A
AquinasT
Guest
When the divinity of Christ was being debated in the first few centuries of Christianity, the competing terms homoousios and homoiousios differed only by the Greek letter iota, (from which comes our expression “…not one iota’s difference”), but the Fathers deemed the philosophical difference in the meaning of these words to be great enough to warrant heated debate and finally settled on homoousios for inclusion in the Creed. How many average Christians could today speak intelligently about the implications of these philosophical terms? Probably few.
But just because the average Christian is not well instructed in philosophy or classical logic or complex theological issues does not mean we should abandon the Creed or dumb down our terminology or stop inquiring into divine Mysteries. The term transubstantiation offers a valuable insight into our understanding of what happens in the Mass. If people do not understand the term then they should see that as a reason to study their faith more diligently. Meanwhile it should be noted that it is not necessary to have this great working knowledge of the vocabulary to have a deep faith in the Real Presence. There is something to be said for a simple faith. Still, the doctrine is there for those who wish to explore it.
Thomas
But just because the average Christian is not well instructed in philosophy or classical logic or complex theological issues does not mean we should abandon the Creed or dumb down our terminology or stop inquiring into divine Mysteries. The term transubstantiation offers a valuable insight into our understanding of what happens in the Mass. If people do not understand the term then they should see that as a reason to study their faith more diligently. Meanwhile it should be noted that it is not necessary to have this great working knowledge of the vocabulary to have a deep faith in the Real Presence. There is something to be said for a simple faith. Still, the doctrine is there for those who wish to explore it.
Thomas