Growing up in a "closed communion" Baptist church, it took me awhile to figure out that communion should include anyone who chooses to partake of it, rather than be an exclusive kind of religious habit. One of the most moving communions I ever participated in was in London, UK at St. Paul's Cathedral when we were attending the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Birmingham, UK. Although I'm pretty sure the priests giving the wine and bread to participants only intended Church of England members to partake, we were bold enough to get in line with people from all around the world--some in their "native" dress. It was quite meaningful to share that with such a diverse community of believers. Considering the many thoughts we humans have as we participate in something like this--a ritual of faith--I suspect that none of our hearts are pure and far too often we take it for granted without much thought at all. I believe God must smile at us and our attitudes, our condemnation of others and our own lack of worthiness and understanding. May those who allow abortion issues to be a litmus test also see the taking of life for crimes or for hoping to find a new way of life in a country that has always promised so much as distressing as abortion. I pray for this president as his faith urges him to continue to find more humane and just ways to "welcome the stranger."
That experience at BWA sounds like a wonderful witness to the unity and diversity of Christ's Church made visible when communion is celebrated. Thanks for sharing! - Beau
Your article made me chase a rabbit that I do not understand and probably do not want to catch. What did Paul mean when he wrote about eating this bread and drinking this cup "in an unworthy manner" in I Corinthians 11: 27-32? Is it the naughty boys sipping grape juice in the basement after church or is it trivializing the death of Jesus so that it has no standards? JBC
Friends Brian & Beau (as Dr. D. would say; Beau, Brian can explain that to you), another informative, thought provoking and challenging article. Very much appreciated. I do share with you my observations. First, I have never considered the Lord's Supper/Communion as a sacrament. I don't believe I am any more "saved" by taking of the two symbols than I am by attending worship each week. I can find nothing in the words of Jesus from the institution of the ordinance which provides a sacramental basis. Understanding, that within the Roman Catholic tradition, it is of course, a sacrament. Second, we need to remember the basis for the ordinance. It is in the Passover. Any Christian who has been blessed to take part in a Seder meal, should quickly recognize that the final taking of the matzo and cup appears to be what Jesus was doing in the upper room. While the Passover represents a deliverance, it is not a salvation event, as we Christians use that term. Third, according to Paul's teaching (received from the risen Jesus) the taking of the bread and wine is a simple act of remembrance, not salvation. When we observe the ordinance we very simply are showing (or proclaiming) Jesus' death until he comes. Having shared this, I certainly realize within the context of the article as it relates to Presidents Biden's faith, the manner in which it was approached was dictated by Roman Catholic doctrine. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, as always, for reading! For reasons of space, we didn't wade into the deep waters of various sacramental theologies around communion practices but your understanding of what happens at the table is mine as well. Glad we could provoke these reflections! - Beau
Does the Christian faith President Biden practiced condone the unqualified human tragedy his immigration policy has generated on our boarder with Mexico? Specifically, dramatic increases in drug shipments, human trafficking, along with the suffering of those who pay “bad people” to lead them across hundreds of miles of hot, dangerous and desperate conditions supplemented by rape, torture and abuse. All of these horrible conditions were readily foreseeable when Biden changed American policy on undocumented entrants into this country. We are blessed to have a forgiving God! ( bet big bucks this comment does not see the light of day!)
Immigration is a topic we can (and will) cover on another day. The U.S. immigration system is obviously broken but the degree to which President Biden is responsible for the effects you cite is highly questionable, given these long-standing issues and his short tenure in office. Regardless, on the question of how to approach migration policy, that is an area where the USCCB and the Biden Administration are much closer in agreement. - Beau
Biden drastically altered US policy. The response by potential immigrants was clearly foreseeable. Yet, no plans were implemented to provide for those who responded to Biden’s invitation ( please see debate statements, including a promise of free health care.) Biden’s responsibility is obvious and apparent to anyone who is willing to see.
Just to demonstrate that not all my thoughts are political, I would note in response to W B Tichenor, that Lutherans also view communion as a sacrament. Being raised in that denomination, I can add that Lutherans do not view the proceeding as symbolic. I guess that takes a leap of faith… but, in a sense that is what Christianity is at its core! Glad Public Witness exists!
