JOURNAL ARTICLE

Who is Hosting Whom? Guest-Host Relations in Eucharist and Prasada.

  • Published In: Interreligious Studies & Intercultural Theology, 2024, v. 8, n. 1. P. 3 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: MOORE-KEISH, MARTHA 3 of 3

Abstract

The article examines guest-host dynamics in the rituals of the Christian Eucharist (Lord’s Supper) within the Reformed Protestant tradition and Hindu prasada in Vaishnavite devotion. It highlights a notable inversion: in Vaishnavism, devotees host the deity Vishnu as a guest who blesses them by partaking in offerings, whereas in Reformed Christianity, believers are guests at Christ’s table, learning to become hosts themselves. Both traditions use these roles to mediate and sometimes transcend the distinction between deity and devotee, fostering a mutual relationship or union with the divine. The study suggests that Christians might deepen their eucharistic understanding by appreciating the hospitality extended to God as guest in Hindu worship, while also recognizing Christ’s dual role as host and guest, thus enriching the theology and practice of communion.

Additional Information

  • Source:Interreligious Studies & Intercultural Theology. 2024/01, Vol. 8, Issue 1, p3
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Religion and Philosophy
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:2397-3471
  • DOI:10.1558/isit.29028
  • Accession Number:182491135
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Interreligious Studies & Intercultural Theology is the property of Equinox Publishing Group and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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