Controversies about the Lord’s Supper
In comparing Roman Catholicism, Zwingli, and Calvinism there were understandings and practices of the Lord’s Supper in the 16th Century that differ within their beliefs, customs and rituals. These customs would help define the different doctrines being practiced by Christians.
During the sixteenth century, the Reformation period there were many controversies that surrounded the Lord’s Supper. However, I will discuss Roman Catholicism, Zwingli and Calvinism mentions Eucharist theologies. We will discuss the uniqueness with each person or religion on reform where these beliefs continue to be studied and debated among theologians and Christians. These beliefs and customs continue to be exercised throughout…show more content… Spiritual eating was the emphasis of the Lord’s supper. There is specific language used during the Lord’s supper. By faith you remember Christ’s death and remembrance is significant here, because the eating of the Lord’s body, and the drinking of the blood. We are instructed to do this in remembrance of the Lord, which is proclaiming the Lord’s death until he comes. These scriptures can be found in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. In verse 24, Christ uses the word ‘is’ meaning this is my body that is for you. Christ is allowing us to become participants in this story or Holy meal. John 6:63; “It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” The flesh is not capable of allowing Christians to experience, but the spirit of Christ allows individuals to experience the Lord’s Supper in the right state of being. In our handout of Zwingli’s theology of the Lord’s supper, discusses “where is Christ? He ascended into heaven. How can he be at the right hand of God the Father and also on all those altars? Can he be in two or more places at once? Luther answer: “ubiquity.” Christ is everywhere. The flesh has been conquered through he cross and we live out these actions everyday, and every time we participate in the Lord’s…show more content… Calvinism has beliefs and uniqueness of their own that is not easy to understand. The Minister speaks words of institution or words of promise before the supper begins. Each theology will belief system has specific words instituted in the Lord’s supper. Calvinism believes Christ has ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit is present during the communion and the spirit lifts the souls up into heaven to continue communing with Christ and one another. This celebration takes place while everyone is gathered around the communion table. “That sacred communication of his own flesh and blood by which Christ pours his life into us, just as if he were to penetrate into the marrow of our bones, he witnessed and attests in the Supper” (Maunder 2011). Christ ascension is recognized, but Calvinism reaches further and declares the Christian soul is taken up into heaven when the individual participate in communion. There Bible list numerous scriptures that discuss what happens to our souls when we experience death. Revelation 21:4; “he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” The scriptures pertaining to the soul discussed death, where the individual is being rewarded for maintaining their faith in Christ. I