Growing up in a "closed communion" Baptist church, it took me awhile to figure out that communion should include anyone who chooses to partake of it, rather than be an exclusive kind of religious habit. One of the most moving communions I ever participated in was in London, UK at St. Paul's Cathedral when we were attending the Baptist World Alliance meeting in Birmingham, UK. Although I'm pretty sure the priests giving the wine and bread to participants only intended Church of England members to partake, we were bold enough to get in line with people from all around the world--some in their "native" dress. It was quite meaningful to share that with such a diverse community of believers. Considering the many thoughts we humans have as we participate in something like this--a ritual of faith--I suspect that none of our hearts are pure and far too often we take it for granted without much thought at all. I believe God must smile at us and our attitudes, our condemnation of others and our own lack of worthiness and understanding. May those who allow abortion issues to be a litmus test also see the taking of life for crimes or for hoping to find a new way of life in a country that has always promised so much as distressing as abortion. I pray for this president as his faith urges him to continue to find more humane and just ways to "welcome the stranger."
That experience at BWA sounds like a wonderful witness to the unity and diversity of Christ's Church made visible when communion is celebrated. Thanks for sharing! - Beau
Your article made me chase a rabbit that I do not understand and probably do not want to catch. What did Paul mean when he wrote about eating this bread and drinking this cup "in an unworthy manner" in I Corinthians 11: 27-32? Is it the naughty boys sipping grape juice in the basement after church or is it trivializing the death of Jesus so that it has no standards? JBC
Diving deep into the rabbit hole with you, this article provides some illumination: http://www.religion.emory.edu/faculty/robbins/SRI/Examples/texts/paul/paul20.cfm. - Beau
Friends Brian & Beau (as Dr. D. would say; Beau, Brian can explain that to you), another informative, thought provoking and challenging article. Very much appreciated. I do share with you my observations. First, I have never considered the Lord's Supper/Communion as a sacrament. I don't believe I am any more "saved" by taking of the two symbols than I am by attending worship each week. I can find nothing in the words of Jesus from the institution of the ordinance which provides a sacramental basis. Understanding, that within the Roman Catholic tradition, it is of course, a sacrament. Second, we need to remember the basis for the ordinance. It is in the Passover. Any Christian who has been blessed to take part in a Seder meal, should quickly recognize that the final taking of the matzo and cup appears to be what Jesus was doing in the upper room. While the Passover represents a deliverance, it is not a salvation event, as we Christians use that term. Third, according to Paul's teaching (received from the risen Jesus) the taking of the bread and wine is a simple act of remembrance, not salvation. When we observe the ordinance we very simply are showing (or proclaiming) Jesus' death until he comes. Having shared this, I certainly realize within the context of the article as it relates to Presidents Biden's faith, the manner in which it was approached was dictated by Roman Catholic doctrine. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, as always, for reading! For reasons of space, we didn't wade into the deep waters of various sacramental theologies around communion practices but your understanding of what happens at the table is mine as well. Glad we could provoke these reflections! - Beau
Understand, wasn't really calling for a response to my response. Have a great weekend - Bart
Does the Christian faith President Biden practiced condone the unqualified human tragedy his immigration policy has generated on our boarder with Mexico? Specifically, dramatic increases in drug shipments, human trafficking, along with the suffering of those who pay “bad people” to lead them across hundreds of miles of hot, dangerous and desperate conditions supplemented by rape, torture and abuse. All of these horrible conditions were readily foreseeable when Biden changed American policy on undocumented entrants into this country. We are blessed to have a forgiving God! ( bet big bucks this comment does not see the light of day!)
Immigration is a topic we can (and will) cover on another day. The U.S. immigration system is obviously broken but the degree to which President Biden is responsible for the effects you cite is highly questionable, given these long-standing issues and his short tenure in office. Regardless, on the question of how to approach migration policy, that is an area where the USCCB and the Biden Administration are much closer in agreement. - Beau
Biden drastically altered US policy. The response by potential immigrants was clearly foreseeable. Yet, no plans were implemented to provide for those who responded to Biden’s invitation ( please see debate statements, including a promise of free health care.) Biden’s responsibility is obvious and apparent to anyone who is willing to see.
Just to demonstrate that not all my thoughts are political, I would note in response to W B Tichenor, that Lutherans also view communion as a sacrament. Being raised in that denomination, I can add that Lutherans do not view the proceeding as symbolic. I guess that takes a leap of faith… but, in a sense that is what Christianity is at its core! Glad Public Witness exists!