Someone on a Christian talk show I was listening to brought this up, but nobody was willing to discuss it. Jesus gave specific instructions to his followers that they wash each other feet. This instruction is no less specific than other things Jesus told us to do, but it never became a sacrament. Or, even a practice. Not that it would be practical to do in church. But it could be done symbolically, just as baptism is done in church with a representative action.
Is there any church record of why this practice is not followed?
Washing of the feet is symbolic in the new testament. A Sacrament has to meet 3 criteria. It is a 1). outward sign 2)instituted by Christ that 3).actually gives grace. In this sense then the washing of the feet meets only 2 of the criteria for a sacrament. The washing that meets the criteria of sacrament in scripture is baptism.I hope that helps!
Washing of the feet is symbolic in the new testament. A Sacrament has to meet 3 criteria. It is a 1). outward sign 2)instituted by Christ that 3).actually gives grace. In this sense then the washing of the feet meets only 2 of the criteria for a sacrament. The washing that meets the criteria of sacrament in scripture is baptism.I hope that helps!
Agreed. Footwashing is practiced in many Catholic parishes as well as Anglican (Episcopalian) parishes. I also believe that some high church Lutherans incorporate it as well. But as a whole it's not a sacrament.
I believe there are several Christian churches who do some type of foot washing ceremony.
I also know that the Mormon church has a foot washing ceremony for it's hierarchy.
__________________ "Look with the eyes of Thy love upon our manifold imperfections and pardon all our shortcomings, that we may be filled with the brightness of the everlasting light and become the unspotted mirror of Thy power and the image of Thy goodness."
__________________ Christianity is counter-cultural.
St. Basil on theft:
"When someone strips a man of his clothes we call him a thief. And one who might clothe the naked and does not -- should he not be given the same name? The bread in your board belongs to the hungry: the cloak in your wardrobe belongs to the naked, the shoes you let rot belong to the barefoot; the money in your vaults belongs to the destitute."