Learning about different churches

[CanIHunt]

Is it fair to concisely say that the Methodist view on communion is that there is not real presence of Christ's physical Body and Blood in communion? The communion will mean different things for each person, but all Methods agree that it is a symbol that opens people up to God's love which is already present and a time for reflection on that fact that Christ had died for us, Christ is risen and Christ will come again ?

 

[circuitrider]

Is it fair to concisely say that the Methodist view on communion is that there is not real presence of Christ's physical Body and Blood in communion? The communion will mean different things for each person, but all Methods agree that it is a symbol that opens people up to God's love which is already present and a time for reflection on that fact that Christ had died for us, Christ is risen and Christ will come again ?

The official view of the UMC is similar to the Anglican Church. We believe that Christ is truly present in communion. We do not believe the elements are changed into Christ's physical body.

While communion will mean different things to different people we do have official doctrine related to the sacraments.

United Methodists believe that the table is open to all.

 

[CanIHunt]

The official view of the UMC is similar to the Anglican Church. We believe that Christ is truly present in communion. We do not believe the elements are changed into Christ's physical body.

While communion will mean different things to different people we do have official doctrine related to the sacraments.

United Methodists believe that the table is open to all.

So sorry, but are you saying my summary is wrong? or what of my summary is wrong?

 

[circuitrider]

Not entirely disagree. You said that communion will mean different things to different persons. I was saying that the UMC has official doctrine on the UMC which United Methodists are supposed to believe.

We also use the term "real presence" in communion but not to mean physical presence.

 

[CanIHunt]

Not entirely disagree. You said that communion will mean different things to different persons. I was saying that the UMC has official doctrine on the UMC which United Methodists are supposed to believe.

We also use the term "real presence" in communion but not to mean physical presence.

ok thank you

 

[GraceSeeker]

Is it fair to concisely say that the Methodist view on communion is that there is not real presence of Christ's physical Body and Blood in communion?

I believe this portion of your summary is incorrect.

The communion will mean different things for each person, but all Methods agree that it is a symbol that opens people up to God's love which is already present and a time for reflection on that fact that Christ had died for us, Christ is risen and Christ will come again ?

I believe you are correct in this portion of your summary.



If you haven't seen this, you may find this report on the UMC vision of Holy Communion commissioned by General Conference helpful. It represents our official view on the matter. http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/this-holy-mystery

 

[JCFantasy23]

Is it fair to concisely say that the Methodist view on communion is that there is not real presence of Christ's physical Body and Blood in communion? The communion will mean different things for each person, but all Methods agree that it is a symbol that opens people up to God's love which is already present and a time for reflection on that fact that Christ had died for us, Christ is risen and Christ will come again ?

True that we don't believe it is a full transference, but we don't believe it is only symbolic in notion. We do believe it is open to all, very sacred, Christ is with us, it is a sacrament and not only a symbolic remembrance gesture.

 

[circuitrider]

True that we don't believe it is a full transference, but we don't believe it is only symbolic in notion. We do believe it is open to all, very sacred, Christ is with us, it is a sacrament and not only a symbolic remembrance gesture.

Exactly. Holy Communion for United Methodist is indeed a sacrament and a means of Grace. You don't have to believe in transubstantiation to believe in the real presence of Christ in communion.