From Tablet to Table: Where Community Is Found and Identity Is Formed

by Leonard Sweet

Worship Leader magazine has named From Tablet to Table one of the five best books of 2015!
What if the Bible were seen less as a tablet of ink than as a table of food? From Tablet to Table invites readers to explore the importance of The Table in biblical theology, and what it might mean for us to bring back the table to our homes, our churches, and our neighborhoods. The table pictures the grace of God’s provision for all aspects of our lives, a place of safe gathering, of finding identity in shared stories, of imparting food and faith, of playing host and finding satisfaction as a guest. Sweet explores how our failure to understand and appreciate “the most sacred item of furniture in every home” has created such a deficit in our fast-food, take-what-you-like-smorgasbord, together-but-separate society.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Faith, Church, Theology, Food, Christianity

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Leonard I. Sweet is an author, preacher, scholar, and ordained United Methodist clergyman currently serving as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School, in Madison, New Jersey; and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Christina Baehr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eating together. It seems like every day studies are published that show a potent correlation between the traditional family dinner and human flourishing. It's almost too simple: regularly eating with other humans around a table is one of the best things you can do for your health - physical and emotional.

Leonard Sweet wants us to see that this act is also of spiritual importance:
“The first word God speaks to human beings in the Bible—God’s very first commandment—is ‘Eat freely’ (Genesis 2:16, NASB). The last words out of God’s mouth in the Bible—his final command? ‘Drink freely’ (see Revelation 22:17). These bookends to the Bible are reflective of the whole of the Scriptures: Everything in between these two commands is a table, and on that table is served a life-course meal, where we feast in our hearts with thanksgiving on the very Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation: Jesus the Christ.” (p 18)

Sweet offers insightful passages such as these in this slim volume that grew from a sermon. But in his zeal for the subject he tends to overstate his case. “Food is the building block of our Christian faith,” he pronounces. It’s hard to reconcile a statement like that with the apostle Paul’s warnings not to be too thingy about food.

Perhaps it isn't quite fair to fault Sweet for a habit that is so widespread. A perusal of the latest offerings from Christian publishers shows how common the promise is to reveal the real reason Christianity is failing, or the one secret to spiritual success, unfailing joy, and reaching the lost. To write and market Christian books without this hubris would be a worthy accomplishment indeed.

More worryingly, Sweet swerves towards a post-modern rejection of logic, casting story and metaphor as the hero in a battle against words and verses:
“When we go in search of our identity, we don’t look for values or principles or worldviews; we look for fireworks in the sky, synapses that cause our cells to fire together and wire together. Story and image are the protons and neutrons swirling in the cells of our self- concept.” (p 2-3)
“Nicodemus could understand truth as text, as words, as laws, as left-brain logic. But Nicodemus could not process Jesus’ right- brained imagery and poetry of being “born again.” ... How many have made a religion of words and lost sight of God’s Image-Made- Story?” (p 29)

It’s worth remembering that “logic” derives from the Greek logos, found in the very first chapter of the gospel of John: “In the beginning was the logos...” True logic is not opposed to God’s good story. Rather, it is founded on God’s revealed logos. Indeed, it has no other foundation.

My family and I share the gospel with backpackers each week over a meal 6 months out of the year, so I agree with Leonard Sweet in his high view of the table as a powerful instrument of Christ-centred ministry: I’ve seen it myself. His passion for bringing us to the table is encouraging, but his suspicion of the “tablet” isn’t. (Confusingly, his title does not primarily refer to an electronic device, but to stone tablets and by extension the written word in all forms.) “You don’t grow as a disciple of Jesus by sitting in a church building soaking up the ink of a tablet, with its static statutes and impersonal instructions. You grow as a disciple by eating at a table.” (p 161-162) This is a false dichotomy. Why not grow by both reading and eating?

For me, the most outrageous moment of the book was when Sweet used a John Calvin quote out of context to support a position that Calvin is famous for rejecting (let's be charitable and assume that Sweet knows less about Calvin than I do).

For a richer and more orthodox resource on the Christian table, I recommend the quirky “The Supper of the Lamb” by Robert Farrar Capon, the practical “Real Love for Real Life: The Art and Work of Caring” by Andi Ashworth, or the scholarly “Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition ” by Dr. Christine Pohl.

