"Taking communion" - What denominations use this phrase?

[Digitonomy]

Typically, we say “celebrating the Lord’s Supper”, but “taking communion” is fine, too.

Who is we?

 

[JoeBlow]

Who is we?

You said “non-Catholics”, didn’t you?

 

[Digitonomy]

You said “non-Catholics”, didn’t you?

I did, but the question was what denominations use that phrasing. It’s not clear whether you’re speaking of Presbyterians, Orthodox, Buddhists, etc.

 

[zografou]

What is the big deal with the word “take”? That is what HE said. “TAKE this, all of you…”. Why would it be improper or make you cringe to use Christ’s own words?

Actually, for those who are really interested to learn what exactly was written as it was written in the original written language of the Gospel (Koine),
Our Lord says: “lavete” which means “receive ye” He did not say “parete” which would be “Take ye”… imprecise translations abound… some more significant than others.

Whether or not a generation sees or acknowledges the difference between “taking” and “receiving” is another matter entirely…
the differece can be seen as a significant difference for those who do see and understand:
-that anyone is able to take most anything,
-but
you can only receive that which is offered to you.

That being said, I’m certain that those who say “taking Communion” do not intend to say what they are precisely saying and are not thinking about all the implications
of the words they use …just as those who translated it imprecisely did not!

Kyrie Eleison!

 

[Ruthie]

Yes, it’s a matter of semantics. My own take on it (groan) is that to “take” communion implies that we are entitled to it; that we deserve it; that it belongs to us by right. To “receive” it doesn’t necessarily have that implication. (Yes, “receive” can have that implication, but its use in that sense is much rarer.)

Before we Catholics receive the Host, we say, “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”

We are not worthy of this great gift, so we don’t “take” it.

Ruthie

 

[Roy5]

PROTESTANTS AND COMMUNION

 Protestants take communon, receive communion, participate in the Lord's Supper, celebrate the Eurcharist - all these and more, depending upon denomination but also local church,  tradition, pastor, etc.  You can have a Methodist Church, for example, that speaks of the Eucharist. Others say communion or Holy Communion. But there are Methodist churches that would observe the Lord's Supper. Worshipers take communion or receive communion. Personally, I think it's a very minor point.

  The far bigger issue, of course, is that few - very, very few - Protestants believe in transubstantiation. They reject the idea that the elements, once consecrated by clergy, become the actual body and blood of Christ. They interpret Christ's words as metaphoric rather than to be taken literally. Just as Jesus said "I am the door" is symbolic language. Lutherans and Episcopalians are likely to have a more elevated view of communion - not transubstantiation, but greater emphasis on the elements. Consubstantiation, in the case of the Lutherans. Many Protestants observe communion one Sunday a month, some less, some more. In some churches it is central that Sunday. In others it is a relatively quick and less important part of the service. Scripture and preaching often are seen as more important. 

   Many Protestants regard transubstantiation as a relic of more superstitious times, borrowed from the mystery religions like Mithraism which believed that if you physically consumed the body and blood of god you become more like god. Some would even tie it in with the primitive practice of cannibalism, which usually had a 'religious' meaning in cultures that practiced it.

    Another major difference is that many Protestant churches practice 'open communion'. They do not exclude Christians of other denominations. Communion is between God and the individual, and whether or not it is valid is not to be decided by a minister or a church.

    In many instances, communion is regarded as a breaking of bread together, somewhat like a actual fellowship meal might be if we were regularly able to have everyone together for such a meal. As the faithful commune with God, they commune with one another.