Communion In a Protestant Church...

[Philthy]

justathought:

What I find interesting is the fact that Revelation says the antichrist will come from Rome. Interesting huh?

Peace be upon all who read this

Hey - what kind of Protestant are you any way!? I want chapter and verse any time you start making allegations…that way you would have seen your error before ChurchMilitant had a chance to “refute and correct” you (2Tim3:16).
Also, just think for a moment how much you want to BELIEVE that thats what the bible said and how much that influenced your understanding. We all do it - thats why we need the magisterium guided by the holy spirit.

Phil

 

[Zooey]

Semper Fi:

Do United Methodists believe in the ‘real presence’ of the Eucharist? I know methodism is an offshoot of Anglicanism but haven’t studied methodism yet and have only once been to a methodist service.

Yes, we do.
This is a subject that I have struggled with, because, as I say, most of my family are in other traditions which believe in a simply symbolic communion. They get really upset when I do not take communion if they happen to be having it when I visit. But, I have come to realize that it is just plain wrong for me to receive where this is the understanding.
On the other hand, I also realize & appreciate that it would also be very wrong to receive communion in a Catholic church. Communion in the Catholic tradition is for Catholics only.
I am much more comfortable with this, than with the practice of treating Holy Communion like it was strictly a symbol. IMHO, it shows a clearer understanding of the Biblical teaching on the subject.
This is not intended as an attack on those who sincerely receive a symbolic communion in their churches. Just the facts. God bless.

 

[justathought]

Philthy:

Hey - what kind of Protestant are you any way!? I want chapter and verse any time you start making allegations…that way you would have seen your error before ChurchMilitant had a chance to “refute and correct” you (2Tim3:16).
Also, just think for a moment how much you want to BELIEVE that thats what the bible said and how much that influenced your understanding. We all do it - thats why we need the magisterium guided by the holy spirit.

Phil

My apologies; I am no Protestant without my Scripture to back it up. Turn with me to Revelation 17. We read about the woman and the beast, and in the 9th verse: “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”

The Catholic Encyclopedia itself states: “It is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills, that the entire area of Vatican State proper is now confined” (The Catholic Encyclopedia, Thomas Nelson, 1976, s.v. “Rome”).

Rome is actually the only city on seven hills with as much history and background in Christianity as it does. About 2000 years of history. In his writing from Rome in 1 Peter 5:13, Peter even calls Rome: Babylon.

Now I am not saying this has anything to do with Catholics, I just find it interesting that the whore of Revelation sits in Rome.

Prayerfully and honestly read this for a commentary on Revelation 17. And be sure to read through the end.

pbc.org/dp/stedman/revelation/4208.html

Peace be upon all who read this

 

[Eden]

There are certain Protestant positions that are understandable (though mistaken) and taken seriously by Catholics such as the claim that the bread and wine of the Last Supper are merely symbolic. Then there are those topics that belong with “crop circles” and “alien abductions”. The “Whore of Babylon” discussion belongs in the second category. Here’s just the beginning:

catholic.com/library/whore_of_babylon.asp

 

[O.S.Luke]

Church Militant:

BUT… the problem is that there is no purpose for a Catholic to participate in a n-C communion service since it implies communion where there is (in fact) none. You personally may believe in the Real Presence (in which case you should probably be one of us… )
While Catholics acknowlege a commonality of valid baptisms, that is primarily where the common ground ends…or else we wouldn’t be having this discussion, now would we?

No, I suppose that there is no purpose for a Catholic to participate in a non-Catholic eucharist… but from our standpoint, the communion that you say is implied is in actuality explicit: (1) we are one in Christ Jesus, (2) we affirm the historic creeds. In a world that is increasingly secular and under attack, I think that is where the common ground needs to BEGIN, not end. But I’m sure we disagree.

And of course I can’t help what anyone else’s church has to say, but regardless, I suggest that you have a good long look and study of Ecclesia de Eucharistia which will deal with all this better than I can. (It took me about a week to study my way through it, but I highlighted and marked my way all through it.)

Required reading for sacramental and liturgical scholars, as are the writings of Schillebeeckx, Bouyer, Kavanagh, Talle.

I know the arguments, Church Militant. I also know that the logic that says as a sign of unity, the Eucharist cannot be used as a means toward a unity which does not exist.

That line of thought has kept some countries from making peace for thousands of years. I’m confident that the Catholic and Protestant Church will catch up with them soon… while secularism and Islam make gains.

O+

 

[John666]

Singinbeauty:

I have read many times here that a person of the catholic faith cannot receive communion (as if it’s a sin to do so) in a protestant church… Why is this?

Simply, because Protestant Churches are not in FULL communion with the Catholic Church. “Communion” is the key word of course

Church unity is attested to biblically and from early writings of the Church. And as someone has pointed out, 100 years ago ALL Christian churches shared this belief. There are SOME “closed communion” Protestant Churches still around.