[Kelsey Grissom · Rating 2 out of 5]

The bottom line of this book is that we should take time to eat with others. Sweet stretches his interpretation of theologians, other authors, and at times even scripture to support this claim. Sometimes Sweet's style is difficult to understand. For example, you might think that "tablet" in the title refers to electronics; it does not. Prepare for a lot of this sort of misunderstanding throughout.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pick up your copy today

I’m a foodie. I love fine dining. I love simple home cooking. I love experimenting. An important part of all our family vacations are the restaurants we’ll visit along the way.

I’m this way because my mom and grandma. My grandma was a tiny abuelita who had eight kids and more grandkids than I can count. When I was a kid and living in CA, I remember the entire family—kids, grandkids, cousins, aunts, & uncles—all meeting at her tiny home for a huge feast. I may not be in CA anymore, but my family stills meets together for a Sunday lunch!

All that to say, the cover, title, and topic all struck at things I’m passionate about. “The table is the place where identity is born—the place where the story of our lives is retold, re-molded, and relived” (3). I couldn’t agree more.

Read the entire review here

[Cassidy Purdy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn’t what I expected. The title to me suggested that it would be about moving away from the tablet (our phones, TVs, etc) and to the table. In some ways it was about this, but it heavily focused on the value of verbal story-telling over written word. I think it makes the Word of God seem not as valuable in written form, which simply isn’t true. I also felt I could have gotten the point of the book from a short article, rather than a full book.

I did appreciate how Sweet goes into great detail of the impact of family meals shared together. A couple memorable quotes:

“The table is a place of intimacy, and those who feast at Jesus’ table become family together in a new kind of relationship— one that obliterates dissension, walls, bloodlines, and divisions.”

“The Kingdom of God is not a geographic domain with set boundaries and settles decrees, but a set of relationships in which Christ is sovereign. At the table, Jesus moves us from ideas about life and love to actual living and loving.”

[Bonnie Wilcox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciate Sweet's ability to draw out table fellowship stories from the bible, along with current life application. In fact, we read this book as a church staff and found it accessible and meaningful. A quick read with lots to think on for a long time.

[Kathryn Ansley · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Tablet to Table, speaks of the Bible beginning in Genesis with the command to “eat freely” and ending in Revelation with the command to “drink freely.” The book covers a broad range related to eating and drinking throughout the Bible, storytelling, relationships, Communion Christian community, and during the time of Jesus’ ministry, His lifestyle of eating with everyone no matter their social status, culture, and such.

He does offer some practical applications for about what to bring to a meal when you are an invited guest. He also leans into the need for more storytelling and table-sharing in Christianity; along with the value of dinner table conversations for families.

There is an emphasis of sharing "stories" around the table. We face the lost art of relationships and hospitality, along with a genuine love through spending time with people that helps us draw others to Jesus, rather than a new program or strategy.

At only 163 pages it is readable and quick-moving. I would still recommend it for his thoughts and writing style. However, for me personally it lacked the depth I was looking for.

[Rachael Marsceau · Rating 2 out of 5]

What I liked:
- the overall message to spend more time eating together with everyone, whether it's family or strangers, and whether it's fast food or a homemade dinner
- several interesting facts, such as that when Amish youth go on Rumspringa, their family continues to set a place at the table in faith that they'll return. Also, the Passover meal was extremely equalizing in that the wealthy Sanhedrin were required to eat the same humble foods as the poor.

What I didn't like:
- the author's flippant, "cool youth pastor" tone (sorry. Don't know how else to explain it. Lol)
- his belief that literally everything in the Christian life is a matter of taste; not right and wrong. 😱
- in his effort to emphasize actions over words, he gets dangerously close to minimizing the foundational importance of doctrine, logic, and boundaries.

Basically, eat with everyone. Have good conversations while eating and always be real. God can use the table as a beautiful ministry tool if you're willing to give of your time and attention.

[Rachel | All the RAD Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is super short and sweet, and in that, there wasn't a whole lot of meat to it. (FOOD PUNS BECAUSE THIS BOOK IS ABOUT FOOD/TABLES HAHAHA.) I'm a huge fan of gathering around the table (growing up, my family ate dinner together every night that I can remember, and it instilled a deep love in me) and have seen how fruitful it is for community, so this book just reinforced that even though it didn't blow me away.

[Jahnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I support Leonard Sweet's rally for us to bring back the table, and to let ourselves commune with the community who surround the table. Good relationships always start with food and conversations. Great relationships thrive and are sustained with the elements of the table: food, storytelling, laughter, conversations, drinks, spirit, companionship, friendship. Let's bring back the table!

[Norbert Haukenfrers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great provocation and inspiration to live life with others in community around the table.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

People are wired for stories. Telling stories. Hearing stories. Remembering things and history better because it is part of a story. One of the best places to share stories is the table. The author makes a case for family dinners and also inviting others to our table to share in community and being generous to others. He makes a point of we help find our identity, our traditions, we talk about what is important, we listen to ideas, principles, and can understand others and their differences when we share a meal and share a conversation. He goes on to setting the table at home, setting the table at church and setting the table in the world. I really like the Biblical comparisons of how Jesus taught and invited others to his table. He shared in food and shared love for all. Not blocking himself off from those who were different. Sharing the gospel at the table.

Favorite quote: The greatest blessing you will ever bestow in your life you may never know. And you don't need to know. We don't have to do spectacular things. We just have to keep doing what God has called us to do. In a very real sense, that boils down to bringing people to the table, and trusting God to take what we've planed and sown to bring in a harvest decades or generations later.

[Kerr Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring back the table, is the heart of the author. Beginning with the meaning of the table and then moving to how to set up the table in the different spheres of our lives, was very touching and enlightening. I agree with Sweet, that the center of our home should be the table, not the glowing device hanging over our battles and walls.

The table has the ability to mend many of the brokennesses of our families, but also beyond our doors. One of the most meaningful moments of the book (for me) was using the table to reconcile with our enemies. What would happen if we are before we argued?

Sweet did a phenomenal job at showing how the table helps shape our identity in Christ and as a people.

Come and Eat what this book has to offer.

[Dan Mayhew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic Leonard Sweet, complete with clever alliterations and winsome personal experience. As a practitioner of organic church (house church), I heartily endorse his argument for relationship around the table. I will probably recommend this as preparatory reading for those who wish to do church more simply.

[Jon Nutter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving & Convicting

A very easy but extraordinarily insightful read. Sweet’s anecdotes and poetic prose paint portraits which both took my breath away and moved me to tears. I found many profitable illustrations and particular applications. My first read was in one sitting. I expect I'll sit with these pages for many hours in the future.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

True to its title, this book would be a better conversation than to read alone. Sweet argues against the disintegration of narratives, identity, and community, and argues for the use of metaphor, the sharing of stories, and gathering at the table.

[Jonathan Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The gospel is an invitation to go to Jesus' house for a meal."
Love this call for us to meet at the table. Sweet reminds us of the importance of the table in the middle of a busy world. Definitely recommend.

[Alicia Schulz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, a good book, but not what I expected it to be.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid idea at its core, but could have been done in one chapter instead of an entire book.

[T.J. Wolfe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Perfect info when launching a Dinner Church

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing is more intriguing, in my estimation, than to learn that an ordinary, everyday object has the potential to be transcendent. In his book From Tablet To Table, Dr. Leonard Sweet opens up the table to display the power this ubiquitous piece of furniture has to be just that - transcendent. No matter the make-up of your family - single household, community, or church; no matter the type of meal served - PBJ sandwiches, drive-thru service or potluck, Dr. Sweet tells us the family table has the potential to become a positively transformative place for those who gather around it.
It was hard for me to imagine that the table, or the lack of it, could matter so deeply to the culture or to the church. It was especially surprising to discover the pervasive connection the church has with food, and to learn that it was Jesus who led the way into this foodie lifestyle. I never really considered the idea that Jesus' dining pattern became a faith-forming experience with his disciples, and their enjoyment during meals may have looked pretty suspicious to the Pharisees, which is probably why they accused him of being a "glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners."(Matt 11:19)
But that was then, today, as far as the Western Christian church goes, there is a lot to be concerned about regarding the table says Dr. Sweet. Quoting Jean Leclerc's definition of the gospel, "Jesus ate good food with bad people," Dr. Sweet points out that it was the table that shaped early Christian worship, as we see in the Last Supper and the post-Resurrection meals Jesus shared with his disciples. "Food is a building block of our Christian faith. We are part of a gourmet gospel that defines itself in terms of food and table. Yet we find ourselves at a juncture in history where we have lost the table..."
The culture of today is also feeling hunger pangs for the table, and this is noted in several places in From Tablet To Table. One example is a list of "quantifiable negative effects both physically and psychologically" on families and kids due specifically to the loss of the table. These include a negative impact on shaping vocabulary in young children, and in combating childhood obesity. On a positive note, another bit of data suggests that sitting down to a family meal three times a week can cause a student's performance in high school and college to skyrocket - just three times a week! When I think of all the time I put in to making sure the kids had access to special lessons and practices and performances that were expensive and long distances away, it doesn't seem so impossible to get us together for an inexpensive meal at home three times a week - especially if it could mean a better chance for them to do well in school.
The table... the family table. Who would have thought that it carries such power, and potential and promise? Who would have thought of it as transcendent? Well, Jesus did, I guess. He spent a lot of time around one, and he also made a sacrament out of bread and wine.
Here is a quote from Dr. Sweet's book that I love:
" First commandment and final commandment to humans in the Bible? "Eat freely", Gen 2:16 NASB, and "Drink freely", Rev 22:17. "Everything in between these two commands is a table, and on that table is served a life-course meal, where we feast in our hearts with thanksgiving on the very Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation: Jesus the Christ."

