Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
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3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Uri Brito (Casselberry, Fl), March 15, 2007
Vandee Zee writes out of a deep sense of grief over the evangelical denial/neglect of the Sacraments. This is what truly drives him to write this informative book. In his own words, “ Evangelicals apparently are not very interested in the sacraments, which seems to correspond to their lack of interest in ecclesiology in general.” Vander Zee masterfully exegetes what is at the heart of this great Protestant abandonment of a robust view of the waters of baptism and the Eucharistic meal. The church is deeply offended by things that are beautiful. Instead, they have made the preaching the center of all worship, and the Lord’s Table an unfortunate monthly/quarterly inconvenience.
The evangelical (broadly speaking) world needs to be called back to where the Scriptures and the church have been calling for centuries: to the frequent table feast and the powerful sign and seal of baptism. Vander Zee helpfully reorients the reader to see in these sacraments more than mere church activities or necessary duties, but rather a life transforming and soul changing rites that impart to the elect real grace.
The book is divided into 12 chapters. Each chapter focuses on a particular dimension of sacramental theology. The reader who has had little exposure to this topic will find himself familiarized with historical, theological, and existential levels of sacramental thinking after reading this tome. As a result, he will become aware of different theological traditions, and, furthermore, of why the church from her early days has made these sacraments an essential part of their worship.
Vander Zee approaches these topics from a distinctly Reformed perspective. Nevertheless, he has carefully analyzed other traditions where the Eucharist and Baptism are inextricably tied to their liturgy and life.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Marie Dershem (Grand Rapids MI), June 06, 2005
This book was recently awarded the Christianity Today 2005 Book Award for it's category. Here's the comment: "Clear as air and brilliantly organized and written, this book offers sources and insight to pastors of any Christian tradition, including the emergent church."
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