Methodists

[Peace-bwu]

Zooey:

I should have pointed out that the Bidding Prayer, is a solid reminder that those who recieve should do so only after repenting of sin…
I do agree that the difference in understanding about Holy Communion is far from a small one!! Nevertheless, I can assure you :yup: that we do take very seriously the need to be at peace with God & our fellows before recieving Holy Communion.
God bless.

that’s good, but the communion is not consecrated, not the body of christ, so you don’t need to worry about desecrating the Body of Christ if you take communion under a state of sin, right? Catholics repent of sin during the Mass just before Communion, but if we are in a state of Mortal sin we must go to confession (aka reconciliation) to be absolved of that sin and be in a state of grace before receiving, or commit the act St. Paul warns about. I must also add that in order to be truly forgiven of sin, one must be firmly intending to “go and sin no more.”

I can assure you :yup: that we do take very seriously the need to be at peace with God & our fellows before recieving Holy Communion.
God bless./

I stressed “very seriously” because of recent public mocking and desecration of the consecrated Eucharist, by selling it on Ebay and making a mockery about it on the sitcom “Committed.” This is deeply painful for Catholics. As mentioned, John Kerry also used the Eucharist as a political statement, taking it in defiance of Church doctrine regarding abortion, and Church authorities (at the time Cardinal Ratzinger) warning that it is unacceptable for Catholic politicians who promote abortion and or euthanasia to receive Communion. They are, of course, encouraged to go to Mass, but they are in a state of public mortal sin, so, aside from what taking the Eucharist in a state of mortal sin implies, it also creates scandal. It is a heretical act.

I hope you didn’t think I was implying that your church doesnt’ take your Communion seriously, it is just a whole different level for Catholics. This is going to be a hot topic, as I think our new Pope is going to enforce his position on this, and these Catholic politicians, along with many who do not understand this teaching will probably be in an uproar about it.

 

[Peace-bwu]

snowman10:

Contarni,

e. Back on topic now, as far as my post on abortion, I think I covered the bases fairly well and gave a fair and balanced look at the wording and stance. If a church does not stand up with moral and ethical standards even in the face of dissent and the risk of losing members, than it is a hollow religion. It may have outward appeal but inwardly it is bare. I would rather have a Church that has stood up for itself for 2000 years than a church that has questionable validity.

I think that what Wabrams said about abortion in a previous post on this thread says enough about Protestantism:

“… just like any other church people twist it to fit their own agenda’s.”

Enough said.

DU

I agree, your post on Methodist abortion view left room for members on either side of the abortion debate to feel warm and fuzzy. It begins with a clear moral stand and ends up with a big BUT IF YOU WANT TO DO IT, AND HAVE A GOOD REASON, ITS OK

It is a medical fact :There is NO medical reason for a partial birth abortion to ever be done, and I guess it’s ok to kill off all the deformed or disabled babies if the parents decide, through prayer, that they want to kill their baby?:bigyikes: This leaves all the wiggle room anyone would ever need.

 

[Zooey]

I am very aware of the ongoing problem with ebay. I have signed the petition to forbid it, in fact; it is horrendous that they would allow this to go on. To desecrate something so holy is pure wickedness, that I don’t even have to share your understanding of Holy Communion to at least partially appreciate!
The Methodist understanding of the presence of Christ is different than the Catholic, however, we do believe that Communion is far more than “just a symbol”. Though less than transubstantion(SP?)…we are closer to the Lutheran churches belief in consubstantion…In the Catholic view, it makes perfect sense that you would need to be confessed before recieving. And frankly, considering what I have witnessed in churches where the elements are considered “symbolic”, I have to say that I deeply admire the Catholic Church’s stance in this area.
In the Methodist church, we do not of course have the confessional. We do, however, make an act of general confession as a part of the service of Holy Communion.
The Bidding Prayer is also a reminder of the seriousness of the sacrament: “You who do truly & earnestly repent of your sins & are in love & charity w/your neighbors, & intend to live a new life following the Commandments of God, & walking henceforth in His holy ways; Draw near w/faith, & take this Holy Sacrament to your comfort,& make your confession to Almighty God”…
I hope this adds to our mutual understanding. God bless.

 

[Zooey]

Peace-bwu:

I agree, your post on Methodist abortion view left room for members on either side of the abortion debate to feel warm and fuzzy. It begins with a clear moral stand and ends up with a big BUT IF YOU WANT TO DO IT, AND HAVE A GOOD REASON, ITS OK
It is a medical fact :There is NO medical reason for a partial birth abortion to ever be done, and I guess it’s ok to kill off all the deformed or disabled babies if the parents decide, through prayer, that they want to kill their baby?:bigyikes: This leaves all the wiggle room anyone would ever need.

I do not disagree!! The wording needs stiffening–lots of it. And a immediate ban on partial birth abortion needs to be in place.There is indeed no reason for it, other than sin & selfishness, which I know that we, as believers in Christ, recognize as the most dangerous epidemic the world faces. We are working on it! I sincerely ask for your prayers, as we try to turn this around. I see some hopeful signs.I am impatient for more.
More than anything else, on this particular topic, I want to thank all my Catholic brothers & sisters for your advocacy for life. Along w/ the Orthodox Jewish community, you have been tirelessly carrying the ball on this one. And God bless you for it!!