Holy Communion in Protestant Traditions

Holy Communion (Eucharist/Last Supper/Lord's Supper)

  • Second sacrament in Protestant traditions.
  • Follows the pattern Jesus set at the Last Supper (Matthew 26, Luke 22).
  • Jesus said the bread is His body and the wine is His blood for the New Covenant.
  • The central question is how to interpret Jesus's words, "This is my body."

Transubstantiation (Roman Catholic Church)

  • Meaning: The substance (essence) of the bread and wine is transformed into the actual body and blood of Christ.
  • Based on the literal interpretation of Jesus's words: "This is my body."
  • The appearance, taste, smell, and feel (accidents) of the bread and wine remain unchanged.
  • Analogy: Like in "Freaky Friday," the outward appearance stays the same, but the internal essence changes.
  • Hocus Pocus Origin: The term may originate from the Latin phrase "hoc est corpus meum," which translates to "This is my body."
  • Strict practice: Only Catholics who have undergone their first communion are allowed to partake.
  • Reasoning: To avoid disrespect or mistreatment of what they believe to be the true body of Christ.

Consubstantiation (Lutheran Churches)

  • Belief: Christ is literally present in the bread and wine, but the bread and wine are not transformed.
  • Christ's body and blood are present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine.
  • Retains the real presence of Christ in communion but moves away from the Catholic idea of transubstantiation.
  • There is variation in practice among Lutheran churches regarding who can participate in communion.
  • Goal: retain the real presence of Christ in communion, but move away from the Catholic understanding of communion

Communion as Remembrance (Baptist, Non-Denominational Churches)

  • Emphasis: "Do this in remembrance of me."
  • Interpretation: Jesus's words "This is my body" are taken figuratively and spiritually.
  • Purpose: Remembering Christ's Last Supper and being grateful for His sacrifice.
  • Practice: Many denominations practice communion as a remembrance even if their official doctrine differs slightly.

Points of Agreement Among Different Views

  • Use of bread and wine (or juice) as Jesus did.
  • Bread represents Jesus's body (appearing like flesh).
  • Wine/juice represents Jesus's blood (fruit of the vine).
  • Importance of communion as commanded by Jesus.

Points of Disagreement Among Different Views

  • Meaning of "This is my body."
  • Who can receive:
    • Catholic Church: Only Catholics.
    • Some churches: Only baptized believers.
    • Other churches: Open to anyone.
  • Who can officiate:
    • Many denominations: Ordained elders or pastors.
    • Some denominations: Any Christian.