Summary of the book in less than 140 characters - From Tablet To Table by Dr. Leonard Sweet is rich, rare, filling and satisfying reading. Help yourself to a copy and enjoy every morsel.

[Heather King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonard Sweet writes in his book, From Tablet to Table, that the Bible begins in Genesis with the command to "eat freely" and ends in Revelation with the command to "drink freely." It's a Biblical sandwich of table-dialogue. His book spreads the table wide, talking about every aspect imaginable related to eating and drinking in the Bible: about Christian community, Communion, storytelling, relationships, and Jesus' ministry of inviting everyone to the table, including 'sinners.' I had never considered the pervasiveness of food and eating to the Bible or to our faith until I read this book.

At times, Sweet is super-practical, giving instructions about what to bring to a meal when you are an invited guest. At other times, he is rhetorical, arguing for ideas, like the need for more storytelling and table-sharing in Christianity. Then, he moves along to reminding parents of the value of dinner table conversations instead of meals-on-the-go or silent suppers spent in front of the television.

His style is readable and quick-moving, but always masterful and eloquent. He seems like the kind of teacher/professor that you'd want to sit and listen to because his use of language alone is captivating. At the same time, the book is so very broad in its discussion of 'table' that I almost felt like I couldn't narrow it down. What was it about? What the modern church should look like? Servant evangelism? Family life? Yes, to all of the above.

I also felt there were moments where he sacrificed theology on the altar of rhetorical artistry. He seems to get caught up in the language and then try to finish off the argument with one final dazzling move. For instance, he argues about needing more shared meals in Christian community and then tosses out that it was Eve's solitary eating that got her into trouble. Well, actually, no, that wasn't what got Eve into trouble at all. It's easy to get swept up in what he's saying because he says it well, and yet there were times I needed to stop and say, "Actually, I don't think that's right or true." It's not often, perhaps, but it is a book to be read with attention so you just don't nod your head at everything and end up agreeing to things you don't really believe.

Still, I loved his emphasis on how we're people of 'story' and yet we sometimes don't take the time to swap stories like we should. It's a lost art of relationship and hospitality that helps us draw people to Christ, not as some new evangelistic strategy or three-step witnessing formula, but by genuine love through spending time with others.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Edythe · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Someone once challenged me: “I bet I can tell you the whole Old Testament and New Testament in six sentences- three for each.”
“You’re on!” I said. He started with the Old Testament: “’They tried to kill us. We survived. Let’s eat!’”
My friend went on. “’Now here’s the New Testament in three sentences: “I love you! I forgive you! Let’s eat!’”

From tablet to table is divided into two parts: Table It and Life’s Three Tables that reflect on a simple piece of furniture and its symbolic significance to Jesus and his teachings referencing food. You will learn several biblical verses that share the importance of breaking bread with loved ones and your enemies while discussing likes, dislikes, and differences of opinion over a meal.

Part II: Life’s Three Tables lends direction on “setting the table at home, at, church, and in the world.” Leonard Sweet reminds us to have meals “at the table” at home with your family igniting discussions on sharing the day’s events, concerns that might need attention or helpful suggestions in solving a problem. Bringing family and friends to the dinner table over a meal at home has almost been lost to a “fast-food society and smorgasbords.”

