As modern people, we also need to come to two realizations. We need to understand the ancient, sacramental perspective, but we can't do that without simultaneously understanding on how our own modern, secular perspective influences our thinking.This is a really wonderful book that helps us separate the secular thinking we swim in from the sacramental Christian thinking which helps us understand God and reality. Of course, this deepens our relationship with God. It also gives us the tools to be able to share this with others. Understanding what the ancient Christians' perspective not only changes how we think, it also will help completely secular people have a better understanding of Christianity and God.
... In order to understand to understand sacramental Christianity, we have to encounter the sacraments on their own terms. We have to enter into that life and become a part of it; nothing can substitute for that experience. But in order to do this well, in order to hear what the sacraments are trying to tell us, we must take seriously the possibility that we are more secular than we realize—and understand clearly what that means.
Zachary Porcu does this wonderfully with simple examples that are woven throughout the book so that we are building on the meaning and context he puts before us. My mind was blown by the concept of the Arché and ultimate reality. As a devout Catholic, I'm a sacramental Christian so many of the concepts Porcu introduced were familiar. But he put a different spin on my understanding which deepened everything.
Highly recommended and this will be on my Best of 2026 list.
