2006-11-10 06:08:29 · 7 answers · asked by chiguy 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Protestants do indeed have communion, but it's symbolically different from the Catholic concept of Holy Communion.
Catholics believe in transubstantiation--i.e. the host and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. Those who partake must be in a state of grace, and can be denied Communion for many reasons.
Among many Protestants [and I can only speak for the UCC in a Blue State], communion is not transubstantiation. It's a remembrance, and also a call to any and all worshipers that they are welcome at God's Table. No one is denied because of anything they have done in their past. In fact, Communion can be seen as a new beginning, and a chance to clear the slate and join in fellowship and celebration.
No one is turned away. This is why I'm Protestant. The inclusion and forgiveness of my particular branch appeals to me.
2006-11-10 06:27:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Catholics think holy communion is 'considerably' (that's, in its very essence) the Body and Blood of Christ. They differentiate among the 'species' (outward look - style, contact, odor) and 'substance' (interior truth). Upon the altar, whilst consecrated, the 'substance' alterations from bread/wine to Body/Blood, despite the fact that the 'species' stays the equal - a doctrine referred to as 'transubstantiation'. Protestants don't seem to be unified on this. There are 3 methods: a million. The Lutherans agree that holy communion is 'considerably' the Body and Blood of Christ, however they deny that 'transubstantiation' happens. They have a tendency to preserve (with Luther) that, whilst consecrated, the 'substance' of the Body and Blood looks 'in, with, and along' the 'substance' of the bread and wine, in order that each are reward even as, a notion they name 'consubstantiation'. two. Calvinists, following John Calvin and consisting often of Presbyterians and Reformed Christians, preserve that holy communion is a 'signal and a seal' of the New Covenant. They will by and large verify that Jesus is real reward in a few truly manner, however no longer 'considerably' - they by and large safeguard a 'non secular' presence of a few type, within the variety of a signal. three. The 'Zwinglian' interpretation, held by means of Ulrich Zwingli and held by means of so much Baptists, Evangelicals, and non-denominational Christians, denies that Christ is uniquely reward in any respect in holy communion, which they regard as a trifling image and not anything extra. These positions approximately correlate with the emphasis those Christians position upon the Eucharist, and the way usually it's celebrated.
2016-09-01 10:26:06 · answer #2 · answered by degregorio 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most Protestants do observe communion. But they do not believe that the communion elements are actually changed into the body and blood of Christ. They teach that they only symbolic the body and blood. So they have less "power" (no the right word, but best I could think of) then in the Catholic beliefs. Communion is seen only as a ritual, a reminder of what Christ did. So the taking of the elements is not as "essential" to their salvation as it is to most Catholics. So Protestants tend to serve Communion less frequently. My church as the elements available before our mid-week service for anyone who wants to take them. Usually once a 4 to 6 months we will also do it "as a body" on a Sunday morning. But it is not an "every service" thing like in the Catholic church.
2006-11-10 06:21:55 · answer #3 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Protestants, Lutheran's do have communion. There are not any that don't. So I wonder who told you that they do not have communion ? I have good knowledge and have partook of the communions in the Protestant/Lutheran Church. It is in memory of the blood and bread of Christ. The wine stands for the blood that was shed by Jesus on the Cross and bread is a symbol of the body of Christ, who suffered on the cross. That is what it all means.
2006-11-10 06:30:15 · answer #4 · answered by Norskeyenta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the Protestant Church I have attended in the past and do in the present time frame have communion on the first Sunday of the month along with certain other Holy Events
2006-11-10 06:24:26 · answer #5 · answered by Marvin R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm curious, which Protestant faiths don't have communion? I was raised Protestant and we had it so I just figured they all did. I'd love to learn more if you could tell me which faiths don't practice communion.
2006-11-10 06:17:41 · answer #6 · answered by misskate12001 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ritualized cannabilism. eating "flesh" and drinking "blood". these people are sick.
2006-11-10 06:17:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