children taking communion? Some think that they should wait until they have a full understanding, others think they just have to be saved. What do you think? Does the bible say anything specific about children?
2007-02-04 15:15:02 · 17 answers · asked by xoxoxo 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
"Do not prevent the little ones from coming unto me" In the Eastern Church they recieve alot earlier than they do here.
2007-02-04 15:24:00 · answer #1 · answered by Midge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Communion is a symbol of accepting Jesus as your personal Savior (being Biblically born again salvation). Communion is one of two ordinances. Baptism is a public symbol of Jesus dying on the cross. Communion is a personal rememberance of Jesus dying on the cross.
If a child does not understand salvation, why should they go through the motions as if they had. The Bible is very strong on this subject. ! Corinthians 11:23 - 34 talks about communion (aka the Lord's supper). Specifically verse 27 "Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord."
Communion should be a time of repentance. Verse 28 says: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup." Before we eat the bread or drink the cup, we are commanded to examine ourselves (1 Cornthians 13) and confess any unconfessed sin. Children who havent accepted Christ do not fully understand the sin nature. That is why some parents do not want their children to take communion until they have been baptized.
2007-02-04 23:38:40 · answer #2 · answered by Jon G 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was a member of a Lutheran church for several years. The children started taking classes on communion beginning in the 5th grade. The classes taught what the bible says about communion and they were taught respect for the act. Once they finished the class they were allowed to take communion.
2007-02-04 23:21:07 · answer #3 · answered by Stormilutionist Chasealogist 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have a BA in Religious Studies. Various religions all have rites of passage but communion is specific to Christianity. Various Christians explain it in different ways. The Catholics seem to have the best way of doing it. Children, usually in first or second grade learn about the Eucharist and begin participating in it. They do not usually understand what it is and the adults are fine with that because it isnt until much older, about half way through High School but whenever they CHOOSE to, they partake in another rite of passages, Confirmation. It is at this time that the Church asks and teaches teenagers what the religion is all about but the person is asked repeatedly if this is THEIR choosing. Personally, I disagree with the whole "being saved" attitude. It puts the wrong images in the child's mind regarding what religion is and who they are.
2007-02-04 23:27:41 · answer #4 · answered by Michael 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus did speak of children. He encouraged people to bring their children into religious discussions and allow them to approach Jesus on their own.
But he did not specifically teach us to give children communion or baptism. I agree that communion, prayers of salvation, and baptism should be held off until the child requests to take part on their own.
Telling a child he is not "mature enough to understand" is quite condescending and would hurt their feelings. Children can and do have an understanding of God. I just think it should not be expected of them or put on them without their understanding.
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2007-02-04 23:23:08 · answer #5 · answered by cirque de lune 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Bible says that we should examine ourselves before taking communion. We need to confess and repent from any outstanding sins before we take the bread and the wine. Jesus also said "Do this in remembrance of me". A child must be of the age of understanding before he or she takes communion.
2007-02-05 00:58:29 · answer #6 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I was always told I could participate in communion after I was old enough to get baptized when I understood what I was doing. Until then I could sit next to my parents and see what they were doing and start to understand the symbolism. Before then it doesn't make sense to have them participate in something that in their mind amounts to a snack in the middle of church.
2007-02-04 23:26:00 · answer #7 · answered by The GMC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Bible says nothing about communion or anything about children participating in it. That is mainly a Catholic tradition though some other branches of Christianity practice a different form of it called "The Lord's Supper."
2007-02-04 23:21:03 · answer #8 · answered by chrstnwrtr 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I don't know about the bible, but I have to agree that children should not be forced into religious ceremony if they don't fully comprehend it. Children should be allowed to make their own spiritual choices when they're old enough to think for themselves and make a choice like that.
2007-02-04 23:19:38 · answer #9 · answered by swordarkeereon 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
In the Catholic Church, young adults do not receive communion until they've gone through catechism and are thoroughly instructed in the faith, understanding what they are doing.
2007-02-05 00:05:33 · answer #10 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that a child needs to understand why they are taking it. The Bible says that if you are not right when you take it. To examine yourself, and confess your sins. That you can take it to condemnation. In 1 Corn. 15 I think. So a child really needs to be able to discern the truth. They most defiantly need to be saved.
2007-02-04 23:23:03 · answer #11 · answered by salvation 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