblical witness – the five accounts of the Last Supper. He notes they had differences in presentation, but they offered a common witness to the meal that Jesus shared and his call to remember him and his ministry.

In exploring this topic, Carson takes the reader on a journey from the biblical witness, through the changes that took place in practice and in theology in the years that succeeded this era. We run into a second century leader – Ignatius of Antioch – who speaks of the Eucharist as the “medicine of immortality,” a sign of the sacramental development of these years. From there we move to the developments that led to the doctrine of Transubstantiation and the later Protestant rejection of that doctrine. Carson explains in basic terms how this doctrine evolved – from its roots in Platonism and Aristotelianism (especially through the work of Thomas Aquinas). Whatever one’s view of this doctrine, the Roman Catholic practice reminds us of the reality of Christ’s presence.

But the Roman Church wasn’t the only one to embrace Christ’s presence. Yes, Zwingli took a more symbolic view, but Martin Luther embraced a strong understanding of divine presence, while Martin Bucer and John Calvin developed in a more spiritual, yet real way. Carson concludes that the Reformers left us with three important new concepts. First, while unexplainable, Christ is present (Luther). Second, although Christ might not be really present in the elements, we remember him with thanksgiving and focus on the community (Zwingli). Finally, while Christ might not be physically present, he is spiritually present. Disciples may not be required to adopt any of these three views, but they may learn from them and be guided by them.

From his historical look at the Lord’s Supper, Carson draws us into Disciples practice. He notes the weekly side of this practice, and the manner in which it is most often received – sitting rather than going to the Table. What is fascinating is his meditation on the hands of Jesus, which broke and served the supper in the first place, something that is reenacted by ministers and elders as they break bread and serve. Because all are involved, all represent Jesus. It is as if a pageant. As we gather at the Table and share together in the meal, we celebrate our community – both the physical and the spiritual. Each of us, he says “comes to the Table from our own vantage point, but we still gather around the One Table” (p. 49).

This is a book that can be read by many different people, but it’s directed toward Disciples. With that in mind he focuses on Disciples practice and theology. He reminds us of the imagery of oneness – the one loaf for instance.

This is a brief and simple book. It’s not meant to be read as a theological discourse, but rather as a spiritual meditation on the heart of Christian experience. It is intended for the edification of the person in the pew. It is an invitation to consider the presence of Christ with us and to give thanks for his gift to us. It’s a book that can be read quickly, but needs to be digested more slowly. Whether or not you are Disciple, you will find this a helpful book. But most importantly it is an invitation to dine with Jesus at his table.

Books may be purchased online at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society.

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