The Sacrament of the Word Made Flesh: The Eucharistic Theology of Thomas F. Torrance (Rutherford Studies in Contemporary Theology)

Endorsements: 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 Torrances 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 Torrances 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