Anointing of the Sick

Definition

Anointing of the Sick is a sacramental rite in the Catholic Church, intended to provide spiritual and physical healing to individuals who are seriously ill or near death. This sacrament underscores the belief in God’s compassion and healing power, which was particularly significant during the Protestant Reformation as various religious movements began to question traditional practices and emphasize personal faith over rituals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anointing of the Sick can be administered more than once, depending on the severity of a person's illness or condition.
2. The sacrament includes prayers, the laying on of hands, and anointing with oil, typically olive oil blessed by a bishop.
3. During the Protestant Reformation, leaders like Martin Luther criticized the sacramental system, arguing that faith and grace were sufficient for salvation without the need for rituals.
4. The practice highlights the importance of community support and prayer within the Church, particularly in times of suffering and illness.
5. In contemporary Catholic practice, Anointing of the Sick is seen as a means of receiving comfort, strength, and sometimes physical healing rather than solely as a preparation for death.

Review Questions

• How did the Anointing of the Sick serve as a point of contention during the Protestant Reformation?
  • The Anointing of the Sick became a significant topic during the Protestant Reformation as reformers like Martin Luther challenged traditional Catholic practices. They argued that this sacrament, along with others, placed too much emphasis on rituals rather than on personal faith and direct relationship with God. Reformers believed that salvation came through faith alone and not through sacramental actions, leading to a shift in how illness and healing were perceived within Christian communities.
• Compare the views on Anointing of the Sick held by Catholics and Protestants during and after the Reformation.
  • Catholics continue to view Anointing of the Sick as a vital sacrament that provides grace, healing, and comfort to those who are ill. In contrast, many Protestant denominations moved away from this sacramental view, seeing it more as a ritual lacking scriptural support. While some Protestant groups do recognize anointing for healing prayers, they generally emphasize direct faith in God without relying on prescribed rituals. This divergence illustrates broader theological differences that arose during the Reformation.
• Evaluate how changing attitudes towards Anointing of the Sick reflect broader societal shifts in beliefs about health and spirituality during the Protestant Reformation.
  • The changing attitudes towards Anointing of the Sick during the Protestant Reformation highlight a significant shift in how health and spirituality were perceived within society. The emphasis on individual faith over traditional sacramental practices illustrated a move towards personal responsibility in spiritual matters. This shift not only affected religious practices but also reflected broader Enlightenment ideals about reason and autonomy. As people began to question established norms and seek direct relationships with God, it paved the way for modern approaches to health and spirituality that prioritize personal belief systems over institutional rituals.

Related terms

Sacrament: A religious ceremony or act that is considered an outward and visible sign of inward spiritual realities, instituted by Christ.

Extreme Unction: An earlier term for Anointing of the Sick, used before the Second Vatican Council, often associated with the last rites for those who are dying.

Reformation Theology: The body of theological beliefs that emerged during the Protestant Reformation, emphasizing justification by faith alone and the authority of Scripture over church traditions.