The Eucharist as a symbol

[exiled]

Did any of the early church fathers believe/write/teach that the Lord’s Supper was a symbol, as Protestants believe?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Did any of the early church fathers believe/write/teach that the Lord’s Supper was a symbol, as Protestants believe?

No, There are many who speak of “the “bread” we eat as the flesh of our Lord”, “the Eucharist we eat as the Body of Christ”.

 

[awalt]

Here is a list of citations from the Early Church Fathers on the Sacrifice of the Mass:

catholic.com/library/Sacrifice_of_the_Mass.asp

 

[exiled]

Thanks to both of you. I am aware of the ECF’s that write/speak/teach the True Presence, I’m trying to find a paper trail of the Protestant claim.

 

[bsdman]

The key with the early Church Fathers is the frequency and commonality amoung them of the words “sacrifice” and “alter”. Nearly all of them used it when describing the eucharist. A sacrifice is not a symbol.

In the Jewish tradition, before ritual sacrifices were ceased, real animals were used - not symbols of them. They made sacrifices at the “alter”, which implies a sacrifice. An alter is not an alter unless there is a sacrifice.

It is clear that the Father of the Church believed in the real presence whenever they use the word “sacrifice”, and thus it is what we believe.

 

[wmscott]

Thanks to both of you. I am aware of the ECF’s that write/speak/teach the True Presence, I’m trying to find a paper trail of the Protestant claim.

If the Protestant has made the claim, then have them provide you the documntation to support thier claim.