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The Reverend Dr. Gregory S. Neal is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, Duke Divinity, and Trinity College where his studies included extensive work in Biblical Studies, Languages, Systematic Theology, Worship, and the Sacraments. While having been trained to be a Christian educator, as an ordained United Methodist minister Neal’s heart and soul can be found in the mission and ministry of the local church. To this end he has served for 24 years as the pastor of churches in North Carolina and North Texas, and is currently the Senior Pastor at Northgate United Methodist Church in Irving Texas.
To take his teaching and preaching onto the world-wide-web, in 1999 Dr. Neal founded Grace Incarnate Ministries (http://www.RevNeal.org), which serves audio and video sermons, audio Bible Studies, written theological papers and articles, to an internet-based audience numbering in the tens of thousands. The purpose of Dr. Neal’s ministry is “to share the Real Presence of Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament, creed and deed, with all of God's children.”
As a popular teacher, preacher, and retreat leader, Dr. Neal is known for his ability to translate complex theological concepts into common, everyday terms. He has spoken on many theological topics before thousands in churches and at conferences around the world, but his area specialization is in the Theology of the Sacraments. He has lead several pilgrimages to Israel, has traveled widely to teach for the General Board of Global Ministries and the General Board of Discipleship, and enjoys volunteering his time as a Chaplain for the Holland America Cruise Line. In addition to travel, his interests include Astronomy, hiking, sailing, reading, computers, and conversation.
Reviewed by Kristine Hall for Readers' Favorite
In Grace Upon Grace, the Reverend Dr. Gregory Neal begins by explaining the difference between various faith communities about how God's grace is received. Neal explains that those faith communities which follow sacramental theology believe that grace is received via instruments of grace, and those which follow ordinance theology believe grace is received only directly from God. Neal primarily discusses the sacramental theology belief, viewing God as always being the principal actor in a Christian's life; however, he often presents and illustrates his points by contrast to the ordinance theology, so readers get a broad understanding of the theologies. As the book progresses, through a series of questions at the end of each chapter, readers are encouraged to reflect upon not only how they receive grace, but to define how grace looks within one's own life. Though he clearly shows that he believes the sacramental theology, he doesn't condemn believers of any faith community and reminds us that "God's grace is bigger than our differences." Neal takes readers on a reflective journey that is expertly written and well-researched with footnotes and an extensive bibliography for consideration.
Almost immediately after starting Grace Upon Grace, I realized that I hadn't ever fully explored the definition of grace. As a Christian, I accept and am thankful to God for His grace, but until Dr. Neal posed the question to readers of how they receive grace -- and I was stumped to answer -- I hadn't thought through the particulars. Dr. Neal, in keeping with sacramental theology, teaches that grace cannot be earned or made or produced by humans. Further, he states that "what grace does for us and within us depends entirely upon where we are in our faith development." Neal uses analogies and metaphors that illustrate his points, making it easier for the lay person to understand the concepts -- and there are concepts that had my mind spinning. Thankfully, theological terms are defined and the summary questions at the end of each chapter really help readers focus and reinforce meanings. I would recommend this book to anyone who ponders the wonder of God's grace and who can be open minded enough to see different perspectives of how grace is realized.
