Sacrifice and the Body

'A brilliantly readable account - both as story and as exposition - of one of the most complicated and misunderstood of religious and theological issues. Rarely has so much scholarship and Christian wisdom been so lucidly presented. Dunnill brings us into lively conversation with those countless scholars - exegetes, historians, philosophers, and theologians - who, from antiquity to today have wrestled with the practice, problems, and meanings of Christian sacrifice. With the sure-handed touch of a seasoned scholar and the elegant touch of a talented writer, Dunnill brilliantly tells the story of the many understandings and misunderstandings of Christian Sacrifice.' Robert Daly, Boston College, USA 'John Dunnill deconstructs popular misunderstandings of sacrifice by leading the reader into a sensitive cross-cultural appreciation of its meaning and significance in its ancient contexts. The result forms the basis for both a historical reappraisal of sacrifice and an adventurous attempt to show how it can inform a eucharistic spirituality which affirms body and belonging in our own day. A stimulating book for both historian and theologian, but also for anyone seeking the roots of Christian spirituality.' William Loader, Murdoch University, Australia 'Sacrifice and the Body provides a captivating and wide-ranging discussion of sacrifice in religion and theology. [...]This book will be excellent reading for graduate students in Religious Studies and/or Theology who are interested in the social, cultural, biblical, religious or theological dimensions of sacrifice.' Theology 'Dunnill succeeds in crafting a much-needed reappraisal of sacrifice; the study, with its attendant bibliography, will surely contribute to ongoing work in this area and prove invaluable to theologians interested in the nature of, and value inherent in, Christian sacrifice.' Religious Studies Review