Why do Christians take the Holy Communion?
Quick Answer
Christians take communion to remember Christ's sacrifice, to reflect upon their own spiritual health, to bond with Christ and because the Bible instructs them to do so. Communion is the consumption of wine and bread to commemorate the Last Supper. It is done periodically to commemorate special occasions and holidays.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Jesus held communion with his disciples during the Last Supper, which was the meal they shared shortly before Jesus was crucified, during which Jesus told the disciples that he would be gone soon and provided them with instructions about how to continue. During the meal, he told his disciples that when they drank from a glass of wine, they were drinking his blood, and when they ate a piece of bread, they were partaking of his flesh. Contemporary schools of thought about the bread and wine consumed during communion vary. For many, the bread and wine are simply symbolic. Others believe that Jesus' spirit enters them through their consumption. In the Catholic church, tradition dictates that the wine and bread actually transform into the blood and flesh of Christ. In some churches, the bread is replaced with crackers. In some conservative churches in which the consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden, grape juice is used instead of wine.
Learn more about ChristianityRelated Questions
-
Q:
What does the Christian cross represent?
A: The Christian cross represents Christ's sacrifice of his body for the sake of humanity and his victory over sin and death. This symbol of atonement for one... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where do Christians go on a pilgrimage?
A: Many Christians go on pilgrimages to various places they believe relate to where Christ was during his living days. Some of the most popular pilgrimage sit... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What happens in the holy communion service?
A: In the Holy Communion service, a type of bread and wine or grape juice is served and eaten in commemoration of the sacrifice Jesus made in dying for the si... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What does the Holy Spirit do?
A: In Christian belief, the Holy Spirit lives within believers of Christ and enables them to live their lives according to the teachings of Jesus. As the thir... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
What are some of the differences between Catholics and Episcopalians?
-
Q:
What was Mother Teresa's real name?
-
Q:
What are some beliefs associated with the Catholic religion?
-
Q:
What is a short biography of St. Augustine of Hippo?
-
Q:
What are the different names of God in the King James Bible?
-
Q:
What color are the Pope's shoes?
