Essay Instructions: My topic is a comparison between the Roman Catholic and Calvinist religions; specifically pertaining to the practice of communion/Eucharist. I will explore the differences and similarities of these two religions in their performance of this ritual.
Introduction:
I will begin by looking at the definition of communion/Eucharist. I’ll explore the Biblical history of the Last Supper, and how honouring it started the tradition of Eucharist in the churches. My paper will review how Jesus performed the Last Supper, and the significance that it holds for people. Also, I will look at the importance of performing a communion/Eucharist in specific ways, and the interpretations of its meaning for the churches.
Body:
In the main body I will start by looking at the Roman Catholic connection with communion /Eucharist. I’ll explore why they believe the bread and wine to physically be God and not just symbols. Priests claim to be the only ones who can turn the wine into blood and bread into the body, and therefore believe no other religion can partake in the true Eucharist. (Kreig, n.d.). What significance does communion hold for them and the history behind their belief? An important part of the paper will be studying the steps and stages in performing a communion, as well as timing and frequency of the event. What special rituals are involved? What scripture or hymns are used? Who first started communion in the Roman Catholic tradition?
The next part of the body I will explore the Calvinist religion, and how they move away from mass and the sacraments of religion that Catholics practice. Calvin was a man focused on sermons, thinking music took away from the service. Calvin believed that the New Testament and baptism and the Eucharist had been created to provide Man with continual divine guidance when seeking faith. (Trueman, 2000) Calvin believed that the Eucharist was a visible sign and yet rife with mystery. (Trueman, 2000). The paper will look at how often the Eucharist is practiced in the Calvinist church, and with what rituals, hymns, and scripture is used. How does the Calvinist connection with the practice of the Eucharist differ from the Roman Catholics?
Communion/Eucharist relate to course material in many ways. The traditions go back to the beginning of Christianity. Jesus was alive and living on earth and just before he was to be killed took part in the Last Supper with his disciples. He tells his people to take part in the practice as well.
Although the two religions have different interpretations of the practice of Eucharist, they both claim similar benefits in the relationship it provides with Jesus. In both religions, Eucharist is used to remember His sacrifice, and to be one with the Holy Spirit and have everlasting life in his kingdom.
Conclusion:
I will summarize the various findings, and show how the evolution of the two religions have developed in their justification of their practice of the Eucharist. The paper will then relate these back to the original core story of the Last Supper and see the core similarities of the two interpretations.
1. Acken, B, V. (1958). The holy eucharist. Westminister, Maryland: The Newman Press
2. Cross, R. (2002, November). Catholics, Calvinist, and Lutheran Doctrines of eucharist presence: a brief note towards rapprochement. International Journal of Systematic Theology, 4 (3), pages 1-18.
3. Deiss, L. (1976). It’s the lord’s supper: the eucharist of Christians. New York: Paulist Press
4. Emminghaus, J.H. (1978). The eucharist: essence form celebration. Austria: Verlag Osterreichisches Katholisches Bibelwerk
5. Kreig, T. (n.d.). Roman catholic doctrine of the eucharist. Retrieved: January 24, 2011, from www.truefreethinker.com/articles/roman-catholic-doctrine-eucharist.htm.
6. Wendel, F. (1963). Calvin: the origins and development of his religious thought. New York: Harper & Row, Publishers.
7. Putney, M. (2006). A roman catholic understanding of ecumenical dialogue. Sage Publications: Ecclesiology, 2 (2), pages 179-194.
8. Panofre, C.A. (2009). From latimer’s fellow-martyr to the English calvin: Nicholas ridley’s reputation and the circulation of a brief declaration of the lords supper 1550-1570. Equinox Publishing Ltd. Pages 175- 193.
the bible as well will be a resource
any resources would be good, I had to submit a plan and these were a few from it.
There are faxes for this order.
