Why you don't commune children?

[Not David]

I would be interested in discussing that topic.

 

[ChicanaRose]

They do, at the First Communion, and subsequent Sundays after.

But it depends on the denomination.

 

[lambofgod43985889]

I would be interested in discussing that topic.

they are children, children can't decide

nonetheless a child understands who is god in their heart

 

[Not David]

They do, at the First Communion, and subsequent Sundays after.

But it depends on the denomination.

I mean children of Christians.

 

[Not David]

they are children, children can't decide

nonetheless a child understands who is god in their heart

So it seems that decision shouldn't be a factor

 

[Carl Emerson]

My kids began their journey with Jesus at the ages of 3 to 4 years.

They remember the day they surrendered their lives to Him.

On this basis they were always included.

 

[FireDragon76]

Traditionally, Lutherans typically want people to understand they are sinners before they receive the Sacrament, as that is the sort of language we often use at the rite of First Communion. Typically a child would make their first confession as well before receiving the Sacrament.

But it really varies from congregation to congregation, and as far as I know there is no dogmatic statement in the Book of Concord about what age one should be before they receive Communion. My pastor typically will begin conversations with the parents around 6-7 years old. A few more liberal congregations in our denomination may do so at a younger age, but I haven't heard of infants being communed.

 

[-Sasha-]

In my Church children (and infants) do commune after they have been baptised.

 

[Albion]

they are children, children can't decide

nonetheless a child understands who is god in their heart

It is a tough one to answer because there are many five year olds whose concept of Christ, etc. is no worse or superficial than that of many adults, yet we let the adults commune almost without any limitations. But as for communing infants, I don't know. There really is no need for that.

 

[-Sasha-]

There really is no need for that.

That probably depends on how you understand communion. If it is understood as being mysteriously the real presence of Christ which is entering your body, then I can't think of a reason children or infants wouldn't need that.

 

[Albion]

That probably depends on how you understand communion. If it is understood as being mysteriously the real presence of Christ which is entering your body, then I can't think of a reason children or infants wouldn't need that.

Because they have already been baptized, which confers membership in Christs church, forgiveness of sin, and grace. They have not reached the age of accountability, however.
So if "need" is the focus, rather than "it cant hurt!"...communing infants is not needed.

 

[-Sasha-]

Because they have already been baptized, which confers membership in Christs church, forgiveness of sin, and grace. They have not reached the age of accountability, however.
So if "need" is the focus, rather than "it cant hurt!"...communing infants is not needed.

Would you say that communion of adults is not needed either, if they have been baptized and subsequently continued to confess all of their sins?

 

[FireDragon76]

Would you say that communion of adults is not needed either, if they have been baptized and subsequently continued to confess all of their sins?

Adults are aware of their sins, children are typically not.

 

[-Sasha-]

Adults are aware of their sins, children are typically not.

Yes, but that was not my question.

 

[-Sasha-]

I guess a better way to ask would be: what does an adult need from communion that a child does not also need? Does an infant or toddler not need Christ's presence within their body? Do they not need to experience grace? Or is it more a statement of "well they have enough already, from baptism."?

 

[Albion]

Would you say that communion of adults is not needed either, if they have been baptized and subsequently continued to confess all of their sins?

No. Obviously not.

 

[-Sasha-]

No. Obviously not.

Why not? What does an adult who has been baptised and who has made full confessions of their sins lack, which an infant does not lack?

 

[FireDragon76]

I guess a better way to ask would be: what does an adult need from communion that a child does not also need? Does an infant or toddler not need Christ's presence within their body? Do they not need to experience grace? Or is it more a statement of "well they have enough already, from baptism."?

The focus in Lutheranism and Anglicanism is on the subjectivity of the individual primarily, so we have never felt a pressing need to commune very young children.

 

[-Sasha-]

The focus in Lutheranism and Anglicanism is on the subjectivity of the individual primarily, so we have never felt a pressing need to commune very young children.

Can you explain what you mean by the subjectivity of the individual? If a young child individual wants to participate in communion, may they?

 

[Not David]

The focus in Lutheranism and Anglicanism is on the subjectivity of the individual primarily, so we have never felt a pressing need to commune very young children.

But they baptize children though.