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The Poisoned Chalice

Eucharistic Grape Juice and Common-sense Realism in Victorian Methodism [Paperback]

by Jennifer Tait

    • Author

      Jennifer Tait

    • Book Format

      Paperback / softback

    • Publisher

      The University of Alabama Press

    • Published

      October 2011

      Read full description

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      £28.79

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      The Poisoned Chalice

      Today's Price £28.79

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      Product Description

      This work examines the introduction of grape juice into the celebration of Holy Communion in the late 19th century Methodist Episcopal Church and reveals how a 1,800-year-old practice of using fermented communion wine became theologically incomprehensible in a mere forty years. Through study of denominational publications, influential exegetical works, popular fiction and songs, and didactic moral literature, Jennifer Woodruff Tait charts the development of opposing symbolic associations for wine and grape juice. She argues that 19th century Methodists, steeped in Baconian models of science and operating from epistemological presuppositions dictated by common-sense realism, placed a premium on the ability to perceive reality accurately in order to act morally. They therefore rejected any action or substance that dulled or confused the senses (in addition to alcohol, this included "bad" books, the theatre, stimulants, etc., which were all seen as unleashing unchecked, ungovernable thoughts and passions incompatible with true religion). This outlook informed Methodist opposition to many popular amusements and behaviors, and they decided to place on the communion table a substance scientifically and theologically pure. Grape juice was considered holy because it did not cloud the mind, and new techniques--developed by Methodist laymen Thomas and Charles Welch--permitted the safe bottling and shipment of the unfermented juice. Although Methodists were not the only religious group to oppose communion wine, the experience of this broadly based and numerous denomination illuminates similar beliefs and actions by other groups.

      Specification

      • Author

        Jennifer Tait

      • Book Format

        Paperback / softback

      • Publisher

        The University of Alabama Press

      • Published

        October 2011

      • Edition

        2nd

      • Weight

        298g

      • Page Count

        208

      • Dimensions

        155 x 228 x 13 mm

      • ISBN

        9780817356972

      • ISBN-10

        0817356975

      • Eden Code

        4026333

      More Information

      • Author/Creator: Jennifer Tait

      • ISBN: 9780817356972

      • Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

      • Release Date: October 2011

      • Weight: 298g

      • Dimensions: 155 x 228 x 13 mm

      • Eden Code: 4026333

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