Introduction
The most significant period in the history of Christianity was witnessed during the time of Jesus. After his triumphant ministry, Christianity later, with the support of leaders like Augustus Caesar, became a dominant religion in the larger Roman Empire. However, it later spread to different corners of the world mainly as a result of the early apostles. Today, Christianity is one of the major classical religions in the world (Crouch, J.E., 2000). However, it has had to deal with schisms which have divided into numerous denominations, sects and cults. Mostly, these have resulted from the different doctrinal positions held by each of these groups. This paper gives an in-depth analysis of sacramental theology amongst the Christian community. It does this by tracing the historical development and different aspects of sacramental beliefs held by different denominations of the Christian community. Despite their importance in the Christian faith, sacraments are given different treatments by the Christians depending on their doctrines.
Sacramental Theology and Sacraments
Sacramental theology is a belief held by the Roman Catholics and the followers of other Christian denominations. It simply refers to a set of beliefs which hold that God provides offers grace to the humanity via specific external acts which were instituted by Jesus Christ. On the other hand, the term sacrament was coined from a Latin word that simply means ‘that which produces holiness.’ According to St. Augustine of Hippo, sacrament simply refers to the visible form of the invincible grace. Later, the same sentiment was refined by Thomas Aquinas who said that sacrament is an act ordained by Jesus Christ to be used for sanctification of Christians. This has become the most common definition accepted by Christians (Prescott, B., 1998).
Sacraments have become a very significant rite in the life of Christians. Its practice began during the time of Jesus Christ who is credited with laying its foundation. Later, this was continued by his disciples who had assumed the leadership of the early church especially after his ascension to heaven. Although it initially started as a Pascal Mystery, the practice gradually evolved and became known as sacraments (Schillebeeckx, 1987). Since then, the celebration of sacraments has persisted to be a significant dimension in the Christian Church. In 1547, the Council of Trent adopted 7 standard sacraments to be practiced by Christians: baptism, confirmation, Holy Eucharist, confession, anointing of the sick, Holy Orders and matrimony. Each of these is categorized in a manner that reflects birth, healing and mission as important stages in the life of a Christian (Crouch, J.E., 2000). They are useful to Christians because, through them, they receive the grace of God, sanctified, nourished and healed. This explains why most of the Christian churches have incorporated them into their doctrinal practices. They are part of their fundamental rites which all of part of the congregation have to celebrate.
Sacraments
The following are the major sacraments recognized and practiced by Christians today:
- Baptism
When asked by the troubled Nicodemus on how someone can be re-born, Jesus answered him that no one can go to heaven without being baptized. This was proven because when Jesus himself underwent the same process when he was baptized by John the Baptist at River Jordan. In this regard, Christians hold that baptism is a very significant element of Christian life which should be included in the list of sacraments.
This paper agrees that baptism should be celebrated by all Christians because it is the gateway to salvation. As Jesus Christ himself said, no one can go to the kingdom of God without being born again. It is this sacrament that provides the platform for the acclaimed second birth.
According to the Roman Catholicism catechism, baptism is a very important thing which everyone is expected to undergo. As the first stage in Roman Catholicism, everyone is encouraged to be baptized before advancing to higher stages in their Christian life. Thus, it can be administered even to young children. At the same time, this sacrament is celebrated by other religious groups such as the Anglicans, the Protestants, the Orthodox, the Lutherans and Baptists. Indeed, this is a very important sacrament which should be upheld in this by all the Christians. It plays a significant role as a bridge which connects a believer to Christianity. Besides, it makes Christians identify with Jesus Christ (Seddon, P., 2006). If it is administered, a person will have to start a new life in Christianity. This explains why they are always given new Christian names. At the same time, it can be administered to the adults especially when they join a particular denomination as a new convert.
However, these denominations differ in the way they administer this sacrament. Although all of them use water while celebrating it, they differ in the manner in which it is practiced. To the Roman Catholics, a believer is baptized by sprinkling water on them. This is done in the pulpit. However, other religious groups such as the Seventh Day Adventists perform it by immersion. Meaning, a believer is taken to a water body (lake, river or swimming pool) to be baptized. However, this does not make it lose meaning because its essence is still felt, accepted and appreciated by these believers. After all, it is one of the sacraments that are celebrated by all the Christians regardless of their position in the church. It marks the beginning of a new life in Christ and comes with a promise of sanctification and forgiveness ofsins.
