From Symposium to Eucharist or Perfect Parties

From Symposium to Eucharist: The Banquet in the Early Christian World

Author: Dennis E Smith

The social history and theology of table fellowship from Plato to the New Testament

Table fellowship in the ancient Mediterranean was more than food consumption. From Plato on down, banquets held an important place in creating community, sharing values, and connecting with the divine.

"The primary change from symposium to eucharist is the evolution of the ritual from the dining table to the altar and from the social world of the banquet to that of sacred law. This change took place rather quickly and can be documented in early Christian literature. It represented a transition from the social code of the banquet to another social code. The banquet tradition was carried on somewhat longer in the form of the Agape, or fellowship meal. This ritual meal co-existed with the eucharist for some time and tended to carry the traditions of the banquet. The eucharist, on the other hand, soon lost its connection with banquet traditions. New Testament texts, however, still maintain that connection and provide a means for the church ever and again to reexamine its origins and renew its theology by recapturing and reconfiguring its own traditions." from chapter 9

Author Biography: Dennis E. Smith is Professor of New Testament at Phillips Theological Seminary (Enid, Oklahoma). He is an editor and contributor to the Storyteller's Companion to the Bible series, as well as co-author of Many Tables: The Eucharist in the New Testament and Liturgy Today (1990). He is the editor of the forthcoming Chalice Introduction to the New Testament.

New interesting textbook: Human Resource Management or American Independent Cinema

Perfect Parties: Tips and Advice from a New York Party Planner

Author: Linnea Johansson

Ever wish you could host a glamorous bash like the ones covered in People magazine? You can—with tips and ideas from Linnea Johansson, party planner extraordinaire. She’s thrown celebrations hosting some of the biggest names in the Big Apple, including Jennifer Lopez, Donald Trump, Reese Witherspoon, Sean Combs, and Martha Stewart. And on these fully-illustrated and festive pages is her best advice for planning a fabulous event. She covers everything from invitations to decorating, from hors d’oeuvres to cocktails. So look no further for ways to create a New Year’s Eve extravaganza, birthday blowout, or even just a very special night out with friends. Whatever questions you have, Linnea has the answers.