The Hidden Manna: A Theology of the Eucharist

This book is a scholarly study of the Roman Catholic doctrine of the eucharist, giving particular emphasis to the two related but distinct teachings of (1) the real presence in the mass via transubstantiation and (2) the mass as sacrifice. The author fulfills this main intention quite well. Though the long historical survey is at times tedious, it serves a legitimate academic purpose, and the author does a good job in presenting and substantiating the case that this has indeed been the consistent teaching of church down through the ages. The fourth and final chapter, where he theologizes, is much more engaging. I found the book an informative read and have no doubt that whenever I wish to clarify a point of Roman eucharistic doctrine I will turn to it again. Though I approached the work with an open mind and heart, as a protestant I found the theology presented herein unpersuasive. Indication was given early on that this would be the case when the author wrote in the preface, "There is, as well, no direct treatment of the sources of the theme as found in Sacred Scripture, since I trust that the abundant references to the Scriptures by the Fathers of the Church and the great theologians will be more than adequate to present the Bible as it is read and meditated upon by the Church." (pp. xv-xvi) There is much in this doctrine that is troublesome, and what divides us is neither superficial nor minor. Respect is given for the antiquity of this teaching, but when the argument is framed as, "This is what the church has always believed, therefore it cannot possibly be wrong," little room remains for dialogue or reform, only acquiescence. The comparison of the reformers to Judas Iscariot (pp. 163-164) was not appreciated. Technically, the linking to other Logos/Verbum resources seems quite good.