From tablet to table has insightful information regarding Jesus and the way he used food (set the table) to relay some of his teachings to all people from different walks of life, whether they were friends or enemies. I recommend reading for anyone interested in sharing ideas, Christian values, everyday struggles, and personal testimonies by putting it on the table while sharing a good meal.

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

[Robyn B · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book focuses on community & identity being found at the table. the Bible is not just a tablet, it's a table meant to gather around. it's a table meant to come alive. we sit at the table of scripture and we learn more about God, then more about ourselves. Sweet makes the point that while we sit in Biblical community at the table, we are being fed as well as feeding. we give to the table and we also receive from it.

this book describes 3 types of tables - the table at home, the table at church, and the table in the world. the table at home is where we set our boundaries, where we develop our tastes, and where we learn protocols such as grace and slowing down. the table at church is where a diverse community of people gather, bring brokenness, and allow Jesus to be the head of the table. the table in the world is where we display God's hospitality, where we form relationships, and where we minister to others.

if this book taught me one thing it is this: there is one model for the table, but all tables look different. maybe your table is filled to the brim with people and laughter. maybe your table is just your family and quiet conversations. maybe your table is you and a few friends having a game night. it doesn't matter what it looks like or how many people are there. extroverts embrace large tables full of people & introverts flourish at small tables, but community can be found in both places.

[Christi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those who know me know I'm a foodie. I work in the food business. I love to cook both alone and with others and especially like to cook FOR others so when this book came up for review in my blogger network I jumped at the chance to read and review it. Unfortunately I have to say I had a very hard time getting into it. While the concept was solid, the execution of it was lacking and it really failed to keep my interest requiring me to come back to it time and time again to try and finish reading it. As a person who enjoys reading and who doesn't have much time these days it really really frustrates me to have to force myself to read something when there are so many other books out there I want to read. That said, there are some good nuggets in this small book that were worth reading but overall I was not impressed. I think that if you're looking for something to give you more reinforcement of the idea that "the table" provides a perfect location for community and fellowship then you might enjoy this read but if, like me, you wanted something more "indepth" you may be disappointed.

I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for an HONEST opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this but so disappointed now. The concept had such great potential - join each other at the table and share the Love. But the execution was so hodgepodge. So many little concepts and theories and notations with not much meat (so to speak). I struggled to not put it down at 50 pages in the hopes it would redeem itself. It didn't. There were a couple little nuggets I will take away but overall, I'm sad I spent a week on this when I have a stack of books waiting to be read.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Leonard Sweet's work - it is always challenging and disruptive. This small book has some big core ideas that are worth looking at - such as the spiritually formative role of narratives and communal eating. Overall it felt somewhat disjointed - almost a collection of mini-essays but still worth the read. It also touches on some important issues of food and faith that I have been exploring. For more, related to the topic of this book - search on YouTube for some of Leonard Sweet's talks about 'The Table'.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author was great at story telling and at times, I felt as if his style of writing could have easily been a dinner table discussion. His values presented in the book are solid foundations that we all could use a little more of in our lives. I would be happy to suggest this book to all ages, especially those who are just starting out on their own, or those trying to establish a community in a new location. It definitely inspires me to reach out and expand and redevelop my own community!

[Kim Pollack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is another voice calling out for community, for wholeness in our faith rather than fragmentation, for God's story and our own stories being shared around the most elemental place on earth--the table. This is a simple yet thoughtful read on what is missing in modern Christian life and what will foster the spiritual, personal, and communal growth we long for and need. Read it and then gather some people around a table and let the stories and food strengthen bodies and souls.

[Hank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very accessible book, and a quick read. But don't let the size or page count fool you. There is a great deal of meat here, that will challenge Believers and their limited view of hospitality and "table time." We should be much more open to the intimacy of the shared meal (whether in church or out of it) as a means of grace: a burger and fries at McDonalds can be as sacramental as a cup and loaf, so long as Christ is present. Highly recommended.

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

My pastor handed me this book and asked me to read and review it. I really enjoyed the points made in this quick read. Leonard Sweet focuses on the importance of the table in life and throughout scripture. He issues a call to return to the table and to community. The book is packed full of take away quotes.