I mean, does it really matter?
Why? What's the problem with that?
we don't definitively say that the substance changes but the accidents remain or whatever.
I'm curious how one could not say that.
"Accidents" means attributes that don't affect its essence.
"Essence" refers to what the thing essentially is.
Is not the "Essence" of the Eucharist the Body and Blood of Christ, with the attributes and appearance of Bread and Wine?
no. while we do say it becomes the Body and Blood of Christ, we don't say that the essence of the bread and wine ceases.
Is it more "we don't know" or "we definitively believe the essence of the bread and wine remains"
I am curious to know what would Roman Catholics say.it's more, we don't know. however, we also (forgive the crudeness) don't say that after consuming the Chalice and needing to use the bathroom, that Christ comes out.
I am curious to know what would Roman Catholics say.
Father, I can understand the thought that we can never know God's mind completely and therefore should leave certain complex theological mysteries as pure mystery, less we profane them by over analysis and attempts at bringing down to a human level. I guess, I also see the corollary, that this should not prevent us from raising ourselves up to God's level or as close as we can attain through seeking the truth. In the Catholic mind, we see this seeking as not a destination, since noone will know God's mind perfectly this side of the grave, but as a journey of discovery. I grant you, it is perilous and should not be attempted without guidance and could lead to error; but should the danger prevent us from all attempts?it's more that we don't know. however, we also (forgive the crudeness) don't say that after consuming the Chalice and needing to use the bathroom, that Christ comes out.
Father, I can understand the thought that we can never know God's mind completely and therefore should leave certain complex theological mysteries as pure mystery, less we profane them by over analysis and attempts at bringing down to a human level. I guess, I also see the corollary, that this should not prevent us from raising ourselves up to God's level or as close as we can attain through seeking the truth. In the Catholic mind, we see this seeking as not a destination, since noone will know God's mind perfectly this side of the grave, but as a journey of discovery. I grant you, it is perilous and should not be attempted without guidance and could lead to error; but should the danger prevent us from all attempts?
I think to some degree, the early church has lost it's balance since the Schism. The Catholics define without having the counterbalance of the Orthodox world to guide us spiritually in avoiding error. While, to me, the Orthodox hide from any attempt at explanation achieving a purity of vagueness; but, as you can see, I am obviously biased and seeking your truth.