Please pray for this unity. Our Father is a God of unity, NOT dis-unity.

Joe

 

[savone]

I’ve just finished reading all 86 posts in this thread. And, I’d like for you to know how much I appreciate this discussion. Especially, I thank you who have been patient and kind, who have offered “a sip” rather than a 5-gallon container at one time, and those of you who also long for our overcoming the divisions within the Body of Christ.

I have a number of questions that are percolating, but, at the moment, am not sure how to articulate them. Anyway, I, again, have found this quite helpful.

God bless
Savone

 

[coyote]

justathought:

What I find interesting is the fact that Revelation says the antichrist will come from Rome. Interesting huh?

Peace be upon all who read this

So.

 

[aurora77]

A different take on the subject. I know that taking communion in other churches is wrong, so I don’t do it. My in laws go to a non-denominational Christian church. We’ve gotten into the habit of going with them on Christmas Eve and then spending the day with them (Christmas Day is for Mass and my parents). Anyway, at their church services, they offer communion and pass around little trays. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but it just seems wierd. It’s like something is missing. I’m usually sitting there thinking, where are the prayers? Communion’s a much bigger deal than this, why the rush? I’ve always known that I’m Catholic to the core, this just solidified it for me. I’m just wondering if I’m the only one who’s felt this way?

 

[Shiann]

aurora77:

A different take on the subject. I know that taking communion in other churches is wrong, so I don’t do it. My in laws go to a non-denominational Christian church. We’ve gotten into the habit of going with them on Christmas Eve and then spending the day with them (Christmas Day is for Mass and my parents). Anyway, at their church services, they offer communion and pass around little trays. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but it just seems wierd. It’s like something is missing. I’m usually sitting there thinking, where are the prayers? Communion’s a much bigger deal than this, why the rush? I’ve always known that I’m Catholic to the core, this just solidified it for me. I’m just wondering if I’m the only one who’s felt this way?

YES!

(Mom is Reformed Protestant and we attend some days for the “family unity” aspect.)

Seems like such an oxymoron to me (family unity when our very religious beliefs are so at odds).

 

[Celia]

catsrus:

Very good question!
As Catholics, we take John 6:48-58, to be true. Christ gave us His Body and Blood to consume. At the Consecration, He becomes present to us under the appearence of bread and wine. This is the crux and basis of our entire faith. It is called Transubstantiation.
We can and will not participate in a communion service of another faith because it would deny our belief and faith in the true Body and Blood.
By the same token, a person who is not a Confirmed Catholic, (agreeing to the Doctrines of the Church and obedience to It’s precepts) must not participate in our Eucharistic celebration. It would be to participate in something with which the person did not understand or agree.
Also, a Catholic who is not free of mortal sin, must also abstain.
Hope this helps!
I’m sure another poster will give a more detailed explaination.

Ok, I haven’t read through this whole thread so forgive me if this issue has already been addressed…but what do you mean by confirmed Catholic? Like the sacrament of confirmation? Because how can that be? You have First Holy Communion in like 2nd grade and aren’t confirmed until say, 8th grade or later. All that time the person isn’t confirmed.
This is the first time I’ve heard this and it makes me a little confused. Especially since I’m not confirmed yet but I have recieved the other sacraments…communion, penance, etc.
Help me out here.

 

[Shiann]

Celia:

Ok, I haven’t read through this whole thread so forgive me if this issue has already been addressed…but what do you mean by confirmed Catholic? Like the sacrament of confirmation?

Yes.

Because how can that be? You have First Holy Communion in like 2nd grade and aren’t confirmed until say, 8th grade or later. All that time the person isn’t confirmed.

Catholics do not deny the Sacraments to children. We believe that the moment a person in born, they should be allowed the Sacrament of Baptism to remove Original Sin and to join that child to God and the Church. And once they are at the age of reason, they are invited to Holy Communion as a member of the Church.

Confirmation is person choosing to be a member of the Church. It is the step that the person must choose to do for themselves- like Reconciliation, the vocational Sacraments et.al. The age at which this happens can be as early as 10 or 12 or as late as 18 (as was the norm in my Parish).

This is the first time I’ve heard this and it makes me a little confused. Especially since I’m not confirmed yet but I have recieved the other sacraments…communion, penance, etc.
Help me out here.

Hope that helps.

 

[Celia]

Shiann:

Yes.

Catholics do not deny the Sacraments to children. We believe that the moment a person in born, they should be allowed the Sacrament of Baptism to remove Original Sin and to join that child to God and the Church. And once they are at the age of reason, they are invited to Holy Communion as a member of the Church.

Confirmation is person choosing to be a member of the Church. It is the step that the person must choose to do for themselves- like Reconciliation, the vocational Sacraments et.al. The age at which this happens can be as early as 10 or 12 or as late as 18 (as was the norm in my Parish).

Hope that helps.

