Thursday, September 01, 2005

Do we Baptist demean Communion?

Baptism and Communion have been points of contention between us Baptist and most other mainline denominations through our history. A common misconception is that we Baptist refuse value or honor the importance of this Sacramental act, mainly due to our intentionality about keeping the human aspect of church as part of the focus. Heck, we don't even call it a Sacrament!
Well, I am a Baptist and have nothing but the outmost respect and awe for this very Sacramental event. There is something very special about the act. Some friends of mine say that there is a special presence of God in the event and as such it is very Sacramental and much, much more than a simple remembrance. In other words, something happens through this communal act that elevates it above just remembering Jesus by drinking juice and bread squares. I agree with most of what I've just written down. I may even go as far as to say that one would be hard press to find a Baptist who feels that Communion does not deserve the outmost respect, reverence and humble approach. I think that what's gotten us in trouble with our Christian family is our constant reminder of the human side of the church. They are not Sacraments but ordinances for us precisely because they are so incredibly important and beyond our humanity. Yes, it was a reactionary measure by our ancestors but only out of witnessing excess. It was some in church thinking that they had the right, and authority to channel the grace of God. "The right Sacraments rightly administered". The ordinances of Baptism and Communion were and are Sacramental to me a Baptist. I/we just hesitate in saying that our church has a monopoly on how the grace of God is dispensed.
Fortunately for the whole of the Christian community we have all shifted our focus away from arguing which extreme is right. As such then this little rant of mine is not to pick an argument. This is simply me working out the importance of these Sacraments as I take part in them in my church. This isn't a worked out opinion on my part, it simply is my brainstorming here in cyberspace with you catching a small glimpse of my free thought. As always, feel free to respond through any medium you choose.

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