Book Review: Liturgy 101: Sacraments and Sacramentals

• Title: Liturgy 101: Sacraments and Sacramentals
• Author: Daniel G. Van Slyke
• Published: Liguori Publications; Liguori, Missouri; 2010; Paperback 143-pages.

 The title explains this book quite well, it is an entry level look at liturgy in relation to the sacraments and sacramentals.  With that being said, it is not a dry, point by point, presentation of the facts, instead, Van Slyke presents the information in a language and style that is modern and easily understood.  His true desire is for the reader to learn and develop a love and understanding of the special gift the sacraments entail.  Basic terminology, such as, liturgy, sacrament, rite, Rite, rights, ordinary and extraordinary, that we hear so often, and yet perhaps do not fully understand their meaning, he explains with a look into ancient languages, history, cultural influences, and biblical references. A vital part of the didactic process is provided at the end of each chapter: a number of thought provoking questions, a list of abbreviations and sources used, and a few suggestions of additional reading.  Modern complaints about the sacraments are presented and defended.  The importance of the seven sacraments as a gift from God and that they are the “Pillars of the Church” is a consistent theme.  Van Slyke presents plainly the truth of the Eucharist when he states, “Christ is really, truly, and substantially present under the appearance or species of bread and wine. This is to be understood literally, not symbolically.”  This book is good for the individual, study group, or as a handy reference to the seven sacraments.