Ok…so because I’m not confirmed yet but will begin the process to soon (by way of RCIA this fall/winter) I shouldn’t be taking communion? I have never heard this…I’m 22 by the way if that is any help at all. Sorry to be annoying about this, I’m just confused. Thanks.

 

[axolotl]

Celia:

Ok…so because I’m not confirmed yet but will begin the process to soon (by way of RCIA this fall/winter) I shouldn’t be taking communion? I have never heard this…I’m 22 by the way if that is any help at all. Sorry to be annoying about this, I’m just confused. Thanks.

If were baptized Catholic and made your First Communion, you’re fine.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that children were allowed to make their First Communions before they were confirmed.

There are several threads here about confirmation age, combining with First Communion, etc.

 

[Celia]

axolotl:

If were baptized Catholic and made your First Communion, you’re fine.

It wasn’t until the early 20th century that children were allowed to make their First Communions before they were confirmed.

There are several threads here about confirmation age, combining with First Communion, etc.

Ok, good. I was a little worried there for a second. Thanks!

 

[NotWorthy]

I think the confusion arose when the poster said a confirmed Catholic could receive Communion. I hope they meant to say a Catholic that is in a state of mortal sin can not receive communion. When you are in a state of mortal sin, you are not in communion with Christ, and hence, the church. I think this is the main reason non-Catholics can not receive Communion, because they are not in communion with the Church, and hence (by our system, since it is our Mass), not in Communion with God.

NotWorthy

 

[Philthy]

justathought:

My apologies; I am no Protestant without my Scripture to back it up. Turn with me to Revelation 17. We read about the woman and the beast, and in the 9th verse: “This calls for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman sits.”

The Catholic Encyclopedia itself states: “It is within the city of Rome, called the city of seven hills, that the entire area of Vatican State proper is now confined” (The Catholic Encyclopedia, Thomas Nelson, 1976, s.v. “Rome”).

Rome is actually the only city on seven hills with as much history and background in Christianity as it does. About 2000 years of history. In his writing from Rome in 1 Peter 5:13, Peter even calls Rome: Babylon.

Now I am not saying this has anything to do with Catholics, I just find it interesting that the whore of Revelation sits in Rome.

Prayerfully and honestly read this for a commentary on Revelation 17. And be sure to read through the end.

pbc.org/dp/stedman/revelation/4208.html

Peace be upon all who read this

I read some of it - what can I say? Its an interpretation among interpretations from some nobody. What should I do with it? Beleive it? I don’t even know the guy (Stedman), why should I believe him? I haven’t a clue what Revelation is talking about - Ive only read it once. Of this I am certain: there is also a solid interpretation to justify the Catholic position as well, and the JW interpretation, and Evangelicals, etc etc. I tried to follow his link to read who he even is, but the page is no longer functioning…

Thank you - I know you mean well and I appreciate it

Phil

 

[catsrus]

originally posted by NotWorthy
I think the confusion arose when the poster said a confirmed Catholic could receive Communion. I hope they meant to say a Catholic that is in a state of mortal sin can not receive communion.

True. If you reread my post I did say that a Catholic in a state of mortal sin must abstain.

Originally posted by Celia
Ok, I haven’t read through this whole thread so forgive me if this issue has already been addressed…but what do you mean by confirmed Catholic? Like the sacrament of confirmation? Because how can that be? You have First Holy Communion in like 2nd grade and aren’t confirmed until say, 8th grade or later. All that time the person isn’t confirmed.
This is the first time I’ve heard this and it makes me a little confused. Especially since I’m not confirmed yet but I have recieved the other sacraments…communion, penance, etc.
Help me out here.

Because I am a convert who was Confirmed and received 1st Eucharist at the Mass at which I was Confirmed. I was 55 years old.
I was Baptised at 15 in a lutheran church which is a Baptism recognized by Holy Mother Church.
I was taught in R.C.I.A., which I attended for 3 years prior to my Confirmation, that one may not receive the Eucharist until one is in full communion with The Catholic Church.
Penance,yes, Eucharist, no.

 

[BarrenCross]

So, when did being a follower of Christ turn into something that appears to be as complicated as the U.S. tax code?

 

[Sheeds]

This probably sounds really hypocritical of me (as a Catholic in its true meaning), particularly because from what I have just read on other threads is that taking communion in a protestant church is a mortal sin for a Catholic… but from a “moral” point of view, I cannot see how I committed in taking communion at a baptist church and at a lutheran church, whilst discovering my relationship with the Lord a few years ago. Although I believe in the Catholic church foremostly. I believe in God moreso! And I think that one can have a relationship with God regardless of the church they belong to… because at the end of the day, it is YOU and your relationship with the LORD that counts! And at the time (due to ignorance and immaturity and lack of knowledge) I felt that having communion at these protestant churches was just allowing me to further connect with the Lord… so should I now go to confession… or just reconcile my sins through prayer with my personal relationship with the Lord!!!