Protestant communion

[shondrea]

Hallo there all.

I was raised a cradle Catholic, though a rather poorly educated one (There’s a reason we lightheartedly callde it Cut, Color and Draw!) and in fact, I would honestly say 75% of what I know about being Catholic, I’ve learned on my own in the last month or so.

But ANYway, that’s now my point and I’m rambling. During my research, I’ve learned the Catholic meaning behind communion and the Eucherist, and why we do the action we do. Also, another new fact I’ve learned is that such a procession is not used outside of the Catholic church, which I never knew. When I learned my friend’s Baptist church took communion with grape juice once a month, I’m fairly sure my face was along the lines of o.o

So my question is, how to other denoniations take or celebrate communion?

 

[SonofLorcan_IL]

Each protestant communion partakes in something different in regards to communion. The mainline protestant groups (Anglican/Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Methodist) typically use bread and wine (although even in Methodist and Presbyterian churches this practice varies) and they generally believe in a “real presence” type of doctrine but not the same way a Catholics. The evangelicals take communion usually once and month or once a quarter, although some take it daily and weekly, it depends on the church. Evangelicals typically believe communion is not a sacrifice and just in memory of what Jesus did two thousand years ago. I grew up Baptist and we had communion on the first Sunday and it was for any “believer” present. Hope that helps!

 

[MatthewBerkeley]

I remember reading somewhere on this site that Protestant communion takes on a relative significance in accordance with the faith of the receiver, whereas Catholic communion has a fundamental reality regardless of whether you believe it is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord or not.

God bless

 

[geekborj]

I remember reading somewhere on this site that Protestant communion takes on a relative significance in accordance with the faith of the receiver, whereas Catholic communion has a fundamental reality regardless of whether you believe it is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord or not.

God bless

This is well written.

The Catholic Eucharist is the most unique of all “real presence.” No other church can compare the mystery that was passed on by Christ that Holy Thursday that culminated that Friday that we call Good.

If you want to believe that something is real, that reality must persist until their appearance deteriorate. This is not so for the “real presence” of non-catholic belief.

Catholics believe that Christ gave himself to Men truly and in the fullest sense of giving himself – body and spirit. Just like the marriage between a man and wife, each gives their respective body and soul to each other. No condoms, no withdrawals – open to new life in each marital act.

Communion to the Catholic Eucharist makes you real Christian and partakers of the one Body and Spirit of Christ making all of Catholics one.

 

[shark76z]

As you know, both the Catholic Church, as well as the Orthodox, takes the Holy Eucharist as a literal transformation. Some Protestants accept some form of the Real Presence of Christ, but not as “deep” as these two.

Lutherans believe that the true Body and Blood of Christ is present “under the forms” of bread and wine. Most Methodists and many Anglicans follow a similar doctrine.

Other Protestants (eg. Baptists, Pentecostals, etc.) follow that the Body and Blood are not truly present. Rather, the bread and wine are “symbols of Christ”.

 

[Publisher]

A statement from Wittier Friends Church (A Quaker Meeting)…

"The Quaker ideal is to make every meal at every table a Lord’s Supper. Again, the reality lies, not in the nature of the material substance, but in the way it stirs the heart of every partaker. The Quakers, and all Christians, are called upon to remember Christ every time bread is broken.

Friends understand and appreciate the fact that other Christians feel the need of ceremonial observances. In fact, we may share this with them, when invited to do so. However, the life to which we are called is one which is deeper than all ceremonies and outward observance.

Friends use the words “baptism” and “communion” to describe the experience of Christ’s presence and his ministry in worship. John the Baptist was pointing to this when he said: “I have baptized with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” Worship reaches its goal when those who worship feel the baptism of the Spirit. Communion occurs when the worshiper communes with God and with those who are gathered in the Lord’s name.

The presence of Christ with his church does not occur by symbol or representation, but in the real communication of his Spirit. If the believer experiences such spiritual baptism and communion, then no rite or ritual is necessary; whereas, if the rite or ritual is observed without the inward transformation which these outward sacraments are intended to symbolize, then the observances become meaningless and hypocritical."

 

[Mickey]

However, the life to which we are called is one which is deeper than all ceremonies and outward observance.

Wow! Such an insulting article!

Nothing is deeper or more meaning than receiving the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is the focus of the Liturgy. It is the pinnacle of our lives as Christians. All meaning of our Christian exsistence begins with the Eucharist. It is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ.

To claim that it is some ritualistic ceremony or outward observance is blasphemy.

