Transubstantiation: Theology, History, and Christian Unity - Paperback

by Brett Salkeld (Author), Michael Root (Foreword by)

This thoroughgoing study examines the doctrine of transubstantiation from historical, theological, and ecumenical vantage points. Brett Salkeld explores eucharistic presence in the theologies of Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin, showing that Christians might have more in common on this topic than they have typically been led to believe. As Salkeld corrects false understandings of the theology of transubstantiation, he shows that Luther and Calvin were much closer to the medieval Catholic tradition than is often acknowledged. The book includes a foreword by Michael Root.

Back Jacket

"A model of charitable and intelligent ecumenical theology"

"This is an important book on a sensitive topic. It offers a fresh approach to a seemingly intractable problem in ecumenical relations and is well researched and judicious in its judgments. It will be a significant new resource for ecumenical dialogue."
--John Cavadini, McGrath Institute for Church Life, University of Notre Dame

"It is a great scandal that the Eucharist, the sacrament of Christian unity, has been the occasion for fracture and division in the body of Christ. At the heart of many of the controversies has been the Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation. Salkeld's book is the best ecumenical study of this topic to appear in years. He asks Catholics to consider what the Church actually teaches on the subject, and invites Protestants to wonder if their own eucharistic doctrines aren't in fact closer to transubstantiation than they've been led to believe. Agree with Salkeld or not, his book is a model of charitable and intelligent ecumenical theology."
--Joseph Mangina, Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology

"I learned so much from this book. Salkeld boldly touches the third rail of ecumenism: the doctrine of transubstantiation, the very mention of which is bound to raise the hackles of both Protestants and (increasingly since Vatican II) Catholics. He defends the startling suggestion that Lutherans, Reformed, and Catholics can find in a proper understanding of 'transubstantiation' the position on real presence that each yearns to uphold. Salkeld writes with love and admiration for his fellow Christians. May this wonderful book enrich Christian unity as we approach the mysteries of the Lord's table."
--Matthew Levering, Mundelein Seminary

"In December chill the laborer hastens home at dusk to the hearth. So Salkeld's work in this time of 'ecumenical winter' warms the reader with the glow of ecumenically intentional dogmatics. If Protestants still wish to douse the fire with a bucket of cold water to the effect that Rome has never heard the witness of the Reformation, Salkeld's careful and sympathetic reading of sixteenth-century eucharistic theology, like Elijah's fire on Mount Carmel, vaporizes the objection."
--Paul R. Hinlicky, Roanoke College; Evanjelická Bohoslovecká Fakulta, Univerzita Komenského, Bratislava, Slovakia

"An extraordinary book. . . . An appeal for an ecumenical Thomism that is sensitive, well-researched, and compellingly presented."--Joshua Mobley, Modern Theology

"Remarkable for its ambitious and intriguing ecumenical proposals."--John Sehorn, Faith & Culture

"Salkeld shows that if Christian churches were to spend more time relearning their theologies of conversion by returning to their sources, the Eucharist could become a new locus of ecumenical convergence."--David Grumett, Ecclesiology

"This book is most valuable for its careful, ecumenically sensitive treatment of Thomas's theory of transubstantiation and a thoughtful appraisal of the core issues important to Luther and Calvin."--Kimberly Hope Belcher, Theological Studies

"Deserves a place on one's bookshelf."--Justin D. Kane, Concordia Theological Quarterly

"An excellent contribution to ecumenical discussions between Catholics and Protestants on the Eucharist."--Matthew Kemp, Reading Religion

Author Biography

Brett Salkeld (PhD, Regis College, University of Toronto) is archdiocesan theologian for the Archdiocese of Regina, Saskatchewan, and has served for many years on the national Canadian Roman Catholic-Evangelical Dialogue. He is the book review editor for the journal Pro Ecclesia and has written or edited several books. Transubstantiation has been featured in Crux, Word on Fire, the Busted Halo Show, Commonweal, the First Things podcast, Aqueduct Project, The Kyle Heimann Show, and more.