Methodist view of Communion

[CanIHunt]

Is it correct that Methodist's believe that God has a real presence in Communion? They believe the presence is real because God promised us He would be there but they do not know how exactly it occurs? Or am I wrong and Methodists fall under the "Spiritual presence" camp? Thanks.

 

[circuitrider]

United Methodist teach the real presence of Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion. For a full explanation google the document "This Holy Mystery". It is the official doctrinal discussion of Communion for United Methodists.

 

[CanIHunt]

thank you

 

[CanIHunt]

The first line of this link seems to suggest its a Spiritual Presence, am I reading it wrong?

http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/do-united-methodists-believe-the-communion-elements

 

[circuitrider]

I'm not sure how you are differentiating "real" and "spiritual." United Methodists don't believe in transubstantiation. Christ's physical body is not present in the elements. We believe in real presence in the same way the Episcopal Church does and in that case "real" and "spiritual" are basically synonyms.

Note: It is a problem of western culture to think that "real" means "physical."

 

[Marc1969]

Is it similar to the Orthodox view of consabustation(sp?)?

 

[Qyöt27]

Usually the term 'Spiritual Presence' is associated with Reformed theology. It's considered sufficiently different enough to warrant a separate section in the Wikipedia article (amusingly enough, the Methodist section is the only one that has quotes directly from the Liturgy and hymns prominently displayed).

 

[ContraMundum]

Note: It is a problem of western culture to think that "real" means "physical."

Bingo! Spiritual is real.

 

[circuitrider]

Anglicans, Episcopalians and United Methodists prefer the term "Real Presence." We believe exactly what goes on in communion is a "holy mystery" and cannot be fully explained with human words an concepts. So we try not to define it too closely.

 

[Dave-W]

We believe exactly what goes on in communion is a "holy mystery" and cannot be fully explained with human words an concepts. So we try not to define it too closely.

Probably better off that way.

Some things that are inherently spiritual by nature defy definition by normal means. That would include most of the "sacraments" including communion.

 

[CanIHunt]

thank you, i have the help i needed

 

[circuitrider]

This wasn't said. So just to be clear, United Methodists belief that Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is a means of grace which is why we call it a sacrament.