Sacramental Theology Essay

Sacrament is not new a term especially to the catholic faithful as it dates back in the history of the church. However, the term has constantly been evolving with many theologians came up with a number of ways they thought sacraments needed to be understood. In sacramental theology, a general understanding of catholic teachings on sacraments is discussed both in general and in particular. When attempting to have the deeper knowledge of sacraments, there are terms that also need understanding. The commonly used terms are sign and symbol, where a sign is defined as something that is standing for, or that which refers to, or simply that which represents another thing. The definition of a symbol is bringing together of two halves. The two terms will be of help when trying to understand the different types of sacrament (class notes).
In the current world, sacraments are understood from symbolic signs more than they derive meaning from “signs.” The materiality of a sacrament need to be there and that can be best understood by use of symbolic signs, which believed to be having a touch with both immaterial, spiritual mystery, and intangibles. At times, ambiguity can be encountered when trying to understand what the symbol posses, which bring the question of how possible, the seven sacraments can work together. It is in this point that Ladinsky’s poem titled “The Sacrament” tend to look at sacrament as anything that conveys the Grace. Since everything that imparts His grace can be used as sacrament, Ladinsky’s friend gives out scorns and owls feather to show much he understood the teachings on sacrament, which Ladinsky accepts (class notes).
Going by what has been learned in class, scorns, owl’s feather and Ribbon can be used as a sacrament as they got some physical sign that reflects the spiritual connection with God. The materials can also speak more than the outward signs, and they are given as gifts and not earned just as the sacrament is meant to be understood. Sacrament is viewed as a gift, presence, and friendship or love, it is the same way Ladinsky’s friend show a gift of friendship to Ladinsky by way of giving him scorns, owl feathers, and the ribbon as a sacrament. This show possible it is to use outer signs to understand sacrament.
In as much as the definition of sacrament seem to have evolved many times in the past years, it still stands out that they both point to a common understanding and when given deeper thoughts they make meaning. Definition of sacrament may not have a proper understanding if proper understanding of “signs” and “symbolic signs” is properly understood in a broader context. Even though, some of these symbolic signs maybe ambiguous they still posses they can still be interpreted to help get the right meaning of sacraments.
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