Movement 124

writing about culture (popular
and otherwise), and reviews of
books, GDs, films and websites
media
a new book sutgests
some creative new
approaches to holy
communion
beanfeast?
Have you ever thought about where the practice and theology of Holy Communion
comes from? Have you ever been frustrated, puzzled or upset at the way churches
celebrate this communal meal?
ln Other Contmunions of lesus, Henson takes the reacler on a tour of the various nreals
that .lesus shared with people, fronr the wedding feast at Cana, through the feecling of
the 5,000 on the hill, to the meal at Emmaus followirrg his resurrection. He suggests
three sinrple criteria for spotting the celebration of Holy Communion: the presence of
Jesus, shared food and drink, ancl the spiritual symbolism of the elements. From this
he concludes that the Last Supper is only one of many potential ltatterns for the sacrecl
meal at the heart of our faith community.
The inrplication of this conclusion is explored widely throughout the book. The range of
ideas is at times overwhelnring but this stops the book from being repetitive as it moves
from story to story. ls it raclical? This deperrds on your view of Holy Conrmunion. The overwlrelrning
message of the book is that the spiritual meal we share shoulcl lte inclusive, open
and jubilant, to put it in Henson's words'a joyful celebration' not a'solenrn menrorial', or
even more colourfLrlly 'a victory beanfeast' rather than a 'gathering around the cenotaph'.
While reading this book I was reminded of an SCM conference a couple of years ago
and the main speaker lnderjit Bhogal's thoughts on Holy Conrnrunion.ln ATable For
A// he says that: 'My vision of Church and community pictures Cod's table and banquet
which has room for all people, of all nations, of all ages. God's respect, Cod's embrace
and Cod's life includes everyone. Hunran beings create the strategies which give pride
of place to a chosen few at theTable and place the rest underneath the table to eat the
scraps that fall off, or are thrown at them. ln Jesus, God calls us to end divisive strategies
so that all may sit and eat together at the Table for all.'
Henson offers us a similar prophetic picture. As well as delving into the theological
and lristorical background of Holy Communion, Henson outlines his vision for Cod's
Feast and offers practical suggestions. Vegetarians may have problems with the proposal
that fish be introduced into communion, but that's the joy of this book, it surprises and
challenges at every turn. lt is sensitive, offering suggestiorrs not prescriptions, and takes
a creative look at different ways of celebrating communion. As a vegetarian myself I
wouldn't say no to the iclea of offering wlrite chocolate in the shape of little fishes!
Henson's work on the Cood as New version of the scriptures gives an interesting idiosyncratic
flavour to his writing. The Bible passages are written in modern larrguage translation
and create a playful tone throughout the whole book. Depending on your sense of humour
you may or may not be amused that Peter is renamed as 'Rocky', Mary Magdalene becomes
'Maggie', Jolrn the Baptist is'John the Dipper' and, best of all, Zaccheus is 'Keith'.
The strength of this book is in its breadth and its potential for creative use. lt would fornr
an excellent basis for a series of stuclies for small groups. Each chapter coulcl be used
to plan a Bible study as the material gives a fresh perspective on familiar stories. An appendix
of liturgies is also included, each one based on a meal thatJesus shared. ln one,
reminiscent of the feecling of the 5,000, a child brings forth bread and fish and the rest of
the congregation start sharing the cakes and biscuits they have beerr hidirrg. The liturgies
could easily be used straight from the page, or adapted and expanded.
Other Comntunions of lesus presents us with a vision of God's Feast that stretches
beyond the often narrow and exclusive ritual of Holy Communion. lf you like your
theology quirky ancl accessible, and rooted in the stories of everyday life, then this is a
book to read. o
't-f
ffi
aJ t1-- f .l Arr.fd tl,
other communions
ofjesus
John Henson, O Books, f11.99
this book is
sensitive, offerin$
suggestions not
prescriptionsn and
takes a creative
look at different
ways of celebrating
communion
Rosie Venner is a n'tentl':,er oi
SCM's Ceneral Council. She ls a
grad uate of B i r nt i ngh arn U n iversity
and currently works in the Social
Responsibility clepartntent of the
Diocese of Lichfielc!.
B
movement 27