100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Enjoy overnight NZ-wide delivery from our NZ-owned independent bookstore! 🎉

Why Go to Church?

The Drama of the Eucharist
4.17 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 150 ratings, 23 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Why Go to Church? explores the profound meaning behind celebrating the Eucharist, presenting it as a three-part drama that shapes us in faith, hope and love. Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe delves into the Mass to reveal how its elements, from readings and prayers to receiving communion, engage us deeply with the core of our humanity and inspire our capacity for love and hope.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$7400

International Supplier

This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This title is ideal for readers interested in deepening their understanding of Christian worship, particularly those exploring the meaning of the Mass and the Eucharist. It suits individuals seeking thoughtful spiritual reflection during Lent or any time they wish to connect more fully with church tradition.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

This important Lent title examines what it means to celebrate the Eucharist, and in turn reminds us of our capacity for love, hope and faith.

This important Lent title examines what it means to celebrate the Eucharist, and in turn reminds us of our capacity for love, hope and faith.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

This important Lent title examines what it means to celebrate the Eucharist, and in turn reminds us of our capacity for love, hope and faith. With a foreword by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.

The Eucharist, writes Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, is a three-part drama, forming us in faith, hope and love. In this book he examines what it means to celebrate the Eucharist. Other people experience it as boring and pointless. Listening to the readings, the homily and the creed all take us through the crises and challenges of faith.

From the offertory through to the end of the Eucharistic prayer we are caught up in the hope that was Christ's, faced with Good Friday. From the Our Father until we are sent on our way, especially in receiving communion, we are formed as people who are capable of love.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Awards include The Tablet Book of the Year 2008. Critics praise Radcliffe's writing as "a beautiful and often piercing meditation" with insights drawn from a wide range of reading. Reviews highlight his ability to make the familiar Mass feel exciting and deeply important, and readers find the book makes the Eucharist more accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780826499561

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 December 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 193.0mm

Weight: 248g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe is a former Master of the Dominican Order. Educated at Oxford and Paris, he joined the Dominicans in 1965, and taught scripture at Blackfriars, Oxford, for many years. His bestselling books published by Bloomsbury include What is the Point of Being a Christian?, Alive in God and I Call You Friends. He was elevated to the rank of Cardinal by Pope Francis in December 2024.

Also by Timothy Radcliffe

View all
  • Questioning God
    The interpretation of certain key texts in the Bible by two Dominican Friars: the celebrated author Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Biblical scholar Lukasz Popko. Many today may see the relationship between God and humanity as one of passive submission and thus unquestioning. Two outstanding Dominicans, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe and Lukasz Popko, suggest otherwise. Questioning God explores Biblical conversations with God,...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3299
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Stations of the Cross
    A profound Lenten reflection on Christ’s passion from the bestselling religious writer Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, beautifully illustrated by Martin Erspamer. During Lent, we are surrounded by visual reminders of Jesus' last hours. In Stations of the Cross, renowned author and spiritual master, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, OP, offers readers a thoughtful meditation on this powerful devotion. Through word and image, Radcliffe...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith
    From the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy – an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back to faith. Communion is a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons of life JD Vance has experienced – as a child, a young man,...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Heroes
    Heroes by Stephen Fry is an enthralling journey into the heart of ancient Greek mythology, brought to life with Fry's signature wit and intelligence. This dazzling companion volume to the bestselling Mythos recounts the breath-taking exploits of some of the most legendary figures in Greek lore, showcasing the timeless tales of bravery, cunning, and adventure. In Fry's masterful retelling, readers...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover
    The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Scriptures through the lens of ancient Christian traditions. This comprehensive study Bible represents a groundbreaking effort to present the Bible of the early church to the modern world, reflecting the rich heritage and profound spiritual wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, which is the...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • KJV Holy Bible: Economy Paperback: Beautiful. Trustworthy. Timeless, Comfort Print: King James Version
    The full text of the KJV with extra helps is an excellent Bible for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God. The King James Version of the Bible is the bestselling and most-read English translation of all time. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word through...
    Paperback
    $900
    Elsewhere:
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Troy
    The city of Troy has long been a beacon of legend and myth, and in Stephen Fry's Troy, the timeless story of love and war is brought to life with a vivid blend of wit, insight, and meticulous detail. At its heart is the kidnapping of Helen, a queen whose beauty is so enchanting that her abduction by Paris of...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Screwtape Letters
    A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative unfolds as a series of captivating letters penned by Screwtape, a senior devil in the Infernal Civil Service, to his eager but inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • On Sale
    14% off
    The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.