In Metaphors of Eucharistic Presence: Language, Cognition, and the Body and Blood of Christ, Stephen R. Shaver brings together the fields of cognitive linguistics and liturgical theology to propose a new approach to the ecumenically controversial issue of eucharistic presence. Drawing from the work of cognitive linguists such as George Lakoff, Gilles Fauconnier, and Mark Turner, and theologians such as Robert Masson and John Sanders, Shaver argues that there is no clear division between literal and figurative language: rather, human cognition is grounded in sensorimotor experience, and phenomena such as metaphor and conceptual blending are basic building blocks of thought. Complex realities are ordinarily understood by means of more than one metaphor. Inherited models of eucharistic presence, then, are not necessarily mutually exclusive but can serve as complementary members of a shared ecumenical repertoire. The central element of this repertoire is the motif of identity--the eucharistic bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ--grounded in the Synoptic and Pauline institution narratives. From a cognitive standpoint, this metaphor can be understood both as figurative and as true in the proper sense, resolving a dichotomy that has divided the churches since the Reformation. The identity motif is complemented by four major non-scriptural motifs: representation, change, containment, and conduit. Inaugurating a new interdisciplinary conversation, this book contributes to ongoing ecumenical reconciliation not only by addressing eucharistic presence but also by demonstrating an approach which may hold promise in other historically controverted areas. Meanwhile for cognitive linguists it offers an intriguing case study in the application of that discipline to theological questions.

About the Author
Stephen R. Shaver is the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation in Santa Rosa, California. He earned his Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, where he has taught courses in eucharistic theology and liturgical leadership.

Reviews
He [Shaver] pushes contemporary eucharistic theology in a way that will likely prove to be invaluable. His work builds upon Hunsinger's writing with a remarkable freshness and offers a framework for taking an old conversation in a new direction. * Cody C. Warta, St Mary's College, University of St Andrews, International Journal of Systematic Theology *
Shaver's book provides a constructive and innovative contribution to contemporary sacramental and ecumenical theology. * Robert Masson, Heythrop Journal *
Those with ears to hear and eyes to see will find some helpful goods to bring to the meal that still divides. * Bryan D. Spinks, Journal of Ecclesiastical History *
There is much in this excellent volume to stimulate theological, liturgical, and metaphysical reflection on the eucharist. * David Grumett, Journal of Theological Studies *



Book Information
ISBN 9780197580806
Author Stephen R. Shaver
Format Hardback
Page Count 304
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 567g
Dimensions(mm) 163mm * 249mm * 33mm