 

[Publisher]

Wow! Such an insulting article!

Nothing is deeper or more meaning than receiving the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is the focus of the Liturgy. It is the pinnacle of our lives as Christians. All meaning of our Christian exsistence begins with the Eucharist. It is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ.

To claim that it is some ritualistic ceremony or outward observance is blasphemy.

How can it be that the beliefs not shared by you of a different tradition is “insulting”?

I do not believe in your tradtions…but I am not “insulted” that you hold them.

Friends believe in the Real Presence of Christ among us in Meeting…that we do not share your particular belief in the “bread and wine” is hardly meant as an “insult” to you.

This type of reasoning is something that goes way beyond my understanding…how is it that someone else’s beliefs are “insulting” to you is beyond me.

“Communion occurs when the worshiper communes with God and with those who are gathered in the Lord’s name.” Friends do not seek to forbid partaking in the eucharist by other Christians…we may even join with them in partaking if we so desire AND we are asked to do so. If celebrating such rituals and rites brings one closer to Christ…we rejoice with you…we do not ask you to abandon your beliefs…we simply do not share them.

One of the reasons Friends do not put “faith” in rituals and rites is because unless those rituals and rites engender true spiritual change and cause the believer to go deeper into Christ…they are no effect…if partaking in the eucharist calls you to be gentle, merciful, compassionate, longsuffering with others and you see the face of Jesus in others…then Friends believe the “goal” of such “rituals” have been met…but if partaking in such rituals make no outward change…if such rituals do not cause a deep spiritual awakening but instead cause anger and scorn for others…we wonder…why such stress is placed on “empty forms”.

 

[JonNC]

I remember reading somewhere on this site that Protestant communion takes on a relative significance in accordance with the faith of the receiver, whereas Catholic communion has a fundamental reality regardless of whether you believe it is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of our Lord or not.

God bless

First, there is no such thing as a “Protestant communion”.

More importantly, in keeping with scripture, Lutherans believe that even evil and unrepentant recieve His body and blood, though to their condemnation.

The Formula of Concord:

66] Therefore all the ancient Christian teachers expressly, and in full accord with the entire holy Christian Church, teach, according to these words of the institution of Christ and the explanation of St. Paul, that the body of Christ is not only received spiritually by faith, which occurs also outside of [the use of] the Sacrament, but also orally, not only by believing and godly, but also by unworthy, unbelieving, false, and wicked Christians.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

Nothing is deeper or more meaning than receiving the most precious Body and Blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. It is the focus of the Liturgy. It is the pinnacle of our lives as Christians. All meaning of our Christian exsistence begins with the Eucharist. It is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

=shark76z;6357040]
Lutherans believe that the true Body and Blood of Christ is present “under the forms” of bread and wine. Most Methodists and many Anglicans follow a similar doctrine.

Under the forms, as you put it, is not necessarily a statement regarding accidents and substance for Lutherans. When the elements of bread and wine are consecrated, they are the body and blood of Christ. It is a mystery.

Jon

 

[Mickey]

How can it be that the beliefs not shared by you of a different tradition is “insulting”?

When your tradition insults the Holy Eucharist—I am surely not going to respect the comments. Sheesh!

I do not believe in your tradtions…but I am not “insulted” that you hold them.

I’m not asking you to believe in the Sacred Traditions which reflect Sacred Scripture. I’m asking you to stop posting insulting articles.

Friends believe in the Real Presence of Christ among us in Meeting…that we do not share your particular belief in the “bread and wine” is hardly meant as an “insult” to you.

I do not insult the “friends”.
But the “friends” call the tenet of my faith “ceremony”, “ritual”, and “outward observance”. It is a subtle way of insulting our faith.

This type of reasoning is something that goes way beyond my understanding…how is it that someone else’s beliefs are “insulting” to you is beyond me.

I will repeat. The article insulted our celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Friends do not seek to forbid partaking in the eucharist by other Christians.

Glad to hear.

If celebrating such rituals and rites brings one closer to Christ.

It is the main sacrament of our Church as instituted by Jesus Christ. It is the partaking of Christ Himself.

Your insults are tiresome.

 

[Lapey]

How can it be that the beliefs not shared by you of a different tradition is “insulting”?

I do not believe in your tradtions…but I am not “insulted” that you hold them.

Friends believe in the Real Presence of Christ among us in Meeting…that we do not share your particular belief in the “bread and wine” is hardly meant as an “insult” to you.

