When we were visiting churches in the UK in October, we went to a church, which was open with no one there. I noticed a book on the shelf in the back of the church called, Why Go to Church: The Drama of the Eucharist, by Timothy Radcliffe. I was curious to find out how he would persuade someone to go to church and was intrigued that Rowan Williams wrote the Foreword. Unfortunately, after reading the book, I was disappointed. He clearly answered the question posed by the title in a short paragraph in the last chapter.
Why should our sleepy bishop, or any of us, get out of bed and go to church? Often enough the church will be cold, the sermon irritating, the music trite, and the pews hard. Nothing exciting may appear to happen. What’s in it for me? I have suggested that we go because we are offered a gift, Christ’s body and blood. If one believes in Jesus, then it would be odd not to wish to accept what he offers us. But God’s gifts are given through the slow transformation of who we are, God’s undramatic noiseless work, recreating us as people who have faith, hope and charity.
The rest of the book was a tiringly detailed description of the “drama of the Eucharist.” I enjoyed some of the detail that gave me better understanding of the Eucharist, but I found some of the rabbit trails exhausting and not further enlightening.
Since my review is not very encouraging, I will leave you with what Google Gemini said.
Key aspects of Radcliffe’s argument include:
- The Eucharist as Drama: Radcliffe frames the Mass as a three-act drama—faith, hope, and charity—that gradually, and often imperceptibly, transforms participants.
- Transformation of Humanity: The Eucharist allows individuals to share in God’s life, shaping them to be more loving and capable of embracing both joy and suffering.
- Community and Connection: Contrary to a “personal” or isolated spirituality, Radcliffe emphasizes that Christ draws people into a community of friends.
- A “Doing” Experience: Going to church is about actively participating in the liturgical actions—from the readings to the offering—which imprints the Christian story on the hearts of believers.
- Sending Out: The liturgy serves as a, sending-out, experience, where believers are equipped to be witnesses of God’s love in the world.
Radcliffe’s work aims to make the Mass more accessible and meaningful, even for those who find it routine.
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