Missing Sacrament?

[Andrew B.]

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?

 

[Dark_Lite]

If you're talking about in the Catholic Church, it is done at the end of Lent in response to Jesus' command. Foot washing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Athanasias]

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!

 

[scotsdoc54]

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.

 

[Protinus]

Jesus did not say this but only observe the service that was done to Him. What are you saying?

 

[Andrew B.]

Jesus did not say this but only observe the service that was done to Him. What are you saying?

This part of about washing feet begins with John 13:4

Also, I'd like to thank everyone who posted info for me. Very helpful.

 

[JasonV]

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.

 

[Yardstick]

My church does a foot washing.

 

[mark46]

If the issue is whether there are churches that have the ritual fo footwashing, many do.

However, I am not aware of any that treat footwashing as a sacrament.

Anthanasius gave the Church definition fo a sacrament. However, there really is one practical addition. The sacraments of the Church are those that have been passed down through the tradition of the Church as a sacrament. Otherwise, we can have lively prayer-filled discussions on what should and should not be sacraments.