key term - Communion

Definition

Communion is a Christian sacrament or rite that symbolizes the sharing of the body and blood of Jesus Christ through bread and wine, representing unity with God and fellowship among believers. This practice is deeply rooted in the Last Supper, where Jesus established this ritual as a remembrance of his sacrifice. It embodies essential themes of relationship, remembrance, and spiritual nourishment within the faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communion is celebrated in various ways across different Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodoxy, each with unique interpretations and practices.
2. The elements of Communion—bread and wine—symbolize not only Christ's sacrifice but also spiritual sustenance for believers.
3. Many Christians view Communion as a means of grace, believing that participating in it strengthens their relationship with God and the community.
4. The frequency of Communion varies; some churches observe it weekly, while others may do so monthly or on special occasions.
5. Communion is often accompanied by specific prayers and rituals that emphasize repentance, gratitude, and the recognition of Christ's presence.

Review Questions

• How does Communion serve as a symbol of unity among believers?
  • Communion acts as a powerful symbol of unity among believers by bringing them together to partake in the same elements—bread and wine—which represent the body and blood of Christ. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and reinforces the idea that all participants are one body in Christ. By participating in Communion, believers express their collective faith and commitment to follow Jesus together.
• Discuss the significance of the Last Supper in establishing the practice of Communion within Christianity.
  • The Last Supper is significant because it is where Jesus instituted the practice of Communion by sharing bread and wine with his disciples, instructing them to do this in remembrance of him. This event highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission and establishes Communion as a central act of worship in Christianity. By recalling this moment during Communion, Christians acknowledge Jesus' sacrifice and reaffirm their commitment to his teachings.
• Evaluate how different Christian denominations interpret and practice Communion, and what implications this has for inter-denominational relationships.
  • Different Christian denominations interpret Communion in varied ways, such as the belief in transubstantiation in Catholicism versus a symbolic understanding in many Protestant traditions. These differences can lead to challenges in inter-denominational relationships, particularly regarding shared worship practices. However, there are also efforts toward ecumenism that seek to find common ground and foster dialogue about the significance of Communion, emphasizing its role as a unifying practice despite differing theological understandings.

Related terms

Eucharist:

The Eucharist, also known as the Lord's Supper, is another term for Communion, emphasizing the thanksgiving aspect of this sacrament.

Fellowship:

Fellowship refers to the community and connection among believers that is strengthened through shared worship and participation in sacraments like Communion.

Sacrament: A sacrament is a religious ceremony or act that is regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward spiritual realities, with Communion being one of the two primary sacraments in many Christian denominations.