The Sacrament of the Word Made Flesh

Book excerpt: "Robert Stamps offers us a compelling case for the significance of the theology of Thomas Torrance to current discussions about Trinitarian doctrine and worship. He shows that Torrance's Christology and Eucharistic thought validates the Reformed confession of a profound, real spiritual presence in the Eucharist. This book serves as a helpful introduction to Torrance, especially his framing of revelation. Moreover, it invigorates our understanding of the theological meaning of sacramental devotion. Its readers will be stimulated, provoked, and, dare I say, inspired by its insights into--and critiques of--one of the most important and recent Reformed thinkers. In sum, this is a timely and exciting book. It will well serve pastors, theologians, and thoughtful Christians of many theological perspectives." MARK VALERI, E. T. Thompson Professor of Church History, Union Theological Seminary, Virginia "One of the values of this work is that it has deliberately sought not so much to discuss a particular problem or a collection of issues as to identify Torrance as an example of an archetypal Reformed theology of the Eucharist. To say that Dr. Stamps has been industrious is patently an understatement: the truth is that he has been indefatigable in his search for the least morsel that Torrance offers. Yet it is not so much as a study of Torrance that this book is to be commended: its great value is that it offers a contextualization of Torrance's thinking on the Eucharist--in ecclesiology, the more general dimension of an incarnational theology--as well as his understanding of cosmology and epistemology. . . . I hope that Dr. Stamps' book will not only find grateful readers but will be repaid by profound reflection on this symbol of the heart of faith." JOHN HEYWOOD THOMAS, Emeritus Professor of Theology, University of Nottingham