Theology of the Open Table

Theology of the Open Table begins with research on the traditional eucharistic understanding in the Presbyterian Church of Korea (PCK) through cultural and social analyses. In developing his argument, Eojin Lee has especially researched the biblical, theological, and early church sources in relation to his subject, the Eucharist and the open table. This book seeks to provide sound theological justification for the open table with an introduction of practices of the open table in the Uniting Church in Australia (UCA). ""The 'open table' is a lively multidimensional question. Taking up its Korean avatar, Lee brings to eucharistic hospitality insights and imperatives from early Christian practice, Protestant missionary directives, traditional cultural underpinnings, and contemporary ecumenical scholarship. Not only does he throw new light upon our appreciation of the Eucharist, he uncovers the often hidden dynamics of colonialism and cultural reception. It is a remarkable exploration."" --Gerard Moore, Associate Professor, Academic Dean, United Theological College; Associate Head of School, School of Theology, Charles Sturt University ""Lee discusses the eucharistic origin that has led churches to rethink these traditional practices and to rediscover the significance of the open table. This book offers a contribution, not only to renew the eucharistic theology of the Korean churches, but also to change today's outlook of other churches on the meal of Jesus.""  --Sang Taek Lee, School of Theology, Charles Sturt University ""This fascinating cross-cultural theology tackles controversy in eucharistic practice and thought, confronting the tradition with two contemporary pluralistic contexts: Korea and Australia. Important as it is for understanding the migrations of Reformed Christianity as for sacramental and liturgical theologians across an ecumenical range, this work deserves to be widely read. I commend it warmly.""  --Stephen Burns, Stewart Associate Professor of Liturgical and Practical Theology, Trinity College Theological School ""Critically reviewing the traditional eucharistic practice of the Korean Presbyterian Church, introduced by nineteenth-century missionaries, this book presents a possible application of the open table theology in the Uniting Church in Australia. It will contribute to the enhancement of the eucharistic theology in Asian churches, which are still being influenced by the missionary tradition."" --Samuel Cheon, Professor of Old Testament, Hannam University, South Korea ""Eojin Lee has written a well-researched book exploring the question and theology of having an open table approach to Holy Communion.""   --Chris Walker, National Consultant Christian Unity, Doctrine & Worship, Uniting Church in Australia Eojin Lee is a lecturer of Liturgical and Practical Theology and a chaplain at Hannam University, South Korea.