We Will Feast
Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God
Kendall Vanderslice
BOOK REVIEW

We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God invites you into a thought-provoking journey that challenges the very essence of community, spirituality, and the rituals that bind them together. Kendall Vanderslice doesn't just ask us to ponder over dinner; she compels us to reconsider its foundational role in our lives as a powerful venue for worship and connection. This book unfolds like a beautifully set table, filled with tantalizing ideas that beckon you to partake in a feast of thought and reflection.
Alas! In an age where solitary meals in front of glowing screens have become the norm, Vanderslice stands up defiantly, urging us to reclaim the communal act of dining as not just sustenance but a sacred experience, steeped in ritual and fellowship. Through her eloquent prose, she taps into the deep well of historical practices surrounding food and faith, revealing insights that resonate with our modern discord and longing for connection.
The author's background is indeed captivating. Vanderslice is not merely an academic; she's a passionate advocate for the beauty of communal meals, drawing from her rich experiences in theology and the culinary arts. Her expertise not only gives her voice authority but infuses it with an authenticity that's hard to resist. She invites you to engage with your meal on a level not typically explored. This isn't just about the food; it's about what the food represents in our shared human experience.
Critics of her approach argue that it's too idealistic, soaring above the discomforts of daily life. They contend that the seamless blending of dinner and worship seems naïve. However, the essence of We Will Feast is not to dismiss those challenges but to provide a framework where the act of sharing a meal transcends the mundane and touches on the divine. It's a radical call to tackle isolation and inequality with the simplest of tools: a shared table.
With each page, Vanderslice slowly unravels the historical contexts of meals in scripture and tradition, breathing life into the Biblical narratives that have often been left gathering dust in the corners of our minds. The memories of the Last Supper, Passover, and myriad communal feasts become vivid as she weaves them into the fabric of our understanding. You can almost hear the clinking of glasses, smell the roasted meats, and feel the warmth of community as these stories come alive.
Readers have found themselves divided in their responses. Some revel in the rich details and theological insights Vanderslice provides, claiming it's a transformative read that has changed how they view both meals and worship. Others, however, critique her approach for not sufficiently addressing the disparities in food accessibility and the complexities of modern-day logistics surrounding communal eating rituals. Yet, one thing is clear: this book inspires passionate discussions, hitting at the core of our social fabric in ways that are not just relevant but essential.
As you delve into We Will Feast, your mind will swirl with images of gatherings that should be, challenges that must be addressed, and a renewed sense of purpose that goes beyond mere food. It's a rich tapestry of emotion and thought, woven with threads of nostalgia, hope, and a desire for deeper connection. Do not miss out on the chance to enrich your spirituality and sense of community through the simple act of dining together.
This book is more than just a reflection; it's a call to action. It dares you to leave behind the isolation of modern eating habits and step into a world where sharing a meal is an act of love, worship, and community. Are you ready to embrace this radical rethinking of dinner? 🍽 It is a feast for the mind, body, and spirit that should not be overlooked.
📖 We Will Feast: Rethinking Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God
✍ by Kendall Vanderslice
🧾 176 pages
2019
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