Confirmation
Just like baptism, confirmation is also a very important rite which is undergone by the Christian believers from different denominations. Despite their doctrinal differences, most denominations which practice confirmation hold that it is a significant rite of initiation which is used in sealing the binding covenant made during Holy Baptism. Unlike baptism, confirmation is performed through the laying of hands, anointing and prayer. According to Catholic theology, confirmation is the second sacrament celebrated by a person after baptism. In fact, as the name suggests, it is used in confirming and completing the baptism process. However, as a higher order celebration, it is administered by a bishop, not priest as in case of baptism (Schillebeeckx, 1987).
As a sacrament, confirmation is purposely meant for providing the Gift of Holy Spirit. In some denominations, it is used for bestowing a full membership in to the congregation. For instance, in Roman Catholicism, it is meant for perfecting the bond between the recipient and the church. This is because they believe that baptism guarantees a full membership into the church. Since most denominations celebrate baptism, it means that confirmation is of a great importance to them. This explains why it plays significant role amongst the Anglicans, Oriental Orthodox, Eastern Orthodox and other groups. This demonstrates that confirmation is a popular celebration in the Christian world (Williams, F.G., 2009).
Amongst the Protestants such as the Presbyterians, Lutherans and Methodists, confirmation is perceived as a gateway to membership in their groups. As a mature statement of statement of faith, it is highly regarded and usually recognized by them as an achievement in the pursuit of holiness. To all those who practice it, it is arranged to follow baptism. Meaning, no one can celebrate it before undergoing baptism which essentially sanctifies and enjoins them to that particular denomination. This justifies why Roman Catholicism and Anglicanism always insist on giving new names to those who are confirmed. Such saint-like names help them in securing more guidance and protection from the very patron saint whose name they adopt. However, it is important to note that this rite is of no essence and is not practiced by the Anabaptists and Baptists which mainly teach about believer’s baptism theology.
Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is celebrated in the remembrance and compliance with the Jesus’ Last Supper. At the peak of his ministry, Jesus gathered together all his 12 disciples and organized for them a dinner which later became popular as the Lord’s Supper. During this time, he used the opportunity to give them bread and wine to represent his body and blood (Martos, 2009). He said unto them, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me" (1 Corinthians 11:23-24). Since then, the celebration of the Lord’s Supper has become a very popular phenomenon in Christianity because it grants the believers an opportunity to remember the body and blood of Jesus which he had offered as a ransom to save humankind from the yoke of sins.
Although many Christian denominations refer to this rite as a sacrament, other protestant groups recognize it as an ordinance. To them it is not a mandatory binding channel to divine grace, but is just a mere expression of obedience and steadfast faith in Christ. Besides, the other issue of contention which has caused a division on Christians is about the presence of Jesus Christ in this rite. Even if they both agree on the presence of Jesus, they take different positions regarding the length and nature of his presence. The Roman Catholics, Church of the East, Oriental and Eastern Orthodoxy hold that the elements of wine and bread is wholly transformed into the blood and body of Christ respectively (Pomazansky, P.M., 2003). Meaning, he is present in the celebration because, as he had instructed his disciples, wine is used to represent his blood and bread for his body. The same position is taken by the Lutherans who believe that Jesus’ body and blood are present ‘under, in and with’ the elements of sacramental union in the form of wine (blood) and bread (body).
Penance
Penance simply refers to the sacrament of repentance. It has also been accepted as one of the major sacraments in Christianity. During his ministry, John the Baptized, who had come to prepare way for Jesus Christ, appealed to everyone to repent their sins. Later, the same message was emphasized by Jesus Christ when he constantly talked of repentance of sins. In this regard, penance has been a major rite which is encouraged amongst many denominations includes the Roman Catholic, Anglican and the Eastern Orthodox. During its celebration, the recipient is encouraged to consciously acknowledge heir sins, ask for forgiveness and make a commitment to confess and promise not to sin again (Sokolof, D.A., 2007). However, all these are done before a church minister (priest) who also contributes in absolution.
In the Roman Catholic Church, this sacrament is celebrated as part of the healing process which had been ordained by Jesus Christ himself. During his ministry, he appealed to the church to use the power of the Holy Spirit to continue with the good work of salvation and healing that he had started (Martos, 2009). Thus, the Roman Catholics observe this sacrament because it is a reconciliatory experience that if administered by a priest (who in this case, acts on behalf of God), will be of a great contribution to the spiritual pursuit of every believer. In this case, the Roman Catholics encourage the confession of both the venial and mortal sins committed by an individual during his/her lifetime. After all, it is only through repentance that a person can be able to overcome the vice of selfishness, seek holiness and be closer to Jesus (Williams, F.G., 2009). At the same time, it gives them an opportunity to shield off their selfishness and be compassionate to others. This is because sin does not only injure the sinner alone, but also inflicts pain on other people and severe their relationships with their neighbors and God.
Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the sick has been practiced by Christians for a very long time now. In James 5:14-15, it is written: "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." This shows that this rite was performed by the apostles during the early stages of the development of the church (Fink, P.E., 2009). It has now become a common practice amongst the Roman Catholics, Old Catholics, and Eastern orthodox and the Coptics who classify it as a sacrament, and the Protestants, Lutherans and Anglicans who do not consider it as a sacrament. However, despite having different views regarding this rite, they all perform it by the use of the ‘oil of the sick’.
However, as much as Christians regard this rite, they should acknowledge that the anointing of a Christian at his death bed can not make guarantee him eternal life. Judgment still waits because it will be based on their deeds. Meaning, they should be challenged to lead a righteous life in accordance with the God’s Commandments.
Matrimony
Marriage (Holy Matrimony) is viewed by Christians as a lifelong relationship between a woman and a man, as an institution which was ordained by God. After creating Adam, God gave him a wife (Eve). During his ministry, Jesus Christ emphasized the importance of marriage institution when he said, ‘the two will become one flesh. So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate’ (Matthew 19:5-6). It is considered as a sacred institution with which human beings are endowed. Even if most of the Christian denominations value it, they have different views regarding it. Whereas the Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians perceive it as a sacrament, other religious groups such as the Protestants do not, but consider it as a holy institution basically at the centre of faith (Spencer, A.B. & W. Spencer., 2007).
Despite the fact that marriage is seriously honored in the Bible, it is not compulsory for Christians. Anybody is free to choose whether to marry or not. For instance, Roman Catholicism advocates for celibacy amongst the church ministers. However, when one decides to enter into a marriage, they must be ready to know that it is a binding covenant which should not be broken. Just the same way fornication if condemned, the married couples are encouraged to be faithful to their partners and not engage in any adulterous behavior as recorded in the New Testament (Johnson, A.F., 2006). It is for this reason that the Christian community honor marriage. During the wedding ceremonies, the couples are encouraged to take a vow in which they promise to love and be faithful to their partners (Margaret, H., 2005). This is done because divorce is not encouraged since God Himself had said, ‘I hate divorce’ (Malachi 2:16). Although many denominations advocate for bisexual relationship, marriage has become a very contentious issue since many denominations such as Anglican tolerate same sex marriage, a view which has been fiercely refuted by Roman Catholicism.
References
Crouch, J.E. (2000) the Origin and Intention of the Colossian Haustafel. Gottingen:
Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht.
Fink, P.E. (ed.) (2009) Anointing of the Sick. Alternative Futures for Worship, vol. 7.
Collegeville: Liturgical Press.
Johnson, A.F. (2006) "A Meta-Study of the Debate over the Meaning of 'Head' (Kephale) in
Paul's Writings. Priscilla Papers, Volume 20:4.
Margaret, H. (2005) Women and Church Leadership. Grand Rapids: Zondervan. p. 6.
Martos, Joseph. The Sacraments: An Interdisciplinary and Interactive Study. Liturgical Press,
2009.
Pomazansky, P.M. (2003). Orthodox Dogmatic Theology. Platina, CA: Saint Herman of Alaska
Brotherhood. p. 272.
Prescott, B. "The Christian Family: Mutual Submission or Chain of Command?" Mainstream
Messenger, Vol. 1, No. 3. November 1998.
Retrieved from: http://www.mainstreambaptists.org/mob2/family.htm.
On 29th/11/2013.
Schillebeeckx, Edward. Christ the Sacrament of the Encounter with God. Sheed & Ward, 1987.
Seddon, P. (2006). "Word and Sacrament". In Bunting, I. Celebrating the Anglican Way.
London: Hodder. p. 100.
Sokolof, D.A. (2007) Manual of the Orthodox Church's Divine Services. Jordanville, New York:
Holy Trinity Monastery. P.166.
Spencer, A.B. & W. Spencer. (2007) Marriage at the Crossroads. InterVarsity Press.
Williams, F.G. (2009) The Sacramental Life: An Orthodox Christian Perspective (3rd ed.),
Liberty TN: St. John of Kronstadt Press. pp. 43–47.
