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Sacraments after Christendom
After Christendom
by Andrew Francis and Janet Sutton
Imprint: Cascade Books
Before COVID-19 reshaped the way we looked at the world and life's big questions, the Western church was already being pushed from the center to the margins of society. We are entering a time which the experts call "after Christendom." New and emerging churches are appearing and many traditional congregations are struggling. How can we do all that Jesus wants us to do as we follow him?
Jesus was baptized and shared bread and wine with his disciples--as the church does today. Most Christians believe baptism and the bread-and-wine moment are sacraments. What does that mean? There are many other Christians who believe that anointing, confirmation, marriage, ordaining Christian leaders, and penance (or reconciliation) are also sacraments. Are they? Why should we believe that? Who tells us that we should?
This book takes a dynamic approach, calling for a new way in thinking about, discussing, and sharing the sacraments. How do our past practices measure up to the mission of God today? What is the Holy Spirit saying? What are you going to do? This book sets the agenda!
Andrew Francis and Janet Sutton are both UK-based United Reformed Church ministers. Janet worked in church and prison ministry (in Manchester), before becoming the URC’s first pioneer minister; she now works as Evangelism Coach for (the Church of England’s) Ely Diocese. After thirty years of pastoral leadership, Andrew is an itinerant speaker, published poet, and writer, whose books include What in God’s Name are You Eating? and OIKOS: God’s Big Word for a Small Planet.
“Sacraments are to be experienced, not just talked about. This excellent book is not about the nature or number of the sacraments; it deals with the ‘why?’ and ‘how best?’ of lively sacramental practice. Christians find their identity and their community through engaging in sacramental practices which reveal who we are, and to whom we belong. The purpose of Francis and Sutton is to enable readers to grapple with these questions and to chart new sacramental ways.”
—Eleanor Kreider, Mennonite author and lecturer on worship, Goshen, Indiana
“Churches around the world are asking how inherited practices might serve to inspire a new future, and this book identifies some of the key questions—drawing on Scripture and history, as well as taking account of people’s actual experience of God. Depending on your starting point, expect to be disturbed, inspired, and frustrated in equal measure: either way, it will expand your perspective to ask new questions.”
—John Drane, author of The McDonaldization of the Church
“Janet Sutton and Andrew Francis’ book Sacraments After Christendom could not be more timely. The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns and social distancing have catapulted dilemmas about sacraments and their place and practice to the center of Christian debate. Francis and Sutton insightfully delve into the distinction between sacraments and what is sacramental, and explore a range of possible practices for individuals and communities. The authors offer an accessible yet scholarly approach that will appeal to both lay and religious readers. This indeed is a book for such a time as this.”
—Sally and Jim Longley, pastors, Avalon Baptist Peace Church, Sydney, Australia
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