This type of reasoning is something that goes way beyond my understanding…how is it that someone else’s beliefs are “insulting” to you is beyond me.

“Communion occurs when the worshiper communes with God and with those who are gathered in the Lord’s name.” Friends do not seek to forbid partaking in the eucharist by other Christians…we may even join with them in partaking if we so desire AND we are asked to do so. If celebrating such rituals and rites brings one closer to Christ…we rejoice with you…we do not ask you to abandon your beliefs…we simply do not share them.

One of the reasons Friends do not put “faith” in rituals and rites is because unless those rituals and rites engender true spiritual change and cause the believer to go deeper into Christ…they are no effect…if partaking in the eucharist calls you to be gentle, merciful, compassionate, longsuffering with others and you see the face of Jesus in others…then Friends believe the “goal” of such “rituals” have been met…but if partaking in such rituals make no outward change…if such rituals do not cause a deep spiritual awakening but instead cause anger and scorn for others…we wonder…why such stress is placed on “empty forms”.

“The presence of Christ with his church does not occur by symbol or representation, but in the real communication of his Spirit. If the believer experiences such spiritual baptism and communion, then no rite or ritual is necessary; whereas, if the rite or ritual is observed without the inward transformation which these outward sacraments are intended to symbolize, then the observances become meaningless and hypocritical."

You didn’t just say you disagreed with the beliefs and practices; you posted information that called Christ in the Eucharist “meaningless and hypocritical”.

Does that bring light into your ignorance of why people are insulted by what you posted? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that your post would rub Catholics in the wrong way. If you don’t see this then I’m glad you are not a rocket scientist.

 

[Publisher]

Peace to you friend.

 

[Publisher]

When your tradition insults the Holy Eucharist—I am surely not going to respect the comments. Sheesh!
I’m not asking you to believe in the Sacred Traditions which reflect Sacred Scripture. I’m asking you to stop posting insulting articles.
I do not insult the “friends”.
But the “friends” call the tenet of my faith “ceremony”, “ritual”, and “outward observance”. It is a subtle way of insulting our faith.
I will repeat. The article insulted our celebration of the Holy Eucharist.

Glad to hear.
It is the main sacrament of our Church as instituted by Jesus Christ. It is the partaking of Christ Himself.

Your insults are tiresome.

Peace to you friend.

 

[Publisher]

“The presence of Christ with his church does not occur by symbol or representation, but in the real communication of his Spirit. If the believer experiences such spiritual baptism and communion, then no rite or ritual is necessary; whereas, **if the rite or ritual is observed without the inward transformation which these **outward sacraments are intended to symbolize, then the observances become meaningless and hypocritical."

You didn’t just say you disagreed with the beliefs and practices; you posted information that called Christ in the Eucharist “meaningless and hypocritical”.

Does that bring light into your ignorance of why people are insulted by what you posted? It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that your post would rub Catholics in the wrong way. If you don’t see this then I’m glad you are not a rocket scientist.

I accept my ignorance. Since no insult was intended…why is one taken? If posting ones beliefs in the “Non-Catholic” section in answer to the topic of “Protestant communion” and how it is viewed is an “insult”…then I am guilty…I’m guilty of answering a question posed to me as a Protestant and a member of CAF…honestly and truthfully.

I too am glad I am not a rocket scientist…I hate higher math…I’m not good at it at all.

 

[Mickey]

You didn’t just say you disagreed with the beliefs and practices; you posted information that called Christ in the Eucharist “meaningless and hypocritical”.

Exactly.

 

[Lapey]

I accept my ignorance. Since no insult was intended…why is one taken? If posting ones beliefs in the “Non-Catholic” section in answer to the topic of “Protestant communion” and how it is viewed is an “insult”…then I am guilty…I’m guilty of answering a question posed to me as a Protestant and a member of CAF…honestly and truthfully.

I too am glad I am not a rocket scientist…I hate higher math…I’m not good at it at all.

You still don’t see the error in your post???

 

[Publisher]

You still don’t see the error in your post???

I see I stated Quaker belief concerning communion in the Non-Catholic section under the thread about “Protestant Communion”…I understand this belief is felt to be “insulting” to a couple of Catholics and Orthodox…I would bow to your sensibility and will be willing to restate Quaker belief if you instruct me how to state it without insulting you.

 

[Mickey]

I understand this belief is felt to be “insulting” to a couple of Catholics and Orthodox

It is insulting to ALL Catholics and Orthodox.