Controversial New Book Claims Eucharist is an Expression of Erotic Love

Controversial New Book Claims Eucharist is an Expression of Erotic Love


In a controversial first novel, Roman Catholic Priest, Michael Ravey, has combined his years of religious practice with academic research to formulate his radical theory that the Christian Eucharist is an expression of Erotic Love.

Emily and the Mystagogue by Michael Ravey, a journey to the Erotic Eucharist is being featured on Gardiner's World SKY 200 (Edge Media TV), from January until the end of March.

In the form of a fictional correspondence a priest, Michael and a young woman, Emily Anderson, consider the writings of modern thinkers on gender and sexuality such as Freud, Jung, Foucault, Giddens and de Beauvoir, along with concepts derived from early Christian groups and mystics with both Christian and non-Christian backgrounds. Step by step, the material is given to appreciate firstly, the way in which the Eucharistic ritual as it is currently performed may fail to evoke the full potency of the symbolism it embodies, and secondly, how this failing may be remedied.

Commenting on why he wrote the book, Ravey says, "I was angry at how many clergy criticised the majority of those who described themselves as Catholic for not attending the celebration of the Eucharist. Often the criticisms suggest that the "lapsed" are lured away by sexual pleasure. I have always been, and remain, passionate about the Eucharistic community. So, instead of joining in the complaints, I have explored the positive erotic potential of the Eucharistic celebration."

Emily & The Mystagogue is published by Janus Publishing Company Ltd. www.januspublishing.co.uk and is available at £8.95 in major bookshops and online retailers across the country. ISBN 978-1- 85756-642-0