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Posted At: 8:37pm by Rachel Engebretson
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As a popular comedian, Dane Cook has caused a considerable stir among college crowds. His often vulgar jokes and references can be a representation of how this particular age group views the world. He makes several references to his Catholic faith; one joke he tells on stage surrounds the idea of the Eucharist, describing how the priest “makes snacks” during service. He then mentioned how he would like to package this snack:”Start each day out the holy way, with Christ Chex, it's a miracle in a bowl. Just open the box and you hear ‘AHHHHH’....and then a little angel flies out and says, 'Good morning, life is beautiful!’”
Of course, Dane Cook’s joke on the “snacks” during communion is a poor and somewhat insulting depiction of a very sacred sacrament, although this disrespect for the elements is by all means on the extreme end. We would hope that through instruction within the Lutheran church, all members would fully respect the sacrament. However, is there a trend within the Lutheran church to allow more laxity within the distribution? As a result, does increased disrespect naturally follow?
There was a discussion in Bible class last Sunday over Article XXII in the Augsburg Confession: “Of Both Kinds in the Sacrament.” The article refutes an ancient tradition of laity receiving one kind, the bread, during communion while only priests were able to partake of the blood. Of course, this doctrinal issue is clearly against scripture. In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul writes specifically about congregations receiving both kinds. The disciples during the Last Supper also received both Jesus’ body and blood.
While this is clearly a doctrinal issue, it is interesting to note how some congregations are divided over non-doctrinal issues regarding the Lord’s Supper, i.e. the use of individual cups, or red wine vs. white wine. Since Christ instituted the sacrament in a certain fashion, Lutherans have followed suit. The use of the literal “is” in the words of institution are the basis surrounding the mystery of the bread and wine being body and blood without attached rituals or symbolism. The use of wine in the traditional meal is used instead of grape juice. The body is distributed before the blood. These are only a handful of examples exercised directly since the first meal. We can distinguish very simply what is correct and what is not by what the Bible tells us; beyond this, it is unnecessary and probably even foolish to speculate further.
The right and wrong of the sacrament of the altar are very different from respect, however. Respect for the supper as it is and as close to how Christ instituted it can be difficult to uphold and maintain within laity circles who forgot most of their instruction. To a common layperson, it is a logical no-brainer to use disposable individual cups for the sake of convenience. They are told that no matter what vessel the elements are in, they remain unchanged. If this is the case, why not use disposable individual cups? Some pastors are up in arms about this. It’s a matter of respect, not doctrine.
If respect for the sacrament is most critical, by all means, the greater spectrum of disrespect within Lutheran denominations should be considered. What about the very fellowship we have with the sacrament? Even within the LCMS, many people cannot feel comfortable communing in some parishes affiliated with their denomination because they exercise open communion, or the practice allowing any believer in Jesus Christ to come to the table. If the fundamental issue of a person’s confession with their synod at the altar is at stake, the fact that the blood of Christ is being distributed in a chalice or individual cups becomes a null debate.
As congregations, we need to recognize and act on this disconcerting movement. The very basic of beliefs and practices need to be reviewed. The sacrament is not a mere church dinner; there are no committees to be formed or sign-up sheets to be passed around. The examination of the Lord’s Supper is a critical aspect to even our salvation. Are we to make a confession at the table that we accept heresy or blatant sin? Continuing on 1 Corinthians 11, we are warned not to eat or drink of the sacrament in a non-worthy manner, without first examining ourselves. This is not a sacrament to be taken lightly, and neither should our faith.
Respect flows from discernment. When the proper learning takes place, we can wrestle with practices unrelated to doctrine. However, Lutheran churches within every synod are becoming increasingly more lax in their communion practices. Within any synod, a division is increasingly evident as many members cannot be in fellowship with certain parishes at the table. The unity and identity of individual synods is cracking. The damage will continue until it becomes almost impossible to determine any difference between Lutherans and more evangelical denominations. If any parish has conviction left, have the backbone to draw the line for the preservation of the doctrine we hold precious for a reason.
Edited on: March 05th, 2008 10:11 pm
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