Abstract

In this short work, Bouyer sets forth clearly and briefly, yet comprehensively, the developments of the past one hundred years in the study and interpretation of religion, showing the defects of the early reductionistic schemes and the richness of the contemporary phenomenological approach. He proceeds to a penetrating and suggestive analysis of ritual action, using the "sacred meal" as his example. He shows it to be a universal phenomenon in religion, always expressive of profound human meaning heightened and transformed by religious meaning.--W. G. E.